BURNABY, B.C. (April 14, 2015) -The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC) is pleased to announce that as of April 1, 2015, they are licensed to deliver ENERGY STAR training and certification to builders in the province. CHBA BC is excited to add ENERGY STAR to its residential certification programs for new construction, since it is consumer-recognized, nationally supported and internationally trusted.
Members have indicated they wanted to include a customer-recognized and nationally-supported residential certification program for new construction. ENERGY STAR has become more user-friendly and relevant for builders at a time when builders are looking for ways to enhance their product offerings to homebuyers.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver a program for new homes that comes with national support and international marketing in place already” said Vanessa Joehl, Director of Environmental Programs for CHBA BC. “Consumers see the ENERGY STAR logo on their electronics and appliances, understanding that qualified products are beneficial, and now they have the opportunity to have the same qualification for their entire home.”
For a closer look at the new Power Smart incentive program, CLICK HERE
The new ENERGY STAR standard released in B.C. takes into account our provincial building code and new energy provisions. It is important to note as well that using the ENERGY STAR standard will align City of Vancouver builders with their new building bylaws released Jan. 1, 2015.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has released, for the first time in B.C., Builder Option Packages (BOPs) for builders to follow, and consumer focused marketing materials are available, at no cost to qualified ENERGY STAR builders from NRCan.
Also, new programs introduced by BC Hydro and FortisBC will encourage builders and Certified Energy Advisors participating with the ENERGY STAR certification process.
“BC Hydro is pleased to support builders who aim to build Power Smart new homes that are ENERGY STAR® qualified. These highly efficient homes offer residents more comfortable, healthier homes and the opportunity to save on their energy bills year after year, ” said Joanna Sofield, General Manager of Power Smart, BC Hydro. “We are pleased to continue to offer builders financial incentives, education, training and marketing support to encourage them to meet our New Homes standard of ENERGY STAR for New Homes.”
On average, ENERGY STAR homes are 20 per cent more energy-efficient than those built only to standard building code, and that translates to less energy to operate the home and less in utility bills. Typical features include efficient heating and cooling systems, a heat recovery ventilation system, increased wall and attic insulation, and ENERGY STAR rated high performance windows, patio doors and skylights.
“The addition of ENERGY STAR is well-timed and is a program that will benefit builders throughout British Columbia.” said CHBA BC President, Simon Howse. “We have been working on bringing ENERGY STAR to our members for some time and are pleased to be able to offer this program that is well recognized by homebuyers.”
CHBA BC is offering an ENERGY STAR certification webinar to all those who have completed the Building Science for New Homes course (previously known as Built Green Builder Training).
The next webinar will be hosted April 15th at 9 a.m. and participants can Reister Here
After April 1, CHBA BC’s Building Science for New Homes course will be the new requirement for builders wishing to obtain an R-2000 or ENERGY STAR certification. Once a builder has completed their training, they may work with one of CHBA BC’s Certified Energy Advisors to obtain an ENERGY STAR qualification on the home.
CHBA BC has worked towards an affordable registration model for ENERGY STAR home enrollments and offers a discounted registration fee for CHBA members province wide.
