Dialogue summary: Advancing a Made-in-BC economic Strategy for transitioning low-rise murbs to Heat Pumps
Urban Climate Leadership convened leaders from British Columbia’s innovation, technology, manufacturing, engineering, and building sectors to explore how the province can accelerate the transition of 5,000 low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) to energy-efficient heat pumps.
This sixth dialogue in UCL’s Keep It Cool initiative examined the role BC’s industrial ecosystem can play in building a made-in-BC economic strategy for building electrification. Participants reflected on the province’s competitive advantages, including strong expertise in engineered systems, building science, and high-value niche manufacturing.
The discussion also surfaced key barriers slowing progress, including fragmented industry collaboration, workforce shortages, financing constraints, and the need for stronger policy signals.
The report synthesizes insights from leaders across the building ecosystem and outlines the conditions needed to scale solutions that support healthier homes, local economic development, workforce opportunities, and building decarbonization.