Focus on Green Building and Construction
Beam on the Green: Focus on Green Building and Construction
By Bashir Adeyemo · January 2025
Read the report? Take the feedback survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SNCV8BY
The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board sincerely appreciates the contributions of our partners and stakeholders in completing this report. In particular, we extend our gratitude to Doug Tarry Homes and Element5 for their leadership and valuable insights on key topics driving the Green Building and Construction industry.
Background
Beam on the Green Series
The “Beam on the Green” series is a quarterly report that highlights key aspects of the green economy, including emerging jobs, sector trends, employer needs, and new businesses. Each issue focuses on a specific subsector within the green economy. The term “green economy” broadly refers to activities, actions, and initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints within a defined geographic area.
There have been renewed commitments from governments, organizations, residents, and various groups across the country to adopt processes and avenues to reduce carbon footprints generated by human activities. As the consequences of inaction become more evident through events caused by climate change, there is a clear shift in the perspectives of individuals and businesses toward a cleaner and greener environment. The three main levels of government are setting targets and creating enforcement mechanisms that reward parties contributing to these targets. For instance, the Government of Canada introduced Carbon Pollution Pricing in 2019 and is intensifying efforts to increase the costs for individual and industrial emitters. Local cities and municipalities are also increasing efforts to lower emissions by developing efficient transportation systems, encouraging smart recycling, and promoting efficient building practices. The “Beam on the Green” project aims to capture the activities surrounding the green economy in the London Economic Region, including emerging and evolving occupations, associated skills, and job opportunities.
The green economy is rapidly evolving but has been around for a while. The drive for a greener and cleaner environment has been inspired by various evident and recurring events, such as increased temperatures affecting regions across the country and forest fires in B.C. and Quebec. Organizations renewing their commitment to environmental sustainability have also been a strong factor. In this series, we divided the green economy into four identified areas where impact is most felt across the economy in terms of growth and continued investment. These four areas are only transitory, as the green economy space is dynamic and continues to develop. These areas are Renewable Energy, Green Vehicle Manufacturing, Waste Management and Recycling, and Green Building and Construction.
This report will focus on Green Building and Construction, highlighting opportunities and trends within this industry in the London Economic Region.
The Footprint of Green Building and Construction
In 2023, the Government of Canada launched its Adaptation Action Plan (AAP), and while the plan covers a broad range of issues relating to establishing resilience to climate change, there is a specific focus on existing and future physical development and how the effects of climate change can be mitigated through these environmental features. In the AAP, two major actions will directly impact local and regional communities: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Supporting a Climate-Resilient Economy and Workers. The Building Resilient Infrastructure action item includes a top-up of up to $489 million over 10 years to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, as well as investing up to $60 million over 5 years to accelerate the use of climate-informed codes, standards, and guidelines for resilient infrastructure. The Supporting a Climate-Resilient Economy and Workers action item focuses on investing $41 million over 5 years to pilot the new Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program, which focuses on developing integrated approaches to planning and implementing regional climate resilience. (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)
According to the Canada Green Buildings Strategy (CGBS), the nation’s green building sector is a major employer, with 460,000 workers and significant growth potential. By 2030, the sector could support up to 1.5 million direct jobs and contribute $150 billion to GDP. The green retrofit industry alone is projected to create between 777,000 and 2 million direct jobs by the year 2050. Additionally, clean energy jobs are expected to grow by 7% annually, reaching 2.7 million by 2050 in a net-zero scenario, underscoring the sector’s critical role in Canada’s sustainable economic future. From the CGBS 2025 report, it is estimated that by 2030, Canada will need 45% more tradespeople and 55% more electricians. (Natural Resources Canada, 2025)
Similarly, in Ontario, the newly updated 2024 Ontario Building Code came into effect in January 2025, introducing major changes that align building requirements more closely with the federal government’s emission targets. The implementation of the new building guidelines makes Ontario the first province to incorporate the National Energy Code for Buildings, helping new buildings achieve higher energy efficiency while minimizing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Municipalities and local governments are required to follow the guidelines provided in the Building Code to guide developments in their communities.
The green building and construction industry is growing both within the London Economic Region and across the province. While this is a niche area of construction requiring specialized skills, leading to a smaller workforce, there is increasing interest in green buildings and infrastructure. This interest is driven by consumers seeking homes that offer both high value and healthier living environments, with a focus on sustainability instead of cost savings. As a result, the demand for green buildings—both residential and non-residential—is rising locally and provincially.
