TORONTO, November 26, 2020 – Pollution Probe is pleased to announce the release of its new Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, produced in partnership with the Delphi Group. Made possible through support from Natural Resources Canada, the guide provides a detailed look at the specific processes and considerations associated with the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs). Based on extensive consultation with experts working to support EV charging solutions in MURBs, the guide outlines a step-by-step approach for successful installation and potential strategies for streamlining the process. It is an important tool for establishing common ground for discussions between electrical contractors, engineering firms, EVSE providers or EV advisors, and the condo boards, strata councils or property managers looking to install EV charging stations.
“EV chargers in residential buildings help Canadians make greener choices to get where they need to go,” says The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “This is how we get to net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Around one-third of Canadians currently live in an apartment or condominium. In some large urban centres, more residents make their homes in MURBs than in single-detached houses. The guide acts as an important complement to current efforts on the part of all orders of government to address the unique challenges associated with charging for potential EV owners living in buildings, providing a better understanding of how to effectively navigate the often complex process of installing the necessary infrastructure.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of holistic transportation strategies and a need to further support technologies capable of helping Canada meet its climate commitments and emissions-reduction targets. Now more than ever, ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, have an opportunity for convenient access to charging at home is necessary to realize the environmental and social benefits provided by EV technologies.
“Support for charging solutions in MURBs is unquestionably important given commitments to continued deployment of EVs in Canada,” says Steve McCauley, Senior Director at Pollution Probe. “The strategic, long-term approach to the installation of charging infrastructure outlined in the guide can contribute to ensuring the future success of buildings across the country, and the more widespread adoption of EV technologies among those living in them. Increased EV uptake can play a critical role in protecting Canadians from the health impacts associated with air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”
About Pollution Probe
Pollution Probe is a national, not-for-profit, charitable organization which is improving the health and well-being of Canadians by advancing policy that achieves positive, tangible environmental change. It is a leader in building successful partnerships with industry and government to develop practical solutions for shared environmental challenges.
About The Delphi Group
The Delphi Group is a Canadian strategic consultancy providing innovative solutions in the areas of climate change and corporate sustainability. As a pioneer in sustainability and environmental risk management, The Delphi Group has more than 30 years of experience in helping some of Canada’s best-known companies improve the sustainability of their organizations – as well as the local and global communities in which they operate.
Media contact:
Melissa De Young,
Director, Policy and Programs,
Pollution Probe
mdeyoung@pollutionprobe.org