Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals

2026 Governors Awards

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals have been awarded a National Trust Governors Award for their 2026 report promoting retrofit-focused building code development, entitled Unlocking the Value of Existing Buildings: a new approach to codes for carbon, culture, and cost. 

The report investigates how retrofitting existing buildings compares to new construction under the National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings. Their findings support the development of a coordinated, retrofit-focused code to reflect the realities of existing and heritage buildings based on practical precedents for national implementation. 

CAHP’s report argues that heritage professionals are uniquely positioned to bring solutions to pressing issues in Canada, including climate action, the housing and affordability crises, and external pressures on the nation’s sovereignty.   

Most significantly, the report finds that taking a conservation-centred approach to retrofitting existing buildings contributes to a more sustainable and affordable future. Conservation practices unlock the value of existing buildings by capitalizing on the resources and carbon already invested during their initial construction, the heritage value they contribute to their community, and their potential to steward growth and change.   

Case studies evaluating Whole-Life Carbon found retrofit and addition scenarios consistently demonstrated the best balance between cost, performance, and emissions reduction. Notably, results are strengthened by implementing heritage best practices of retention, repair, and adaptive reuse, contributing not only to environmental outcomes but also to social resiliency and community identity.   

The National Trust Board of Governors chose to highlight this project as a powerful example of effective action to advance the understanding of heritage conservation as a meaningful contributor to climate and community sustainability.