Additionally, the shift towards using more sustainable materials and technology is creating opportunities for skills development in specific roles, as well as the creation of new positions. This shift is driven by several factors, including government incentives, changes in building codes, industry standards, the high cost of materials, the demand for net-zero compliant products to increase efficiency and reduce waste, and the need to further cut energy consumption. The following jobs were identified as new and evolving across the London Economic Region and the province based on job postings and employer feedback.
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Specialists: These professionals assess existing buildings for energy inefficiencies and implement upgrades to enhance performance. Their work includes improving insulation, air sealing, window replacements, and installing more efficient HVAC systems.
Air Source Heat Pump Installers and Technicians: With the increasing popularity of air source heat pumps replacing traditional air conditioning systems, there is a growing demand for skilled tradespeople who can install, maintain, and repair these energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
Building Performance Analysts: Using specialized software and tools, these experts analyze building energy performance, identify areas for improvement, and model the impact of energy-saving measures. They collaborate with building owners and designers to optimize energy efficiency.
Green Building Material Specialists/Consultants: These professionals specialize in sustainable and low-impact building materials. They advise architects, builders, and homeowners on material selection, sourcing, and lifecycle assessments to minimise environmental impact.
Smart Building Technicians/Integrators: With the rise of smart building technologies, these technicians install and integrate systems that automate and optimize building functions, enhancing energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and security. This includes smart thermostats, lighting controls, and building management systems.
Energy Auditors/Energy Advisors (with a focus on Green Building): While the core role of energy auditors remains the same—assessing energy use—there is increasing demand for auditors with specific expertise in green building principles and the latest energy-efficient technologies, especially for programs like the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
Mass Timber Construction Specialists: As mass timber construction becomes more popular in Ontario, there is a rising need for skilled tradespeople and engineers who understand the unique properties and installation techniques of materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam.
Green Infrastructure Designers and Installers: These professionals design and implement green infrastructure features like green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and other features that manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, and improve urban environments.
The growing demand for skilled professionals in Green Building and Construction is driven by the need for individuals who can inspect and verify that buildings comply with established guidelines. Several regulatory bodies oversee different aspects of the construction process, each focusing on specific types of developments. While some bodies are more widely recognized than others, each operates with varying degrees of complexity. Within these regulatory frameworks, there are also different levels of certification. Below are some of the key regulatory bodies that employers in Canada’s green building and construction industry rely on.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification program that provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. In Canada, the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) plays a pivotal role in its implementation and promotion. LEED evaluates projects based on categories like sustainable sites, water savings, energy efficiency, materials, and indoor air quality, awarding certifications ranging from Certified to Platinum. Canada has emerged as a leading nation in LEED certification, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable building practices within its unique climate and regulatory context. This widespread adoption in Canada contributes to reduced environmental impact, enhanced occupant well-being, lower operating costs, and increased building value, reflecting a nationwide push towards more sustainable construction and development.
Energy Star Canada
ENERGY STAR Canada, administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), is a voluntary program that promotes energy efficiency through the ENERGY STAR symbol, identifying products, homes, and buildings meeting strict standards. While precise adoption rates are difficult to quantify, high consumer recognition, consistent growth in certified homes and buildings, significant market influence on energy-efficient products, and government-backed initiatives indicate widespread and growing integration of ENERGY STAR standards across Canada.
BOMA BEST (Building Environmental Standards)
BOMA BEST (Building Environmental Standards) is a voluntary, national program managed by BOMA Canada (Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada) that assesses and certifies the environmental performance of existing commercial buildings. Its purpose is to recognize and encourage sustainable building operations and management. The program offers tiered certifications, ranging from Certified to Platinum, reflecting increasing levels of environmental performance across key areas like energy, water, waste, emissions, indoor air quality, and site management, all verified through a detailed questionnaire and third-party assessments.
Net-Zero Energy
Since its pilot in 2015, the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has established a structured framework for recognizing energy-efficient homes, offering a two-tiered certification system that distinguishes between Net Zero and Net Zero Ready properties. This program provides builders and renovators with clearly defined and rigorous technical requirements, ensuring adherence to high standards. To facilitate this process, a national network of CHBA Qualified Net Zero Service Organizations and Energy Advisors works directly with builders, offering expertise in design, modelling, testing, and inspection. Moreover, the program emphasizes education through Net Zero Training courses delivered by CHBA Qualified Net Zero Trainers, which are considered crucial for the success of participating professionals. Recognizing that achieving full Net Zero may not always be feasible, the program also allows homes to qualify for other energy-efficiency certifications, such as R-2000 and ENERGY STAR®, thus offering flexibility within its comprehensive structure.
