Demonstrate the potential carbon emission reductions of increasing middle housing supply in Calgary

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a national convener of city builders — policymakers, urban professionals, civic leaders, community advocates, and academics — who collaborate to advance inclusive, sustainable communities across Canada.
Through this project, CUI seeks to address how Calgary can meet its net-zero emissions goals by 2050 through residential densification. The project models future growth scenarios and evaluates land use policies and climate programs to enable more middle housing in established neighbourhoods.
CUI anticipates significant benefits: improved public and professional understanding of how built form influences GHG emissions by housing type and location, and enhanced decision-making through new analytical tools. These tools support evidence-based planning and climate action by illustrating the emissions impact of various development patterns.
The research findings will inform industry practices and municipal policy, encouraging innovative, cost-effective middle housing strategies. This contributes to increased housing choice, equitable access to well-served neighbourhoods, and reduced sprawl and ecological harm.
Long-term, the project supports a shift toward more compact urban form, with co-benefits for local retail, services, and transportation behaviours, reducing emissions in both the building and mobility sectors — helping Calgary become a more climate-resilient, livable city.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ursula Eicker

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Urban Institute

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Concordia University

Program: