Together we build
Sustainability is a long-term, complex challenge and we're creating a path forward together.
Calgary's competitiveness and livability depend on how well we manage risk. In a world of constant uncertainty — economic shifts, climate impacts global trends — effective risk management builds confidence and confidence attracts investment.
Today, investors and businesses seek stability, resilience and a high quality of life. Cities that adapt attract both people and investment.
Building resilience takes long-term commitment, collaboration and leadership. It means government, industry and community working together to prepare for challenges and seize opportunities.
That's why we're creating collaborative programs that:
Lower operating costs
Remove barriers to improve building performance
Reduce emissions
Get high-performance developments to market faster
Build climate resiliency
Programs that support your business
Calgary's climate risk profile is significant and growing. In recent years, we've experienced drought, extreme heat, severe hail, flooding and wildfire smoke. These events contribute to rising infrastructure, energy and emergency response costs, as well as growing risks to public health, safety and economic stability.
Over the past decade, Calgary has ranked among Canada's top 10 highest insured loss years five times. Research from the Insurance Bureau of Canada shows that for every $1 in insured losses, uninsured costs are around 3-4 times greater. This means Calgarians and businesses bear the biggest financial burden.
Calgary businesses need to adapt to these changing conditions, and we want to help. There are City programs that remove some of the upfront barriers to improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, lowering your operating costs and advancing environmental protection. Together, we can embrace innovation to minimize impacts on Calgarians, businesses, infrastructure and the natural environment.
Commercial Clean Energy Improvement Program (Commercial CEIP)
Commercial CEIP offers flexible financing for retrofits that improve energy efficiency or add renewable energy.
Learn about Commercial CEIP financing
BenchmarkYYC
BenchmarkYYC helps you track and lower energy and water costs and reduce GHG emissions by sharing building performance data. Start sharing your building’s data and get free access to decarbonization planning and networking opportunities.
Claim your rebate
Secondary Suite Incentive Program
Secondary Suite Incentive Program offers up to $1,900 for energy efficiency upgrades in your secondary suite.
Get up to $1,900 for energy upgrades
Brownfield Tax Incentive Program
Brownfield Tax Incentive Program offers a rebate on municipal property taxes for developing a brownfield site into a wind or solar farm.
Get a property tax rebate
Green Buildings Priority Stream Program
Green Buildings Priority Stream Program provides a full-service, streamlined process for Development and Building permit approvals for energy efficient building designs.
Build greener, get approved sooner
Secondary Suite Incentive Program
Secondary Suite Incentive Program offers up to $1,900 for energy efficiency upgrades in your secondary suite.
Get up to $1,900 for energy upgrades
Home Energy Label Program
Home Energy Label Program highlights residential energy efficiency on the Energy Performance Map, when you submit your EnerGuide labels.
Put your home's efficiency on the map
Brownfield Tax Incentive Program
Brownfield Tax Incentive Program offers a rebate on municipal property taxes for developing a brownfield site into a wind or solar farm.
Get a property tax rebate
Emissions-Neutral Building Information Exchange (ENBIX)
ENBIX offers free and rapid sharing of innovative ideas, solutions, best practices and lessons learned in the building and construction ecosystem. This is an industry-led initiative powered by Alberta Ecotrust.
Explore ENBIX Resources
Commercial Clean Energy Improvement Program (Commercial CEIP)
Commercial CEIP offers flexible financing for retrofits that improve energy efficiency or add renewable energy.
Learn about Commercial CEIP financing
BenchmarkYYC
BenchmarkYYC helps you track and lower energy and water costs and reduce GHG emissions by sharing building performance data. Start sharing your building’s data and get free access to decarbonization planning and networking opportunities.
Claim your rebate
Home & small business webinars
Home & small business webinars provide free resources to support the starting and growing of your business.
Explore upcoming webinars
Business Experience Program
Business Experience Program offers dedicated support through the business licensing process.
