b'CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERS MESSAGE contracting sector) that will play aULTIMATELY, IT WILL BE THE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS fundamental role in achieving energy efficiency improvements. (AND THE MECHANICAL CONTRACTING SECTOR) THAT Creating a Highly SkilledWILL PLAY A FUNDAMENTAL ROLE IN ACHIEVING WorkforceAt the same time, improving efficiencyENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS.in the built environment will undoubtedly require a larger and highly skilled workforce, as new technologies and greater workloads for the industryworkers will also be a challenge. The skillsGiven that the mechanical contracting will lead to a greater demand for skilledand training necessary in the mechanicalsector will play such a significant and workers in the mechanical sector can take several years of on-the- leading role in this transition, it must also contracting sector.job training, which means an investmenthave the proper tools and support from Decarbonizing buildings and upgradingin personnel today to build capacity forpublic and private owners, policy makers buildings to make them energy efficienttomorrow. This, combined with the newand close collaboration with consultants and climate-resilient requires specializedtechnologies and equipment neededand suppliers throughout the industry skills, notes the federal governmentsfor increased energy efficiency, means asupply chain. The Canada Green Buildings Strategygreater need for both training and trainersA long-term and predictable plan will discussion paper. People workingacross the country.also be critical. If contractors have a in related trades or professions willSuccess Will Require Cross- sense of the type of work and quantity of need to be trained on the use of newSector Collaboration work in the pipeline, they can make the technologies and equipment, enhancingUltimately, the move to decarbonizeappropriate investments in training and their skills to keep pace with evolvingCanadas vertical infrastructure will requirepeople to ensure capacity is in place. construction demands. an all-hands approach. With so many In particular, the mechanical trades willstakeholders involved in this shift, thereThese supports, combined with ongoing be critical in both new constructionwill need to be continued collaborationcollaboration with industry and trade and retrofits. Taking retrofits as anon strategies and techniques to meetassociations, can help ensure the example, the Canada Green Buildingthe objectives outlined by municipal,mechanical contracting sector is well Council estimates that HVAC tradesprovincial and federal jurisdictions prepared in the transition to a more alone (plumbers, gasfitters, steamfitters,across Canada. efficient built environment. pipefitters and air-conditioning mechanics) will be in the highest demand across Canada, with anywhere from 150,000 to almost 450,000 full-time person years required between 2022 and 2050. Other estimates have suggested that the green building market could support close to 1.5 million direct jobs by 2030. Given the amount of work and number of years required to decarbonize the built environment through to 2050, skilled trades in the mechanical sector should continue to provide long-term and predictable work for many Canadians. Challenges AheadWith that said, there are capacity challenges that lay ahead, particularly with respect to skilled workersand training. The labour market for the skilled trades is already particularly tight across the country, with the supply of workers in the near term already being a challenge. Increased demand on the mechanical contracting sector, as well as ongoing retirements of key personnel, will continue to strain the industry across Canada. Where these workers will come from remains to be seena problem that will need to be addressed as part of any strategy moving forward. At the same time, training for new technologies and the upskilling of 2022 NATIONAL BULLETIN21'