Under the BETA Plan, the Buildings Group is working to develop a new generation of energy-efficient and passive solar technologies that if fully adopted would lead to a 50 per cent reduction in the energy consumption of Canadian residential and commercial buildings.
Priorities address new, reconstructed and renovated building stock.
Activities are conducted through cost-shared agreements with industry, universities and other organizations under four BETA programs. While energy efficiency is the key concern, technologies must respond to growing demands for better indoor air quality, comfort, workmanship and durability. Environmentally friendly equipment and user-friendly energy management systems are also important considerations. Finally, BETA provides technical information and advice for the adoption of proven technologies by industry. The BETA Plan has attracted participation and support from a large number of organizations with a stake in the buildings sector.