Big changes lie ahead for British Columbia’s $22 billion construction sector. But what will the shift mean for the people on the ground?

Between today and 2032, recent and forthcoming energy and climate regulations will fundamentally change the way we build, heat, cool, plumb, and connect new buildings in this province. As of that year, every new condo tower, hospital, retail centre, university building—you name it—will need to meet the highest attainable level of energy-efficiency performance. 

By the late 2020s, the majority of these new projects will emit no climate pollution whatsoever.

While we know a fair bit about the likely inner workings of these next-generation buildings, we don’t know nearly as much about what lies in store for the people who excavate, assemble, pour, lift, hammer, bolt, and weld them together.

That’s why the Vancouver Regional Construction Association is kicking off The Construction Workforce of Tomorrow. The research project aims to view the shift to high-performance buildings through the polycarbonate glasses of the workers who will put them together. Along the way we’ll ask:

  • Which skilled construction trades will be in high demand in the zero-carbon world?
  • Which will need retraining?
  • When will the needed changes start to accelerate?
  • Who will be impacted first?

They’re big questions, for sure. And In the coming months, with your help, we’re going to get the answers — and share them with you as they come into focus.

Here’s How You Can Help

Let us know what the future looks like from your vantage point! What do you see as the exciting opportunities? What keeps you up at night? Contact our research team directly via [email protected]

Note: We want to hear from everyone, but especially general and trade contracting companies that work across the Lower Mainland.

Future labour skills: utilizing machines to address dwindling labour

Future tools (Lifting arm)

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