Identifying and articulating clearly stated goals is the first building block upon which effective MEPS are based. These can include reductions in levels of energy poverty, reductions in energy use and emissions from existing buildings, or improved health outcomes.

Setting specific outcomes early, individually or together, has the benefit of minimizing potential ambiguity regarding the desired policy outcome and allows government, industry and civil society to shape the long-term regulatory path. Complete with incremental increases in performance along a clearly established timeline, and well-defined checkpoints that offer opportunities for adjustments if needed, MEPS set clear expectations, both in terms of timelines and performance.

In Canada, the transition to a net-zero emissions economy is a primary policy goal and to reach that outcome, we need both energy use intensity and emissions standards for our buildings sector. Emission intensity standards lead to more certain emission reductions and support the switch to zero-carbon fuel sources. But we shouldn't also forget about energy use intensity standards, which recognize that energy efficiency can free up Canada's abundant stocks of clean electricity, manage peak demands, and capture the comfort and health benefits that matter to Canadians.