Public Review of Proposed Green Code Changes

The BC Building and Safety Policy Branch (BSPB) is seeking public input on proposed “green” Code changes. In February 2007, the Speech from the Throne announced the development of a new, unified BC Green Building Code by early 2008 as one of the Province’s initiatives to address global climate change. This project aims to identify and remove barriers for green buildings within provincial codes and regulations, and identify and propose new provisions for green buildings regulation. It will also establish province-wide requirements in the BC Building Code that will enable the Province to meet its energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction targets, and will reduce energy costs for BC building owners and residents over the longer term. The new green Code requirements are intended to support sustainability in the areas of energy and water efficiency, and support innovation and design processes to enable green building solutions.

The three proposals put forward for public review are:

  • Energy Efficiency Requirements for Single Family Houses and Smaller Multi-Family Residential, Commercial and Industrial Buildings;
  • Energy Efficiency Requirements for High-Rise Multi-Family Residential Buildings and Larger Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Buildings; and
  • Water-Efficiency Requirements for the BC Building Code.

Proposed energy efficiency requirements will apply to low-rise multi-family buildings (four stories or less in height), which may be built under Part 3 or Part 9 of the Code, and Part 9 commercial and industrial buildings, as well as most Part 3 buildings (i.e., high-rise multi-family residential and larger industrial, commercial and institutional buildings). The new water efficiency requirements will apply to all buildings to which the BC Building Code applies for all new construction.
The proposed changes, as well as online comment forms can be found on the BSPB website at www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/green/. The deadline for submitting comments is December 21, 2007.

According to the BSPB, Code change proposals to address indoor air quality and greywater recycling may also be developed in future. Work on these initiatives is still in the early stages, but research papers on these topics are available for viewing on the BSPB website.

Earlier this year, the BC Building Policy Branch held a consultative workshop with representatives from industry, including APEGBC. Subsequently, the Building Policy Branch formed a Green Building Industry Advisory Committee. APEGBC Council struck a Green Building Code Task Force to work with the Association’s two representatives on the Advisory committee.