Update on Green Code Changes
In early December 2007, the BC Building and Safety Policy Branch released proposed “green” Code changes to the BC Building Code for public comment. APEGBC responded, providing input on the proposed changes. The three areas for change being proposed by the Building Policy Branch included:
- 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.
The APEGBC Green Building Code Task Force supported all three initiatives. Additional provisions related to building energy and water usage efficiencies where also identified and these included glazing performance and infiltration. APEGBC also included in their submission further recommendations than those in the proposed changes identified by the Building Policy Branch with respect to water usage efficiencies. These included recognizing in the code the appropriate re-use of water or use of alternative sources of water (e.g., rainwater) and making water meters mandatory under the BC Building Code to enable progressive rate structures.
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.
More information on the development of the unified BC Green Building Code is available on the BC Building and Safety Policy Branch’s website at www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/green/.