Retrofits and Extreme Weather Adaptation

Apr 21, 2023 | Latest

Content courtesy of Pembina Institute

Retrofits and extreme weather adaptation need to be part of Canada’s climate strategy.

 

Retrofits  play a role in not only decarbonizing buildings, but adapting them for increasingly extreme weather, including the process of installing high-performance windows to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emissions are reduced.

 

In order to ensure the climate-resilience of Canada’s privately owned homes and buildings, they need to be explicitly included in the National Adaptation Strategy.

 

The first iteration of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, released in November 2022, outlines a plan for more climate resilient infrastructure, communities, economy and workers. It includes funding for public buildings and maintaining more resilient public infrastructure like roads, bridges and sewers. All important components of adapting our communities to withstand increasingly more extreme weather.

 

But missing in this plan are strategies to adapt the buildings where Canadians spend 90 per cent of their time from extreme, heat, cold, flooding and forest fires.

 

Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy is being developed to chart a buildings decarbonization pathway that includes homes and buildings. And while making them climate-resilient is part of this strategy, it is not the primary priority. By not explicitly addressing market housing and buildings in the National Adaptation Strategy, it misses the opportunity to ensure holistic integration of strategies to adapt the places where Canadians live, work and play.

 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, extreme weather events in 2021 were the worst Canadians have endured in the 26 years the agency has been reporting Canada’s top 10 weather events. The events of 2021 cost Canadians and the economy billions of dollars.

 

Westeck isn’t just about products—it’s about service and innovation. The Westeck team is dedicated to guiding you through the selection process, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your home. And with a focus on continuous improvement, staying ahead of trends, ultimately providing you with the latest in window and door technology. Choosing Westeck means investing in quality, style, and peace of mind. Whether it’s windows, doors, or patio doors, Westeck offers solutions that enhance your home’s beauty, comfort, and efficiency. So why settle for anything less? Upgrade your space with Westeck and enjoy the perfect blend of form and function.

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors. All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland and Bellingham in Washington State. Each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal. Enjoy our latest line of energy efficient windows and doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.

If you’d like to learn more about our windows, doors, and patio openings contact us Toll-free (US/Canada): 1-877-606-1166 or email us at sales@westeckwindows.com for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

 

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