In November 2024, Vancouver City Council voted to continue on the path set by the 2016 Zero Emissions Building Plan regarding the use of electricity and natural gas for space and hot water heating, following a multi-day Council process, which included a report and presentation, along with input from over 100 speakers. The report was in response to Council directions from May 2023 (to move to the highest step of the Zero Carbon Step Code) and July 2024 (to allow natural gas in new construction).
What this means:
- All active or upcoming building permit applications from now until March 1 2025 are to continue to follow the existing requirements in the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law.
- Vancouver City Council approved recommendation A, which includes:
- Updating the greenhouse gas intensity limits to align with the top level (EL-4) of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code for 1 to 3 storey residential buildings.
- Updating the greenhouse gas intensity limits to align with the second from the top level (EL-3) for large residential and commercial buildings.
- These changes will come into effect through the Vancouver Building By-law on March 1, 2025.
- Vancouver City Council did not approve recommendation B: allow the option for natural gas while still managing carbon pollution through meeting energy efficiency requirements in the top step of the BC Energy Step Code.
- Vancouver City Council approved recommendation C to remove energy modelling requirements to streamline rezoning under the Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning.
- This recommendation impacts projects at the rezoning phase and no action is required for builders. This change is effective immediately.
- Vancouver City Council’s direction aligns with provincial green building plans and other local government decisions. Natural gas for cooking and fireplaces will continue to be allowed.
For more information, please contact us at green.buildings@vancouver.ca, or visit their website: Zero emissions buildings | City of Vancouver.