Whereas the changes to the BC Building Code in 2018 added significant costs and reliance on mechanical systems and synthetic materials to residential construction and is further exaggerated by the BC Energy Step Code; And whereas most local governments agree with the concept of reducing GHG emissions however new home ownership is deterred by adding costs of energy consultants and mandated energy solutions in areas of the province that have high land values but lower average annual income and where mechanical solutions are not relevant due to infirm power therefore adding further pressure to the affordable housing crisis in BC: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the BC Building and Safety Standards Division to assess regional financial disparities making building affordability and flexible low cost building methods a priority for the revision of the BC Building Code in 2022; And be it further resolved that additions to building code that are beyond structural integrity and safety be addressed through incentives, not punitive or prescriptive measures.
Ministry of Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing The Province is committed to the implementation of CleanBC goal of requiring net-zero energy ready construction as a minimum standard in the 2032 BC Building Code, and incremental energy efficiency improvements of 20 in 2022 and 40 in 2032. The Province is also committed to a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone, which includes homebuilders, homebuyers, renters, and all other British Columbians connected to the housing sector. Finding a way to address housing affordability alongside the Provincial climate commitments is necessary to the success of both important initiatives. The Province has taken several steps to address concerns about affordability and regional conditions in development of the Energy Step Code. Meaningful stakeholder engagement has been foundational to the development of affordable energy efficiency standards like the Energy Step Code. A wide range of stakeholders, including homebuilders, trades, utilities, local governments, and BC Housing have been important partners in identifying and finding solutions issues related to increased costs and unique regional conditions. Based on stakeholder input, the Energy Step Code provides flexibility to builders to improve energy efficiency using design strategies that are cost effective and suit their clients. This does require the use of an energy advisor or similar consultant, but this also provides opportunities for savings because specific materials and equipment are no longer specified in the Energy Step Code for energy efficiency. BC Housing has prepared a guide to help builders identify these cost-effective design strategies, and case studies are available that demonstrate that builders are often able to achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency with very modest investments. The BC Energy Step Code Builder Guide is available on BC Housings website and provides design strategies for all regions of British Columbia. The Province has also worked closely with builders and local governments to identify opportunities for local governments to remove barriers to affordable energy efficient housing. These opportunities include improved permitting processes, development incentives, and evaluating the impact of zoning and building bylaw requirements that may increase construction costs of energy efficient homes. Some municipalities and regional districts provide building permit rebates or density incentives for buildings constructed to the Energy Step Code, such as the Regional District of Comox Strathcona that offers between 25 to 100 permit rebate for homes built to Step 3 or higher. These and other best practices are identified in the Local Government Best Practices Guide available at: www.energystepcode.cafor-local-governments