Authored by Marc Trudeau
2 minute read
The City of Vancouver continues to step forward with significant updates to its energy and carbon policies. On November 27, 2024, city council voted to implement stricter operational carbon targets for large residential and hotel buildings. With buildings contributing heavily to the city’s carbon footprint, the updates are intended to reduce emissions and streamline processes.
New Standards for Greenhouse Gas Intensity
One of the key decisions was adoption of the Zero Carbon Step Code, specifically targeting large residential and hotel buildings categorized under Part 3 of the Vancouver Building By-Law. These new measures will apply to projects seeking building permit after March 1, 2025. For large residential buildings, the Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI) target will reduce from 6 to 3 kg CO₂/m²/yr, and for hotel buildings the target will reduce from 8 to 4 kg CO₂/m²/yr. This reduction tightens limits on natural gas use for space heating and domestic hot water—two major sources of carbon emissions.
Streamlined Rezoning Process
Another change is the immediate revision to the Green Buildings Policy for Rezonings. Council unanimously approved removing the energy modeling submittal requirements from rezoning applications, streamlining submissions for developers. While this adjustment reduces paperwork and expedites the process, it remains crucial in the early design phases for project teams to identify the energy performance targets and project strategies. Skipping on document submittals at the rezoning stage doesn’t mean skipping the expertise of Mechanical and Energy Consultants. These professionals play a vital role in helping teams understand the budget and design implications required to align architecture, mechanical, and electrical systems with Vancouver’s rigorous sustainability targets. Early collaboration ensures a project remains efficient, cost-effective, and compliant with evolving standards.
Working Together
For those engaged in development, now is the time to prepare. Pull in your Energy and Mechanical Consultants early to strategize and align your projects with these new standards.
For additional details or guidance, you can reach out to Marc or Mike, who lead AME’s Building Performance and Energy Services team respectively. Together, we can identify the strategies that are the right fit for any project.
Marc Trudeau, P.Eng., Architect AIBC, BEMP, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C
Principal - Building Performance
As a Principal at AME Group, Marc leads a dedicated team of engineers to provide Building Performance Analysis services. Marc is involved in all stages of the projects, from facilitating design charrettes and workshops, outlining energy performance simulations through to construction and project certification.
Contact Marc for more information.
Mike Kasuya, P.L.Eng., AScT, PTech, CPHD, LEED AP BD+CP
Principal - Building Energy Services
As a Principal at AME Group, Mike leads our Building Energy Services team analyzing and retrofitting buildings to bring buildings of the past to benefit the future. Passionate about sustainability, Mike is committed to providing clients with professional service and efficient, cost-effective systems.
Contact Mike for more information.