The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) and its Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC) are at the forefront of a significant shift in Canada’s housing sector. As demand for housing surges and material costs climb, the need for rapid, high-quality, and sustainable construction has never been more pressing. GBTAC is tackling this challenge head-on, focusing on advanced building materials, energy management, and environmental sustainability to create homes that are not only affordable but also carbon-conscious and resilient.
GBTAC’s work is rooted in applied research, which bridges the gap between industry needs and technical expertise. This approach allows builders and communities to test new materials, validate performance, and adopt sustainable methods with confidence. “In our work at GBTAC, whether it’s advancing affordable housing or supporting meaningful Indigenous sustainability engagement, we’ve seen ideas grow into real, tested solutions,” said Melanie Ross, Research Chair at GBTAC. “The impacts these solutions have made show exactly why applied research and innovation are so critical. When proven, real-world outcomes are shared openly with industry and communities, they have the power to accelerate meaningful change.”
One of the key areas GBTAC is addressing is the accessibility of home ownership. Systemic barriers such as high upfront costs, limited financing options, and restrictive regulations often put home ownership out of reach for many Canadians. Through the National Housing Strategy initiative, GBTAC is developing practical, evidence-based tools to support policymakers, housing organizations, and financial institutions in creating more attainable home ownership models. By examining financial, technical, and energy performance factors, GBTAC is helping to reduce barriers and promote long-term wealth creation.
The Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation (AHC) serves as a model for innovative home ownership. Built on strategic land acquisition, innovative financing mechanisms, and operational efficiency, the AHC model demonstrates the viability of alternative home ownership pathways. GBTAC is sharing these research findings with Alberta municipalities to support the expansion of such models across the province.
Climate action is another critical focus area. Residential buildings play a significant role in meeting climate goals, and energy use in homes represents a substantial share of emissions. GBTAC’s research with the City of Calgary and the City of Edmonton has shown that higher performance tiers offer improved energy efficiency and utility savings, significantly impacting overall cost-effectiveness. As communities push for higher-performing, more resilient buildings, they are investing in long-term affordability and lower emissions.
Education and training are essential as building codes evolve to meet higher performance and sustainability standards. GBTAC has worked with the City of Calgary and real estate professionals to bridge the gap, providing resources, tools, and training to empower professionals with the knowledge and confidence to build to modern standards while keeping projects practical and affordable.
Finally, GBTAC is addressing housing strategies for extreme conditions. In regions like the Arctic, where communities face wide temperature ranges and unique environmental challenges, innovative approaches are needed to ensure energy-efficient, comfortable, and resilient homes. GBTAC’s work with the Nunavut Housing Corporation highlights the importance of considering energy efficiency and occupant health in the design and construction of housing structures.
The work of GBTAC is not just about building better homes; it’s about building a better future. By advancing sustainable and affordable housing solutions, GBTAC is shaping the development of the housing sector in Canada, setting a precedent for innovation, collaboration, and responsible construction. As the demand for housing continues to grow, the insights and solutions provided by GBTAC will be crucial in meeting the needs of communities across the country.