Three Energy-Compliance Paths For Projects Three Storeys Or Under

How can cities continue to expand and provide housing for a growing population, while limiting the negative impacts on the environment that may arise from such new construction?

Recent amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) are meant to address growing concerns with this complex issue and come in the form of three possible energy compliance requirement pathways for all new construction of residential buildings three storeys and under.

The changes to the VBBL are part of the implementation of the City of Vancouver's Climate Emergency Action Plan, a goal of which is reducing carbon pollution in Vancouver by 50 per cent by 2030. Over half of the carbon pollution in Vancouver comes from burning fossil fuels in buildings – so the city has implemented these new energy requirements to ensure new builds are constructed in a more climate-friendly way.