2022 R11 – Accelerating Zero Emissions Buildings
- Year: 2022
- AVICC Number: R11
- UBCM Number: NR43
- Powell River
Whereas the need to take urgent action to address climate change in BC has never been clearer in the face of fires, floods and extreme weather, and buildings are a major source of GHG emissions in BC;
And whereas the technologies, products and construction methods exist today to construct zero emissions homes and buildings at little additional cost, and the building industry is ready to tackle this challenge:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to accelerate its timelines for requiring zero emissions new construction of buildings and mandating the sale of greater than 100% efficient space heating equipment to 2025 for coastal regions of British Columbia;
And be it further resolved that a GHG emissions intensity limit for buildings, representing a 50% decrease from current levels, be introduced for new construction by 2025 for other regions of the Province of BC.
- Year: 2022
- AVICC Number: R11
- Sponsor: Powell River
- Resolution Type: Provincial
- Category: Environment
- AVICC Decision: Endorsed
- AVICC Action: Forwarded to UBCM
- AVICC Response link
- UBCM Number: NR43
- UBCM Decision: Endorsed
- Provincial Response:Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Local governments have direct or indirect influence over approximately half of all Canadian greenhouse gas GHG emissions. In spring 2022, as committed to in the Clean BC Roadmap to 2030 the Roadmap, the Province introduced a new Local Government Climate Action Program LGCAP to provide annual predictable funding to enable local governments to prioritize climate action. Communities can use LGCAP funds to work toward achieving targets for the buildings and communities sectors, which are to reduce emissions by 59 to 64 percent from 2007 levels by 2030. To support the Roadmap commitment to zero-carbon new construction by 2030, government is developing a carbon pollution standard to be added the BC Building Code, which is in the final consultation stage. The standards will be flexible, allowing for a variety of options including electrification, low carbon fuels like renewable natural gas, and low carbon district energy. In 2023, we will review our progress, incorporate lessons from early adopting jurisdictions, and start phasing in provincial regulations over time 2024, 2027, 2030. We are also working towards incorporating energy-efficiency standards for existing buildings into the BC Building Code, starting in 2024. Staff are undertaking analysis and exploring options for 100 efficiency equipment standards, including the timeline and options for early adoption by local governments committed to accelerated action. Regarding the resolution that a GHG emissions intensity limit for buildings be introduced for new construction by 2025 for other regions of the Province, staff are considering the appropriate target for the Provinces commitment to achieve an intermediate reduction commitment for 2024, which may include decarbonizing one key building system e.g. space conditioning or domestic hot water. More consultation and information regarding this decision process will come throughout 2023 and 2024. Clean BC Roadmap to 2030 URL: https:www2.gov.bc.caassetsgovenvironmentclimate-changeactioncleanbcclea…
- UBCM Response link
The AVICC acknowledges that we are grateful to live, work, and play on the traditional territories of theCoast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Kwak-Waka’wakw Peoples