May 27, 2021
For immediate release
Vancouver: The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) released the second quarterly Government Relations Report (QR2-2021) for 2021 on May 19th, the fourth since the series began. The report identifies the various stages of Metro Vancouver’s 21 municipalities’ adoption of the BC Energy Step Code.
QR2-2021 data breaks down Metro Vancouver by its 21 municipalities, listing Part 9 and Part 3 with the associated target adoption dates for the BC Energy Step Code.
While HAVAN strongly supports the shift toward climate-friendly construction, there is a clear disparity between adoption dates across the region and there are concerns that while many municipalities are rushing to go beyond the recommended implementation deadlines, this leap may have unintended outcomes.
Ron Rapp, HAVAN CEO noted ‘the BC Energy Step Code was designed to establish continuity across the region, in a systematic measure. A stepped approach is critical to ensure adequate time for suppliers, materials, and resources to catch up and adapt. HAVAN has concerns that without proper planning an accelerated implementation potentially can contribute to increased costs and extended construction timeframes.’
The Provincial Government introduced the BC Energy Step Code as an optional compliance path in the BC Building Code to help BC meet its goal that all new buildings be net-zero energy by 2032. The Step Code supports local governments to incentivize or require net-zero energy in new residential construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the provincial content. The Code identifies a recommended, phased approach of five levels, with Step Code 3 targeted for the end of 2022 and the final step to be implemented by 2032.
Diana Dilworth, HAVAN’s Director of Government Relations said, ‘the goal of this report is to contribute to the dialogue on energy efficiency and the provision of much needed, affordable, housing supply to address Metro Vancouver’s housing crisis.’
Rapp noted ‘It is HAVAN’s recommendation that municipalities keep in step with the recommended guidelines.’
HAVAN’s Government Relations Committee has the goal to assist its members with advocacy issues including government policy and regulations related to housing affordability, community amenity contributions, green buildings and the housing approval processes. Providing the most current information on policies across Metro Vancouver municipalities is an essential resource for members.
The BC Energy Step Code table can be accessed at www.havan.ca and will be updated monthly to provide members with real-time data to help navigate code requirements across the region.
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Media Contact: Ron Rapp, CEO
604-516-9272
ron@havan.ca
