Trees are known for providing shade, absorbing carbon and enhancing biodiversity—but the power of trees doesn't end there. Living near and around trees can have vast social and health benefits, including reduced urban heat island effect, improved air quality and better mental health. Local governments who understand the value of trees can better plan and invest in these assets to ensure that they continue to provide services to their residents.

Learn from a panel of experts in forestry, human health, natural asset management and climate-resilient infrastructure as they speak to the myriad benefits rooted in vibrant urban forests and how communities can make the business case for planting and protecting trees.  

Speakers: 

  • Roy Brooke, Executive Director, Natural Assets Initiative
  • Joanna Eyquem, Managing Director, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
  • Barb Rabicki, Principal Owner, Wild by Nature Forest Sanctuary
  • Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys, Board Member, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and Professor, Dalhousie University 

This webinar is well suited for: 

  • Municipal elected officials   
  • Parks and recreation staff
  • Planners
  • Asset management staff
  • Climate change and sustainability staff
  • Urban forestry practitioners   
  • Local organizations
  • Residents interested in local climate adaptation

Our expert panel and audience members shared additional resources to help you build the business case for tree planting in your community: 

Watch the webinar

This webinar was created in partnership by Tree Canada and FCM’s Green Municipal Fund for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada. 

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Our Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative supports municipalities with community building upgrades that aim to improve energy performance, lower operating and maintenance costs, and transition to cleaner energy solutions over time. These retrofits can also serve the community and its residents in other ways.

The short guides below explore the many other benefits of retrofitting community buildings, such as integrating equity considerations and ensuring infrastructure resiliency.

 

Health, equity and other non-energy benefits of community building retrofits

Beyond energy and cost savings, community building retrofits offer a significant opportunity to build municipalities that are healthier, more equitable and more resilient. This guide will help you build a case for community building retrofits by summarizing the common non-energy benefits, expanding on common indoor air pollutants, and providing useful definitions of relevant terms such as indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

Read the guide.

Cover page of the cbr guide: Health, equity and other non-energy benefits of community building retrofits
 

Retrofitting community buildings to support climate resilience

Municipalities can strengthen local climate resilience by integrating emergency preparedness, energy efficiency and equity into the retrofit planning process for public facilities like arenas, pools, libraries and community centres. This practical guide outlines retrofit measures to help transform these buildings into safe, reliable hubs during extreme weather events and other emergencies.

Read the guide.

Front page of CBR guide: Retrofitting community buildings to support climate resilience
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