Capacity Building
The deep retrofit industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labour and training, along with limited awareness of how to enter the sector. We’re investing in people through training, resources, and community partnerships to increase equitable access and awareness of opportunities and employment across the region.
Did you know?
New energy efficiency jobs will be created by 2030 (source: Efficiency Canada)
of energy sector employees identified as Indigenous
Black Nova Scotian 2021 unemployment rate
of Black Nova Scotian adults (ages 25 to 64) have a trades or apprenticeship certificate or diploma.
In Atlantic Canada, the Indigenous youth employment rate more than doubled between 2007 and 2021, increasing from 2.5% to 6.7% of the total youth workforce
The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) estimates that greening the country’s buildings could create 75,000 jobs annually on the pathway to net zero.
Communities united in action
We work in partnership with Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, and other equity-deserving organizations to create meaningful opportunities for participation in the building and deep retrofit sectors.
Through mentorship programs, technical skills training, and job shadowing experiences, we aim to build local capacity and open pathways to sustainable careers.
In collaboration with community partners, we also identify buildings and owners across Atlantic Canada to serve as case studies, showcasing practical and inclusive approaches to energy-efficient retrofits.
Building connections, sharing impact
We share valuable resources, and highlight stories that showcase impact and innovation. By fostering meaningful partnerships and active engagement, we aim to strengthen connections across communities and organizations.
Our work also encourages broader participation in building retrofit programs, promoting sustainable practices and collaborative approaches that drive real, lasting change in the built environment.
Our partners
Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx)
Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) to supports us in driving the transition to net-zero buildings. BTZx delivers in-person and virtual roundtables for facilitated discussions and exchanges on key issues relevant to the transition to net zero buildings. Identifying the knowledge gaps in industry are vital to growth and understanding in the deep retrofit space.
One North End (ONE)
One North End (ONE) helps us identify building owners and deep retrofit opportunities in buildings that serve African Nova Scotian communities. The One North End Community Economic Development Society supports vulnerable populations to actively develop career paths and entrepreneurs through collective impact strategies that lead to co-created initiatives.
The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM)
The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) helps us build capacity for deep retrofits in five Mi’kmaq communities (Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook, and We’koqma’q) in Unama’ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia. UNSM is a tribal council that provides a unified political voice for the Mi’kmaq people of Nova Scotia.
Black Business Initiative (BBI)
Black Business Initiative (BBI) supports our effort to empower youth with retrofit skills and experience needed to drive deep retrofit acceleration. BBI is a one-stop shop for Black businesses to achieve their potential. They offer funding, training, and networking opportunities to help more than 200 Black businesses per year to grow and thrive. BBI works with 500 young people each year, building bridges to brighter futures and sustainable wealth creation for Black communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Job shadowing
The One North End & ReCover job shadowing process introduces African Nova Scotians (ANS) to an architect, construction, and engineering career. This initiative allows us to focus on our low-carbon community goals while closing an employment gap for ANS between 18 and 35 years old.
