Ontario Construction News staff writer
Peel Region has been honoured with a 2026 Canada’s Clean50 Top Project Award for its program to help existing buildings reach net-zero emissions.
The recognition highlights the municipality’s Net Zero Emissions Building Retrofit Standard — described as the first framework of its kind in Canada — which provides a roadmap to decarbonize regional buildings by improving energy performance and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
The Clean50 Top Project Awards recognize Canadian sustainability projects completed over the previous two years that demonstrate innovation and the potential to inspire similar efforts across the country.
Peel officials say the retrofit standard supports climate targets while helping modernize public infrastructure.
“This recognition affirms Peel’s strategic investment in sustainability and innovation,” said Davinder Valeri, the region’s chief financial officer and commissioner of corporate services. “The Net Zero Emissions Building Retrofit Standard not only supports our climate goals but also demonstrates long-term climate leadership for our community.”
Christine Tu, director of the Office of Climate Change and Energy Management, called the award “a proud milestone.”
“The Net Zero Emissions Building Retrofit Standard is more than a technical framework — it’s a bold step toward transforming how we decarbonize existing regional buildings and lead by example in building a resilient, low-carbon future,” she said.
The Clean50 program, administered by Delta Management Group, annually highlights 50 Canadian sustainability leaders, along with emerging leaders and top climate-focused projects from across the country
