Roles and Opportunities for Skilled Trades in a Sustainable Future

Climate change and the environment is an important issue for many Canadians and the skilled trades play a large role in implementing solutions.

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

Here are a few examples:

• Construction tradespeople need to consider the materials they are using, building methods, and technological improvements to mechanical and electrical installations. Efficiency upgrades and advanced materials are changing the construction industry in Canada. Improvements to energy-efficiency in building structures and systems are continual, and codes, specifications and designs such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) standards outline how the construction trades can improve the efficiency and sustainability of the industry.
• Automotive and mechanical trades are seeing shifts to more efficient vehicles and advanced materials, including alternate fuels and electric vehicles. With the continual and rapid evolution of technology in this sector, there is a need for skilled workers to always be learning. 
• Manufacturing sectors face global competition resulting in a move towards increased efficiency and automation. Many industrial and commercial facilities are being upgraded to improve efficiency in areas such as lighting systems, building envelope air tightness, mechanical insulation, heat pumps and new production processes and technologies. New control technologies allow better monitoring of processes resulting in less waste and higher-quality products.
• Industrial trades are being encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions by supporting development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and renewable energy generation such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and nuclear generation, as well as upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure. Systems designed to recover natural gas (RNG) produced by landfill, digester, and biogas facilities, and hydrogen production and utilization provide many opportunities for future projects.
• Landscape horticulturists will have opportunities to design and develop biodiverse ecosystems to mitigate the effects of climate change. Concerns such as erosion, species diversity and ecosystem health can be addressed through the use of green infrastructure systems.
• Service sector trades may also need to be aware of responsible sourcing, as well as the efficient use of products and materials. The increasing popularity of eco-tourism will provide opportunities in new areas.

There are fast-moving changes in guidelines, codes, regulations, international agreements, and manufacturers’ specifications implemented for the purpose of energy efficiency and mitigating climate change. Tradespeople need to continually stay on top of new and changing requirements to stay competitive.

Apprentices and tradespeople need to increase their climate literacy and reinforce their own understanding of current climate change, energy conservation and environmental practices. Most trades are encouraged to use ecologically friendly products and follow requirements related to the reuse, recycling or disposal of materials. While individual tradespeople and apprentices may not be able to choose certain elements (like the architectural design of buildings, building material selection, regulatory requirements, or use of electric vehicles and technologies), understanding the impact of using these elements and how to apply them in their work is still important. This helps ensure that energy and environmental specifications are fully met.

In apprenticeship training, 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.