Build a future in green construction

In partnership with the City of Toronto

Sign Up as Contractor Sign Up as Business Coach

Get Certified: Unlock Sustainable Procurement Opportunities

Ready to Build Green for a Low-Carbon Economy addresses systemic barriers that have kept Black contractors significantly underrepresented in Toronto’s low-carbon market, including limited certification pathways, insufficient readiness supports, and minimal inclusion in energy and resilience retrofit projects. The program is designed to change that trajectory by embedding equity into the City of Toronto cleantech directory, creating direct partnership channels, and strengthening contractor readiness to compete in this growing sector.

Delivered by the Toronto Community Benefits Network in partnership with the City, this targeted capacity-building initiative connects climate policy to inclusive economic opportunity by aligning contractors with the Energy Retrofit Loan (ERL) and Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). These financing programs support energy-efficiency upgrades and retrofits across Toronto homes and buildings, while Ready to Build Green ensures Black contractors are positioned, prepared, and visible to perform this work and to participate fully in the city’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Learn more about the City's HELP and ERL programs:

Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Energy Retrofit Loan (ERL)

The Program Includes:

Who can participate?

Black contractors interested in competing for green building construction projects.

Does this sound like you?

  • Business must be at least 51% Black-owned, operated, and controlled
  • Operate in a construction, skilled trades, retrofit, or building services field (e.g., electrical, HVAC, insulation, carpentry, solar, energy auditing, etc.)
  • Committed and ready to pursue green building retrofit contracts
  • Committed to attending required training sessions and workshops
  • Is willing to pursue relevant green certifications (e.g., LEED, BPI, Net Zero, Passive House, energy efficiency credentials)
  • Wants the support of a green business coach
Sign Up as Contractor

Who can be a business coach?

Potential green business coaches should meet most of the following criteria.

Does this sound like you?

  • Currently work in the construction, building services, engineering, architecture, or sustainability sector
  • Have formal education, certification, or demonstrated experience in green construction, energy retrofits, decarbonization, or high-performance buildings
  • Understand green standards, codes, and compliance requirements
  • Have practical experience with bidding, procurement, or project delivery
  • Are willing to commit to a minimum one-year engagement
  • Demonstrate cultural competency and a genuine commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses
Sign Up as Business Coach
55%

% GHG Emissions from Buildings

36%

% GHG Emissions from Transportation

9%

% GHG Emissions from Waste

0

Net Zero: TransformTO Target by 2040

About


Build your Professional Networks with a Booth at the Building Diversity Awards

Get Tickets / Purchase Booth