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The Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) is proactively engaged in helping industry to resolve the issues surrounding the application of green roof technology and the system of consumer protection for new homebuyers in B.C.

The HPO organized a one-day conference in 2007 to address these important issues and appointed a Task Group to make recommendations to the former HPO Board of Directors.

Green Roofs and Homeowner Protection

Green Roofs and Homeowner Protection in British Columbia: Balancing Benefits and Risks." Excerpt from Planning West, Vol. 50 No. 1, March 2008. Copyright (c) 2008 Planning Institute of B.C. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Conference Overview

The Green Roof and Homeowner Protection in B.C. conference held on May 29, 2007 attracted delegates from a broad cross-section of disciplines and interests who shared ideas, knowledge and information. This included representatives from local government, warranty providers, green building experts, members of design professions, developers, builders, roofing contractors, operations and maintenance professionals and consumer organizations.

The HPO achieved its key aim in hosting the conference, namely, to facilitate constructive dialogue towards identifying and resolving issues and barriers to the application of green roof technology while continuing to provide consumer protection for new homebuyers and homeowners.

Delegates and presenters discussed the challenges and options pertaining to green roofs in the context of residential development, taking into account our unique climate and homeowner protection requirements. They also learned from experts in other jurisdictions where green roofs are more prevalent.

The conference provided a forum for industry and consumer groups to work collaboratively with the HPO to further understanding of issues, solutions and best practices.

Green Roof Task Group

The former HPO Board approved the disposition of the recommendations of the Task Group on Green Roofs and Homeowner Protection at its September 13, 2007 meeting following a review of written submissions.

These recommendations recognized the significant interest in green roofs, the evolving state of knowledge about the probability of their successful utilization and the potential risks involved.

The following recommendations were approved:

  • Advise local governments against mandating extensive green roofs in residential construction at this time.
  • Review the Homeowner Protection Act to clarify the provision and coverage of mandatory home warranty insurance with respect to extensive green roof installation and maintenance.
  • Recommend to the provincial Office of Housing and Construction Standards that consideration is given to the issues surrounding extensive green roofs, including regional climatic variations within the province, in the Green Building Code which is currently under development.
  • Continue to support research and education activities that will expand the knowledge base about the design, installation, maintenance, durability and life expectancy of extensive green roofs in the different climatic zones in British Columbia.
  • Recommend that the Minister of Finance consider the need to ensure that strata corporations’ obligations for maintenance of green roof systems are strengthened in the Strata Property Act.

The former HPO Board decided to take early action and approve one of the Task Group’s recommendations to: “Advise local governments against mandating extensive green roofs in residential construction at this time”, and sent a letter to all local governments conveying this recommendation.

You can view the Report of the Green Roof Task Group as well as some of the submissions and comments received. The Task Group convened in conjunction with the May 2007 Green Roofs Conference to formulate recommendations to the HPO former Board of Directors. This review is part of the HPO’s ongoing efforts to help industry resolve the issues surrounding green roof technology and the province's system of consumer protection for new homebuyers.