Other Notable Green Initiatives
Other efforts to promote the implementation of green infrastructure in different stages of development or already built facilities exist, but they are not as widely used, and regulations around them are not strictly enforced; rather, they are implemented as a complement to the already existing framework in place. The identified initiatives below are not exhaustive, and there may be more across Canada and other jurisdictions.
The Green Development Standards
Green Development Standards (GDS) are municipal-level criteria and guidelines designed to minimise the environmental impact of new construction and development, promoting sustainable communities through measures like energy efficiency, water conservation, and green space preservation. Administered primarily by municipalities and sometimes influenced by provincial policies, these standards—which can be voluntary or mandatory—aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance community resilience, and improve quality of life by influencing the planning and development approval process.
Green Building Initiative
The Green Building Initiative (GBI), primarily active in North America, particularly the United States, administers the Green Globes rating system and the Green Globes Journey to Net Zero™ Certification, providing web-based tools for assessing and improving commercial and multi-family building environmental performance, with a focus on practical, cost-effective solutions. While its adoption rate varies, it holds a significant position in the U.S. green building market due to its accessible approach and user-friendly platform, evidenced by thousands of certified buildings, including many U.S. federal buildings.
Employment in the Construction industry (NAICS 236) among similar Economic Regions
The construction industry is one of the largest employers in the London Economic Region (LER), which is experiencing rapid growth and offers significant potential. Driven by an increasing population and rising investment opportunities, the sector has seen considerable activity. As shown in Figure 1, this growth is positively impacting employment within the sector, which accounted for nearly 9% of total employment in the region as of 2023.
Like other regions in southwestern Ontario, the LER has seen notable growth in the construction sector over the past five years. While many comparable regions experienced a sharp decline in construction jobs, the LER quickly rebounded and saw only a slight decrease in jobs in 2024—a trend observed in other areas as well. Figure 2 illustrates the year-over-year change in employment, showing that the LER had the highest growth in 2022.
Figure 1: Employment in the Construction Industry (NAICS 236) by Economic Regions
Figure 2: Year over Year change in employment (%) – NAICS 236
Figure 3 shows that residential building construction experienced significant growth between 2018 and 2024, increasing by nearly 50%. In contrast, non-residential building construction saw fewer job gains, likely due to the ratio of residential to commercial developments. However, the chart still reflects overall job growth during this period—a trend that is expected to continue. Green buildings and infrastructure are part of this ongoing growth.
Figure 3: Industry group growth comparison (2018 – 2024)
Understanding future employment prospects in green building and construction is important. As shown in Figure 4, residential building construction is expected to continue growing, albeit at a smaller rate. Similarly, non-residential building construction is projected to see modest employment gains by 2030.
Figure 4: Projected Job growth (2024 – 2030)
The London Economic Region has two major post-secondary institutions that have been leading world-class innovations and providing the local area with the labour pool it needs. Fanshawe College has many programs associated with green building and construction across their campuses in the London region, while Western University operates from one major location. Below are some regional educational programs that are associated with green building and construction for each institution.
Fanshawe College
Carpentry and Renovation Technician: This two-year college diploma program equips students with the skills to use tools, read blueprints, and understand construction materials, methods, and practices. Graduates develop leadership and management abilities through practical training in quantity surveying, estimating, small business operations, scheduling, and property development.
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in residential construction techniques. The second year advances these skills with in-depth training in exterior and interior finishing, as well as an introduction to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Building Renovation Technology (Co-op): This is a three-year advanced diploma program, which includes a co-op component, and prepares students to plan, implement, and lead building and renovation projects. Graduates will develop the technical and business skills needed to manage residential and light commercial projects effectively.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Integrated Practice: This one-year graduate program is designed for students with prior education or experience in the field. It provides a strong foundation in BIM using Autodesk Revit and other platforms while exploring key industry topics such as BIM implementation, strategy, management, clash detection, and collaboration. Graduates will gain an in-depth understanding of BIM and its role in Integrated Practice, equipping them for careers in the construction sector. A foundational knowledge of Autodesk Revit is recommended for program entry.
Architectural Technology (Co-op): This three-year Ontario college advanced diploma program equips students with the principles of building design, contemporary construction methods, and structural and environmental engineering. Through a co-op component, graduates gain hands-on experience to support their careers as architectural technologists. The program emphasizes project-based learning in a studio environment, covering architectural design, technical documentation, engineered building systems, planning, building regulations, building science, and project delivery. Students will engage in the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) of small and large buildings of various types, using industry-standard software such as Revit and AutoCAD.
Green Building Construction Practices (PT): This program explores various aspects of green buildings from a contractor’s perspective. Students gain knowledge to support bidding, procurement, construction, and project closeout for sustainable building projects. Topics include renewable and non-renewable energy sources, project delivery methods, and green building standards such as LEED, Green Globes, and Net Zero Energy, with a focus on new construction.
