West Vancouver is the first municipality in Canada to require that new residential buildings be built using low-carbon energy systems or to be net-zero energy ready.
Across the nation, these are the highest building construction standards in place for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.
The requirements came into effect on February 28, 2021.
West Vancouver Council adopted these leading standards in 2020 as part of its climate emergency response, and in alignment with the District’s Community Energy & Emissions Plan. Protecting the natural environment, reducing our impacts and adapting to climate change, including sea level rise, coastal erosion and increased wildfire risk, is one of Council’s Strategic Goals.
A building with a low-carbon energy system reduces GHG emissions by 90% by using an electric heat pump for heating and cooling and an electric hot water heater.
Net-zero energy ready, the highest step of the BC Energy Step Code, means that a building is 80% more energy-efficient and—with the addition of on-site renewable energy such as solar panels—produces as much clean energy as it consumes.
“I am very proud of West Vancouver’s leadership in addressing climate change. This is an important step to ensure our new buildings meet the high standards required today and in the future,” said Mayor Mary-Ann Booth.
“Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to creating an even more resilient community through our response.”
What a waste of money! If West Vancouver removed all it’s residents, cars and houses for zero emissions it would not be a ten thousandth of a percentage point in reducing green house gas emissions!
Where do they expect the new demand of electricity to be created and what relative costs to consumer
Well… with the higher number of immigrants Trudeau plans to introduce into Canada this year – many more than previous years – and with continual breeding within our current population, a strong push for electric cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and things I’m not remembering right now, there will obviously be an increased demand for electricity regardless of this new building rule.
I bet none of these councilors live in a house that is entirely powered by electricity for heat and hot water. They have no idea of the increased cost one incurs to heat solely with electricity versus natural gas. Also the statement “with the addition of on-site renewable energy such as solar panels—produces as much clean energy as it consumes” do they realize the size of the PV panels required or the fact that they are not 100% efficient when you factor in clouds and darkness? And don’t say just add add a battery system. Oh and I bet they are some of the same people that are against Site C, BUT expect everyone to use electricity!
Duh-oh!
Well done Mayor Booth and council for taking a courageous step forward and having the courage of your conviction as it relates to climate change- anyone that questions your intent is a quitter and whether or not we can change the outcome of this planet is not relevant – we owe it to future generations to give it a shot “now” vs “tomorrow” and before it’s too late !!!
What coercive madness.