Get licensing support
Green Economy Calgary
Green Economy Calgary offers local businesses microgrants, training, one-on-one support and a peer network to adapt and thrive in the low-carbon transition.
Access business support
Commercial Clean Energy Improvement Program (Commercial CEIP)
Commercial CEIP offers flexible financing for retrofits that improve energy efficiency or add renewable energy.
Learn about Commercial CEIP financing
BenchmarkYYC
BenchmarkYYC helps you track and lower energy and water costs and reduce GHG emissions by sharing building performance data. Start sharing your building’s data and get free access to decarbonization planning and networking opportunities.
Claim your rebate
Emissions-Neutral Building Information Exchange (ENBIX)
ENBIX offers free and rapid sharing of innovative ideas, solutions, best practices and lessons learned in the building and construction ecosystem. This is an industry-led initiative powered by Alberta Ecotrust.
Explore ENBIX Resources
Business community in action
Businesses across Calgary are taking action to lower energy use and emissions.
The City of Calgary’s BenchmarkYYC program not only helps participants improve building efficiency, it also recognizes leaders in emissions reduction and energy efficiency practices. Here’s a look at the 2025 BenchmarkYYC Award winners.
Learn more about award-winning properties by viewing their case studies on the Energy Performance Map.
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The lowest GHG emissions intensity, offices
Triovest - Centrium Place54.2 kg CO2e/m²
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The lowest GHG emissions intensity, non-refrigerated warehouse
Triovest – Eastlake Portico B49.3 kg CO2e/m²
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The lowest GHG emissions intensity, multi-family
Boardwalk REIT - Westwinds Village28.5 kg CO2e/m²
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The lowest GHG emissions intensity, library
The City of Calgary - Central Library76.2 kg CO2e/m²
Learn from industry experts, explore proven strategies, and build the skills your team needs to improve building performance, lower operating costs, and stay competitive in a changing market.
Whether you manage a small commercial space or a larger portfolio, these sessions offer practical, business-focused guidance on energy efficiency, electrification, and performance improvements designed for real-world application in Calgary.
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Calgary Green Buildings Guide
Online engagement: October 2026Calgary’s building industry is facing pressure from population growth, affordability, utility costs and climate impacts. The Green Buildings Guide brings together technical guidance, best practices and resources into one practical reference. Share your insight to help shape the final guide.
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Home & small business webinars
Online course: Available nowAccess webinars to help grow your small business and build knowledge to navigate Calgary's planning and development process.
In the news
Get the latest updates on programs, incentives, and projects supporting Calgary local businesses. See how City initiatives are helping improve building performance and drive real-world results.
Frequently asked questions
What are The City of Calgary sustainability goals?
Calgary aims to become a net-zero, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable city by 2050. We are committed to:
- Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and transportation systems.
- Strengthening and preparing our communities, built infrastructure, natural environment and economy.
- Protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural environment.
What does energy efficiency mean and why is it important?
Energy efficiency means using less energy (typically gas or electricity) to do the same job or get the same result. An energy efficient home uses less energy for heating, cooling, lighting and operations.
What is building performance?
Building performance measures how effectively and efficiently a building functions and operates. Building performance typically considers Energy Use Intensity (EUI), greenhouse gas emissions, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and water consumption.
What is Together we Build?
Together we build showcases how The City and Calgary businesses are working together to build a resilient, sustainable Calgary for future generations.
How can my business be recognized for sustainability leadership?
The BenchmarkYYC Awards recognize the top-performing commercial buildings annually. Participants track their energy use and GHG emissions and report their findings for continuous improvement.
How is the City working with industry and business owners to mitigate the risk of climate events?
ENBIX offers free and rapid sharing of innovative ideas, solutions, best practices and lessons learned in the building and construction ecosystem. This is an industry-led initiative powered by Alberta Ecotrust.
Green Economy Calgary offers local businesses microgrants, training, one-on-one support and a peer network to adapt and thrive in the low-carbon transition.