Construction Engineering Technology – Management (Co-op): This three-year advanced diploma program prepares students to oversee residential, industrial, and commercial construction projects. Students will develop skills in project cost estimation, planning, scheduling, and on-site inspection using the latest technology.
The program emphasizes both technical expertise and leadership skills, ensuring that graduates are prepared to manage construction projects from conceptual planning to completion. A 12-month co-op work experience is an integral part of the program.
Construction Project Management (Co-op): This two-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares students for management roles in the construction industry. This program begins with foundational coursework to help international students understand the Canadian construction industry and workplace expectations. In subsequent semesters, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to advance into management positions. The curriculum covers modern construction management theories and practices across residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional projects.
Civil Engineering Technician (Co-op):
This program equips graduates with the technical skills needed for a wide range of civil engineering fields, including structural, municipal, highway and transportation engineering, water resources, geotechnical engineering, environmental protection, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
This two-year program provides students with hands-on experience in managing civil engineering projects while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Students will also learn how to incorporate sustainable practices at every stage of a project. The program emphasizes collaboration, effective communication with stakeholders, and the use of industry-leading technologies for data collection, analysis, and project execution.
Civil Engineering Technology (Co-op): This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares students for careers in civil engineering technology. Students will learn to design steel-frame and reinforced concrete buildings while developing skills in selecting and testing construction materials. The curriculum also includes training in computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD), electronic surveying methods, and technical report writing. Graduates will gain practical experience through 12 months of paid co-op, ensuring they are job-ready upon completion.
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (Co-op): This program equips students with the skills needed for employment in the HVAC industry. This program provides hands-on training in designing, testing, installing, and servicing mechanical heating and cooling systems. Students will also learn to assess buildings as integrated systems. The curriculum includes a co-op opportunity, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings. Graduates are eligible to write the Gas Technician II and Gas Technician III certification exams.
Source: fanshawec.ca/programs
Western University
Western University offers graduate programs focused on research and innovation in green building and construction. These programs prepare graduates for careers in sustainability and green infrastructure, equipping them with expertise in environmental responsibility and sustainable design. Graduates from the following undergraduate programs can pursue careers in this field, as each program emphasizes green initiatives:
Civil Engineering (BESc) – Environmental Engineering option: Environmental engineers work to minimise society’s impact on the environment and play a key role in designing a sustainable future. This program integrates mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to develop solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges, such as climate change adaptation and water resource management.
Civil Engineering (BESc) – Structural Engineering option:
Structural engineers focus on structural theory and design, preparing students for careers in designing and analysing buildings and infrastructure. Key topics include structural theory and design, reinforced and prestressed concrete design, steel design, structural dynamics, finite element design, tall buildings and soil mechanics, business, engineering ethics and law, and sustainable development.
Civil and Environmental Engineering – Master of Engineering (MEng): A coursework-based professional program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or an equivalent qualification from an accredited university.
The MEng program can be completed through coursework alone or a combination of coursework and a project. Fields of research include Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Smart Cities, Structural and Infrastructure Engineering, Wind Engineering, and Environmental Fluid Mechanics. This program prepares graduates for advanced roles in engineering with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and real-world applications.
Civil and Environmental Engineering – Master of Engineering Science (MESc): A thesis-based research program designed for students with a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. This program provides an opportunity for in-depth research and is typically completed within two years. Fields of research include: Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Smart Cities, Structural and Infrastructure Engineering, Wind Engineering, and Environmental Fluid Mechanics. The MESc program prepares graduates for careers in research, innovation, and specialised engineering roles, as well as further studies at the doctoral level.
Source: grad.uwo.ca/admissions/programs
Employers in the London Economic Region, focused on the construction of zero or low-emission facilities, were engaged to understand ongoing activities and challenges as demand increases due to evolving consumer needs and perceptions. Employers shared their perspectives on skills, wages, changing occupational requirements, and other workforce issues. The following themes were explored to assess their impact on the vitality of our regional workforce.
Demand: Many green designations exist to certify building construction projects and ensure they are achieving the intended goals. This increases the need for third-party inspectors who can audit and verify that these buildings are meeting proper standards for certification. Generally, all trades are in great demand, but specific skills are needed in design software for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other design-related jobs. Air tightening professionals are also increasingly being sought after as there is continuous effort to attain net-zero in construction projects. Mass timber engineers who focus on the design and construction of buildings using mass timber products are also in high demand, as well as digital/prefabrication modellers who specialise in timber manufacturing.
