Roles and Opportunities for Skilled Trades in a Sustainable Future

Climate change affects all of us. Trades play a large role in implementing solutions and adjusting to changes in the world.

Throughout this standard, there may be specific references to tasks, skills and knowledge that clearly show this trade’s role in a more sustainable future. Each trade has different roles to play and contributions to make in their own way.

For example:

• Construction tradespeople need to consider the materials they are using, building methods, and improvements to mechanical and electrical installations. There are important changes to codes and standards to help meet the climate change goals and commitments set for 2030 and 2050. Retrofits and new construction of low-energy buildings provide enormous opportunities for workers in this sector. Concepts, such as energy efficiency and regarding buildings as systems are foundational.
• Automotive and mechanical trades are seeing a shift towards the electrification of vehicles and equipment. As a result, new skills and knowledge will be required for tradespeople working in this sector. There are mandates for sales of new light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) in Canada, with the goal of achieving 100% ZEV sales by 2035. Due to this mandate, the demand for these vehicles is growing quickly among consumers and fleets. With this escalating demand, the need for skilled workers to maintain and repair these vehicles is also increasing.
• In industrial and resource sectors, there is pressure to move towards increased electrification of industrial processes. Many industrial and commercial facilities are also being upgraded to improve energy efficiency in areas such as lighting systems, and new production processes and technologies. There are also opportunities in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), as well as the production and export of low-carbon hydrogen.
• Trades in the service sector may also need to be aware of responsible sourcing, as well as efficient use of products and materials. New ways of working better are always a part of the job.

There are fast-moving changes in guidelines, codes, regulations and specifications. Many are being implemented for the purpose of energy efficiency and climate change. Those that affect specific trades may be mentioned within the standard. Examples of these guidelines and legislation include:

• The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB).
• The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (CNZEAA).
• programs that encourage sustainable building design and construction such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) standards.
• the Montreal Protocol for phasing out R22 refrigerants.
• energy efficiency programs such as Energy Star.
• principles of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples pertaining to energy sector development.

Apprentices and tradespeople need to increase their climate literacy and reinforce their own understanding of energy issues and environmental practices. It is important for them to understand why these changes are happening and their effect on trades’ work. While individual tradespeople and apprentices may not be able to choose certain elements like; the architectural design of buildings, building material selection, regulatory requirements, use of electric vehicles and technologies, they must understand the impact of using these elements in their work. Impacts include using environmentally friendly products and following requirements related to the disposal and recycling of materials.

In apprenticeship, as well as in ongoing professional development, employers and instructors should encourage learning about these concepts, why they are important, how they are implemented, and the overarching targets they are aiming to achieve.

All in all, it’s about doing the work better and building a better world.