5. Equity Considerations

Integrating Equity into Building Performance Standards by IMT

In this new report, IMT experts look at currently adopted BPS policies that successfully incorporate equity as examples for new jurisdictions that seek to support these practices.


Equity Considerations in Toronto's Building Emissions Performance Standards
by Efficiency Canada

BEPS have the potential to reduce emissions from existing buildings which are
Toronto's largest emitting sector while addressing the health, safety, affordability,
and resilience of the City's buildings. By centering equity, BEPS policy can create
tangible benefits for low-income households, renters, and equity-deserving groups,
mitigating harm for those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

This brief identifies a number of key considerations and best practices for Toronto - and any other Canadian jurisdictions considering similar policies - to firmly integrate equity into the design of building performance standards.


Building Performance Standards: A Compliance Fact Sheet for Affordable Housing Providers by Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future

This fact sheet provides a summary of building performance standards in the US, identifies commonalities between policies, and lists steps for affordable housing providers. For more information, check out SAHF's Building Performance Standards and Affordable Housing Compliance Guide.


Tenants at the Centre: An Equitable Path to Building Decarbonization by SAJE, PHLC

To avoid worsening social inequalities, building decarbonization policies must be designed with tenants-especially Black, brown, and low-income residents-at the center. This report, and accompanying fact sheet, include case studies on tenant protections in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. It also outlines policy recommendations on affordability, eviction prevention, habitability during retrofits, and enforcement.


Building Emissions Performance Standards: How to balance housing affordability and sustainability by Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario

This brief provides municipal policymakers with an overview of:

  • The general state of rental affordability and BPS in Ontario;
  • The role of AGIs and renovictions in Ontario's housing crisis;
  • The interconnected dynamics of rental affordability and BPS; and
  • Strategies for municipalities to protect rental affordability and security of tenure.