While certain occupations are evolving or emerging, green building and construction employers believe bricklayers and masons are at higher risk of being obsolete—especially if the zero-carbon model continues to be pushed—and are likely to be replaced with Hardie board due to its durability and toughness against extreme weather. Additionally, the industry is adapting from air conditioning installation to air source heat pump technology, which will require the acquisition of new skills necessary for installation and maintenance.
Wages: Employers are willing to pay more for experienced designers who are familiar with programs that help with building design and green infrastructure. Wages for new hires are not as competitive due to them possessing broad rather than specific skills. For instance, newer graduates tend to be more industrial-focused while facing limitations with residential building skills. Although there is consensus that wages have moderately increased, experience level and region are two main determinants of how high wages can go.
Growth: The construction industry has seen tremendous growth, based on the rising population in the local area, but green building hasn’t seen as much growth, mainly because policies and legislation are a little behind. The federal government has a focus on retrofit programs, and new builds are not a priority. These inconsistencies are a contributing factor limiting access to new-build green infrastructure. Currently, consumers who pursue residential green buildings are influenced more by emotions than by any other factor and can see value in safer, healthier homes over cost savings.
Opportunities for training: Employers identified that construction training is lagging in keeping up with advanced building techniques, likely because green building and construction are still niche. There is interest from employers to provide experiential learning opportunities in the form of a bi-annual boot camp for colleges and potentially universities.
An employer recognised the growing interest in sustainable construction education but stressed that limited local programs have focused on mass timber production and prefabrication. Extending partnerships with colleges and apprenticeship programs is highly recommended to address the skills gap.
Other workforce issues: Building inspectors should have worksite experience to better fit into the workflow because no amount of education can expose you to the adversity and different dimensions of an issue as much as learning in the field. There is a growing trend of building inspectors ageing and retiring on the job, and efforts to recruit new inspectors are highly recommended. Employers share the sentiment that training is an integral part of maintaining a skilled workforce in green building and construction to keep pace with industry advancements. Retaining top talent is also a challenge as demand for skilled workers continues to rise, while stringent immigration rules are also a contributing factor to retention, with some employers having to let highly talented employees go due to residency challenges.
The London Economic Region comprises a significant number of employers involved in construction, and they represent 12.5% of all businesses (with employees) in the region—2,815 businesses, as of June 2024. Below are the top employers recruiting employees between January and December 2024.
Top Employers Recruiting (January–December 2024)
The following employers in the London Economic Region had the highest number of active job posts related to construction and green building between January and December 2024:
- Stantec Inc. – London – 103 active job posts
- AECOM Technology Corporation – N/A – 67 active job posts
- Reliance Home Comfort – London – 44 active job posts
- Dillon Consulting Limited – London – 38 active job posts
- BELFOR CANADA INC. – London – 32 active job posts
- R.V. Anderson Associates Limited – London – 32 active job posts
- Upper Thames River Conservation Authority – London – 31 active job posts
- Courtney Roofing Ltd – London – 30 active job posts
- Parsons Corporation – London – 30 active job posts
- Actalent – N/A – 29 active job posts
Source: The Local Jobs Hub – A regional jobs aggregator
Demand
- Employment in the construction industry has grown significantly in the last six years—by over 4,000 jobs—largely due to the growing population and increased commercial activity in the region.
- Legislation is influencing the demand for green buildings due to mandates from the federal government and updates to building energy codes.
- There is a growing desire for green residential developments from consumers, due to the preference for healthier and safer homes and the long-term value of sustainable investments.
Training and Skills Development
- There is a growing need for new training and retraining of the existing workforce on skills that are emerging based on innovative technologies dominating the green building and construction industry. There is increasing demand for air pump installations in place of traditional heating and cooling systems, which require new installation skills. Other new skills are also emerging due to technological advancements.
- Employers identified a lack of training in timber production, with a specific need for tradespeople in mass timber production, engineers, and designers. Local programs focused on mass timber and prefabrication are currently limited.
- Although many local programs support training needs in the green building and construction industry, there is increasing demand for professionals such as building performance analysts, energy efficiency retrofit specialists, and other roles where training gaps remain.
Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). The Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan. Canada. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/climate-change/climate-plan/national-adaptation-strategy/23062.15%20GOCAAP-Factsheet-V02-EN.pdf
Natural Resources Canada. (2025, 01 07). Energy efficiency. Retrieved 2025, from Natural-resources.canada.ca: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/building-energy-efficiency/canada-green-buildings-strategy-transforming-canada-s-buildings-sector-net-zero-resilient-future#a4c
Fanshawe College programs website. Retrieved from: Fanshawec.ca/programs
Western University’s program website. Retrieved from: grad.uwo.ca/admissions/programs
