Advancing Sustainability in Rental Housing: An Interview with Ian Cullis, VP of Sustainability at LandlordBC
In this interview, Ian Cullis, Vice-President of Sustainability at LandlordBC, shares his motivations, key trends, and strategies for landlords to adopt green initiatives. He discusses LandlordBC’s role in policy development, overcoming barriers, and available incentives for energy-efficient retrofits. From deep retrofits to electrification, Ian highlights how landlords can achieve sustainability goals while ensuring long-term economic benefits.
LandlordBC: What inspires you personally about sustainability, and how does that influence your work at LandlordBC?
Ian Cullis: Sustainability inspires me because it represents a balance of financial, social, and environmental considerations. I’m motivated by the opportunity to create efficiency in both financial savings and energy use. By implementing sustainable practices, we can reduce costs while minimizing environmental impact, which is crucial for the future of our planet.
At LandlordBC, this inspiration guides my approach to helping rental organizations and renters reduce waste, lower energy consumption, and decrease their overall environmental footprint. I also focus on ensuring that sustainable practices are accessible to everyone, promoting equity across various individuals and businesses. By emphasizing sustainability, we can save money, reduce waste, and contribute positively to the planet, which strengthens the rental community as a whole.
Can you share a bit about your professional background and what drew you to the sustainability field?
From a young age, I developed an interest in the environment through time spent exploring the natural beauty of our province. This passion led me to pursue a degree in physical geography, where I deepened my understanding of environmental systems. I later earned a degree in wood science, expanding my knowledge of forestry and wood buildings. My professional journey took me to UBC, where I gained experience in building products and sustainable building coatings.
At my previous position with the BCNPHA, my interest in energy efficiency grew, particularly regarding energy retrofits, fiscal sustainability, and deep energy retrofits. The opportunity to combine my expertise in building systems and sustainability with practical solutions for the rental housing sector motivates me. I am driven to promote the adoption of energy conservation projects, aiming to create lasting environmental and economic benefits.
What emerging sustainability trends should landlords be aware of, and how will energy efficiency and GHG reduction trends impact the rental housing market?
Landlords should be aware that emerging sustainability trends are about more than just meeting carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets; they are about preserving the environment for future generations. As energy efficiency and GHG reduction efforts intensify, the rental housing market will face growing pressure to adapt, especially with advancements in building systems technology.
One key trend is the increasing focus on deep retrofits—strategies aimed at significantly improving the energy performance of existing buildings. Landlords will need guidance on how to electrify their buildings by replacing fossil fuel-based systems with efficient electric alternatives like heat pumps. Balancing energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and financial sustainability will be crucial. Successful electrification and retrofits will drive long-term energy savings, reduce emissions, and create a more sustainable rental housing sector.
What are your primary responsibilities as Vice-President, Sustainability, and what are some immediate priorities on your agenda for the first six months and the coming year?
As Vice-President of Sustainability at LandlordBC, I lead initiatives to help the rental housing sector transition to a sustainable, energy-efficient, and low-carbon future. I report to our CEO, David Hutniak, and work closely with stakeholders to reduce energy use and GHG emissions, while addressing broader sustainability issues like waste and water management. My role also involves advocating for policies that balance sustainability goals with landlords’ fiscal challenges.
One of my immediate priorities is to develop the Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP), which will guide the sector towards sustainable energy practices and generate long-term savings. This plan will be informed by sector engagement and analysis of emerging partnerships, resources, and policy incentives. I’ll also work with organizations like BC Hydro, FortisBC, and CleanBC to fulfill commitments under existing agreements and identify new funding opportunities to support the SEMP.
What role does LandlordBC play in shaping sustainability-related policies?
LandlordBC is BC’s leading resource for rental housing owners and managers and the foremost industry association in the province. Our mission is to be a strong voice for the rental housing industry, providing support and resources to help our members succeed. Whether managing a single suite or a portfolio of buildings, LandlordBC simplifies navigating the complexities of the sector.
Advocacy is central to LandlordBC’s work. As a trusted advisor, it takes a balanced, solutions-focused approach, engaging proactively with government, media, and stakeholders to protect the interests of rental housing providers. LandlordBC advocates for balanced legislation, responds to policy issues, and collaborates with the Residential Tenancy Branch. It also works with municipalities and provincial and federal governments to ensure that policies and regulations support the rental housing sector.
Why is sustainability important for the rental housing sector, and how can landlords balance sustainability goals with financial viability?
The climate crisis, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has serious impacts on health, the environment, and the economy. Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) contribute 30-60% of municipal emissions, making them critical targets for GHG reduction. De-carbonization, including electrifying building systems, is key to addressing the climate crisis. However, landlords must consider factors like building age, location, and unit count when planning sustainability efforts.
To balance sustainability with financial viability, landlords can access government subsidies, tax rebates, and other incentives to make retrofitting affordable. Retrofitting building systems with high-efficiency options at the end of their life is an effective strategy. Landlords can begin with small retrofits and expand over time as older systems need replacing. This gradual approach improves energy efficiency, reduces costs, and supports long-term sustainability while maintaining a viable business model.
What barriers lie in the way of implementing sustainability projects?
Several barriers hinder sustainability projects in rental housing. Cash flow is a major challenge, as rising costs and rent constraints limit funding. Retrofitting is often seen as a costly, deep investment, which discourages owners from pursuing projects. Many landlords are also unsure where to start, lacking clear pathways for implementing sustainability measures.
The wide array of programs and pathways adds confusion, making it difficult to identify the right approach. Retrofit options vary, impacting buildings and systems in different ways, further complicating decision-making. Additionally, retrofits require significant time to plan and implement, competing with other operational priorities and limited funding. These challenges make it difficult to move sustainability projects forward.
What incentives or funding does RARA provide for rental housing providers?
The Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator (RARA) Program is a no-cost service helping rental apartment owners plan and implement energy retrofits while maximizing financial incentives. If you’re considering upgrades like cooling, heat pumps, EV infrastructure, or solar, RARA provides expert support, including concierge retrofit planning, energy benchmarking, feasibility studies, and guidance on funding opportunities.
By leveraging municipal, utility, provincial, and federal programs, RARA helps landlords improve the financial case for retrofits, such as solar, heat pumps, and building envelope upgrades. The program offers up to $60,000 in support, including coaching to secure funding. Participants also gain access to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for energy benchmarking and receive customized reports on retrofit opportunities.
RARA provides in-depth analysis through the Options Study, which prioritizes retrofits with estimated savings and costs, and the Feasibility Study, which delivers detailed engineering assessments and decarbonization plans. Throughout the project, landlords receive expert support from engineers and project managers. Participation is non-exclusive, allowing landlords to combine RARA with other programs like BC Hydro’s MURB Incentive and municipal tax rebates.
How can members stay informed about upcoming sustainability initiatives and RARA updates?
LandlordBC is committed to supporting projects that advance building decarbonization in BC, addressing knowledge gaps and identifying next steps for sustainable programs and policies. These efforts inform members and advocate for improved rental housing, reduced GHG emissions, and maintained affordability.
To stay updated on sustainability initiatives and RARA updates, members can subscribe to the LandlordBC e-newsletter, read our blog, and monitor The Key magazine for important updates on technology, funding, and retrofit support. For more information, members can contact Ian Cullis, Vice-President of Sustainability, at [email protected].
This article was originally published in the spring 2025 edition of LandlordBC’s The Key Magazine.