It’s a good thing I am the editor of this magazine and rather not some type of psychic. Let me tell you, I would never have guessed the world would be as it is today. While we are still trying to get a proper handle on this pandemic, governments are being overthrown and world leaders exiled. Yes, I am talking about the strife that is currently going on over in the middle east. Not only this, but recent reports in the news have demonstrated how far gone we are in the battle against climate change.

With just a quick google search of “climate change news,” you are delighted with headlines that showcase the dire state we’ve put ourselves in. Eye catching warnings concerning the planet reaching its tipping point and highlighting the current global water crisis smack you right in the face. Who needs coffee in the morning anymore to give yourself that jolt; all you need is to read some of the horrifying stories in the news and that’ll keep you from sleeping for the next decade.

We aren’t just about to give up, even if we are late at taking climate change seriously. It is our duty as an industry to do our best and help find ways to do better.

As sweet as that sounds, it’s understandable how some within the industry might be a bit confused as to how best we can approach this. According to a report done by the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), Canadian contractors are ready to embrace electrification, but just don’t know how to act on it. The report titled “Overcoming Implementation Barriers to HVAC Contractor-Led Building Retrofits,” looked at a sample pool of just over 100 contractors and featured a dozen interviews and a series of focus groups. Two key findings from the report showed that contractors are far more prepared to move into this space than expected, and that the barriers are more psychological in nature.

If the industry is to meet this challenge, there needs to be some type of shift within the business culture in addition to more training.

According to the report, 83 per cent of respondents believe that the industry should have a leadership role in addressing climate change, and 87 per cent were looking forward to programs that will drive uptake.

Although most in the industry can see that contractors, wholesalers, and manufacturers need to come together to address climate change; there are some still that are a bit skeptical about this need to change.

Where do you sit? Let us know by emailing us at leah@plumbingandhvac.ca. As always, we hope Plumbing & HVAC readers are staying healthy and sane during these crazy times. Who knows what is next in store.