B5.3Develop a retrofit strategy for existing buildings

Buildings are the second-largest source of carbon pollution in Surrey, accounting for 42% of total emissions, primarily from burning natural gas for space and water heating. Most of the City’s current building stock will remain in use over the next 30 years and must be retrofitted to be zero-carbon and climate-resilient by 2050. Given the scale of this challenge, a comprehensive retrofit strategy is needed to guide City actions and identify how to best coordinate with senior governments to accelerate retrofits at scale. The strategy should be informed by building stock data and grounded in the tools and levers available to the City to influence energy and emissions from existing buildings.

While zero-carbon, climate-resilient retrofits require significant investment, they also offer substantial co-benefits, including improved comfort, indoor air quality, and lower utility costs for residents.