By 2014, the City will move toward outcomes-based codes, which will enforce the actual performance of the building rather than its predicted or modeled performance. In essence the outcomes-based code will enforce energy intensity targets expressed in kilowatt-hour or Kilo-joules per square meter per year (kWh/m2/yr or kJ/m2/yr). The outcomes-based code approach simplifies the compliance process.
Regulation
Create better, easier to use legislation that requires higher performing buildings at defined intervals e.g. 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020.
Regulation is a key tool to ensure building performance improvements. In reviewing international best practices on GHG reductions in the built environment, every jurisdiction that has been successful in reducing GHG’s has used regulation as a tool. Vancouver's approach is to introduce regulations that as much as possible mitigate financial implications for building owners and developers, while improving energy performance and lowering associated GHG’s. In order to introduce more aggressive improvements through regulation, the city will develop new financial tools to connect the upfront costs to the long-term operating cost savings.
As a regulator, Vancouver will adapt its policy framework and compliance regime such that it will be based on actual outcomes that support GHG reductions rather than the modeled results of energy simulation. We will seek simplicity in policy development and raise requirements consistently and predictably to minimize uncertainty in the market.
Actions for this strategy
Click on the stars to rate each action, or jump to the comments.
You must be logged in to rate the actions. You can Log in using Facebook or register an account (takes one minute)
Outcomes-based codes
Green Renovation Policy
The Vancouver Building by-law currently has sections that pertain to existing buildings that require upgrades for fire, and life safety the addition of energy efficiency would be a powerful tool in lowering GHG’s.
In 2011, Vancouver’s Green Renovation Program proposes that all homeowners applying for renovation permits do an energy audit and take on a number of energy efficiency upgrades. The homeowner has the choice of a prescriptive path – a checklist of upgrades to complete – or a performance path in which they must improve their EnerGuide rating by a prescribed order of magnitude. The scope of required upgrades is dependent on the scope of the renovation. The program is designed such that required upgrades account for about 5% of the total renovation cost and have 2-3 year payback periods. Improvements will be quantified by before and after home energy assessments to measure the related energy savings and GHG emissions reductions.
This will be followed by a similar program whereby upgrades will be required of commercial and multi-unit residential buildings.
HVAC By-law
Currently the City does not regulate the commissioning, maintenance, fuel choice or efficiency of heating, cooling and ventilation equipment in buildings. All of these are necessary components of achieving sustained energy efficiency and lower GHG’s emissions required to meet the noted targets. Vancouver will target development of an HVAC by-law by early 2012.
Thank you for your input! The strategies and actions listed here are drafts. Read the final version of the Greenest City Action Plan.
Require all buildings constructed from 2020 onward to be carbon neutral in operations.
Reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings by 20% over 2007 levels.
Recent comments in Green Buildings
Hamish Stewart commented on
Incentives
Hamish Stewart commented on
Capacity Building
ergodesk commented on
Capacity Building
dug_horn commented on
User Engagement, Education and Outreach Programs
dug_horn commented on
Incentives
Stonebreaker commented on
Capacity Building
Stonebreaker commented on
Capacity Building
Stonebreaker commented on
Financing Tools
Stonebreaker commented on
Incentives
Comments