Greening the BC Building Code

Builder Insight #5: Greening the BC Building Code

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE)

The NRCan Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) is Canada’s centre of excellence for energy conservation, energy efficiency and alternative fuel information and manages the Government of Canada’s new ecoENERGY Efficiency Initiative, with its programs to reduce energy use in buildings and houses. The OEE website provides information on:

• Regional Residential Energy Efficiency Initiatives
• ENERGY STAR, EnerGuide Rating Service and R-2000 Initiative

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (BC Government)

The BC Government’s Energy Efficiency Building plan promotes increased energy efficiency performance standards for devices that use, control or affect the use of energy in new and existing buildings across the province.

Office of Housing and Construction Standards, Building and Safety Policy Branch

The Ministry’s Building and Safety Branch is responsible for developing and implementing legislative framework for regulating safety in the design, construction and occupancy of buildings.

Homeowner Protection Office

Homeowner Protection Office’s webpage has numerous links related to energy efficiency and green building programs and rating systems.

• Builder Insight Bulletins
• index.php
• Builder Insight #4: Changes to BC’s Provincial Energy Efficiency Regulations: Impact for Residential Builders

Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs

There are a number of programs in place to encourage more efficient energy use. These programs and incentives may be subject to change at any time. Visit the following websites for more information.

• BuiltGreen BC
• BC Hydro Power Smart New Home Program
• Terasen Gas

Standards Organizations

• Canadian Standards Organization (CSA)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)