CivicInfo BC - News "New Green Building Proposals Combat Clim...

Updates to the B.C. Building Code that will reduce the impact of buildings on the environment are now available online for public input, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman has announced.

The Province committed to developing a unified green building code in the 2007 throne speech. Greening the B.C Building Code will fulfil this commitment by improving the energy and water efficiency of homes and other buildings, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will also result in lower energy bills for British Columbians.

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Changes proposed in the first stage of greening the B.C. Building Code focus on improving sustainability through increased energy and water efficiency. The proposals would set the following requirements for new construction or additions to existing buildings, effective in spring 2008:

• Houses, low-rise residential buildings and small commercial and industrial buildings would be required to install increased insulation or, in the case of housing, meet an increased EnerGuide rating.
• High rise residential buildings and larger commercial buildings must meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers 90.1(2004) standard. ASHRAE is an internationally recognized standard for energy efficiency in buildings.
• Use of ultra low-flow toilets and other water saving plumbing fixtures in all new buildings and additions to existing buildings.

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Future steps will explore reusing existing buildings; adopting smart metering for energy use; disposing of construction materials in a more environmentally friendly manner; and, improving indoor air quality.

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Representatives from industry and local government helped guide development of the proposed changes. The public can review and comment on the proposals online at www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building by clicking on the Greening of the B.C. Building Code button. The deadline for comments on the proposed changes is Dec. 21, 2007.

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