New Green Requirements for BC Building Code

New green requirements for energy and water efficiency have now been added to the BC Building Code. These new requirements come into effect September 5, 2008.

These new provisions are the first step in Greening the BC Building Code, and support the Province’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They will improve the energy efficiency of buildings and increase water efficiency through water-saving plumbing fixtures and fittings. These new Building Code requirements were made in consultation with industry, local governments, and the public:

1. Energy Efficiency Requirements for Single Family Houses and Smaller Multi-Family Residential, Commercial and Industrial Buildings
   
   • Insulation standards for houses and multi-family residential buildings under five stories have changed. There are new insulation standards for small commercial and industrial buildings.
     
   • For housing, builders can choose to achieve an EnerGuide rating of 77 as an alternative to meeting the insulation requirements.
     
     
2. Energy Efficiency Requirements for High-Rise Multi-Family Residential Buildings and Larger Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Buildings
   
   • Larger buildings must meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers 90.1(2004) standard. ASHRAE 90.1 is an internationally recognized standard for energy efficiency in buildings.
     
3. Water Efficiency Requirements
   
   • Ultra low-flow toilets (6L) and other water-saving plumbing fixtures and fittings will become mandatory in new construction and renovations.
     

To view the new requirements, click here. 

Implementation

The new green requirements in the Building Code come into effect September 5, 2008 and will apply to all new construction and renovations in BC. The new requirements will apply to building permit applications submitted on or after September 5, 2008.

Information on education and training opportunities will be posted on the Greening the BC Building Code website (link to site above) as it becomes available.


Posted April 16th, 2008
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