At the CAFES Climate Caucus meeting on February 10th 2026, special guest How-Sen Chong from the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) explained how TEA launched a rapid, coordinated advocacy effort to preserve the Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS). TEA’s experience offers a clear and practical example of how community mobilization can protect and advance strong climate policy at City Hall – and why similar action is possible in Ottawa.
BEPS became a cornerstone of Toronto’s climate strategy once buildings were identified as the city’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Regulating emissions from existing buildings, not just new construction, was essential if the city was to meet its climate commitments.
In 2025, when BEPS were at risk of being delayed or cancelled, TEA and its partners demonstrated the power of organized, local advocacy. Key strategies included rapid mass outreach to supporters, coordinated messaging, and strong in-person presence at City Hall through deputations, emails, and phone calls to councillors. Importantly, the coalition extended well beyond environmental groups to include tenant organizations, labour unions, HVAC businesses, and large property owners. This breadth of support helped counter misinformation and showed decision-makers that BEPS were both publicly supported and economically viable. Although timelines were ultimately pushed back, the policy itself was preserved.
Equity and long-term strategy were central to this success. Advocates emphasized tenant protections alongside retrofit requirements. Chong noted that BEPS were the result of nearly a decade of research, relationship-building, and collaboration with city staff and councillors – not a last-minute proposal.
TEA’s experience underscores a key lesson: ambitious policy changes are achievable when communities invest in credible research, broad coalitions, and sustained, organized engagement with local decision-makers.