  The existing buildings and building construction sectors together are
responsible for over one-third of the total global energy consumption and
nearly 40% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHG emissions from the
building sector are made up of embodied emissions and operational emissions.
Recognizing the importance of reducing energy use and emissions associated with
the building sector, governments have introduced policies, standards, and
design guidelines to improve building energy performance and reduce GHG
emissions associated with operating buildings. However, policy initiatives that
reduce embodied emissions of the existing building sector are lacking. This
research aims to develop policy strategies to reduce embodied carbon emissions
in retrofits. In order to achieve this goal, this research conducted a
literature review and identification of policies and financial incentives in
British Columbia (BC) for reducing overall GHG emissions from the existing
building sector. Then, this research analyzed worldwide policies and incentives
that reduce embodied carbon emissions in the existing building sector. After
reviewing the two categories of retrofit policies, the author identified links
and opportunities between existing BC strategies, tools, and incentives, and
global embodied emission strategies. Finally, this research compiled key
findings from all resources and provided policy recommendations for reducing
embodied carbon emissions in retrofits in BC.
