Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Greening BC's Building Code

Thirty-six B.C. communities have agreed to adopt a new building regulation that promotes the use of alternative energy by requiring all new single family homes built in their community to be solar hot water ready.

During construction, houses will be built to accommodate future installation of a renewable energy system. This includes having an area designated for a solar collector. Buildings will not be required to have the solar components installed. Local governments can choose to adopt the regulation. It is not a requirement under the building code, as not all communities can benefit from solar power.

The changes will come into effect on June 21, 2011. Solar Hot Water Ready homes support the Province’s commitment to promote clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build sustainable communities.

From the Hon. Rich Coleman (Minister of Energy):

Greening the building code is an important part of the provincial goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is one of many steps the government is taking to help us meet our energy conservation targets as our population expands and demand for electricity grows. It’s encouraging to see so many communities work towards a cleaner future
Quick Facts:

· Making a house solar ready will add approximately $200 to $500 to the cost of a new home.

· A solar hot water system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one to two tonnes per year for a single-family home using natural gas for water heating.

Learn more at http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca

List of Local Communities who have adopted the "Solar Hot Water Ready" Regulation:

1.Village of Ashcroft
2. City of Campbell River
3. Cariboo Regional District
4. City of Chilliwack
5. City of Colwood
6. Cowichan Valley Regional District
7. City of Cranbrook
8. City of Dawson Creek
9. Corporation of Delta
10. City of Duncan
11. Township of Esquimalt
12. City of Fernie
13. City of Fort St. John
14. Metro Vancouver Board
15. District of Invermere
16. Village of Kaslo
17. City of Kelowna
18. Township of Langley
19. District of Maple Ridge
20. District of Metchosin
21. Village of Midway
22. City of New Westminster
23. Municipality of North Cowichan
24. City of North Vancouver
25. District of North Vancouver
26. District of Peachland
27. City of Pitt Meadows
28. City of Port Coquitlam
29. City of Port Moody
30. City of Richmond
31. District of Sparwood
32. Squamish Lillooet Regional District
33. District of Tofino
34. Town of View Royal
35. District of West Vancouver
36. Resort Municipality of Whistler

Editor's Note - although the City of Williams Lake is not on this community list - I believe WL Council should seriously look at being Community #37 or later to adopt the Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation as it would be in keeping with the City's brand-new Official Community Plan and its' environmental goals/policies

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