Green Building Code
- On April 15, 2008, the BC Government announced new Building Code requirements to increase energy and water efficiency. These first steps in greening the BC Building Code take effect on September 5, 2008.
- This new Green Building Code sets some of the highest energy efficiency standards in Canada:
- Housing - New insulation standards for houses and multi0family residential buildings under five stories will improve energy efficiency. New insulation standards have also been developed for small commercial and industrial buildings.
- Commercial Buildings - Larger buildings must meet the American Society of heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers 90.1 (2004) Standard. This is an internationally-recognized standard for energy efficiency in buildings.
- Water Efficiency - Ultra low-flow toilets (6 L) and other water-saving plumbing fixtures and fittings will become mandatory in new construction and renovations.
- These first steps will be followed by additional changes to the Code to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings throughout their life spans. The new code will also make electricity smart meters mandatory in all new buildings and residential units and will set the highest energy efficiency standards in Canada.
- Areas under exploration for additional changes include:
- Greywater recycling.
- The use of lighting sensors.
- Reuse of existing buildings.
- The development of additional changes will involve further consultation with local governments, industry and the public.
