Greenhouse Gas Limits for New Buildings

Whereas the energy efficiency requirements for new buildings in the British Columbia Energy Step Code continues to allow levels of carbon pollution that are inconsistent with local government and provincial climate change commitments; And whereas failing to limit carbon pollution from new construction will necessitate retrofits to those new buildings in the future at greater difficulty and cost for building owners, occupants, and taxpayers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the BC government to include GHG limits for new construction as an enforceable element in Division B of the British Columbia Building Code, including a pathway to achieve zero GHG emissions for new construction in a timeline commensurate with the science of climate change and BCs reduction targets; And be it further resolved that UBCM request the BC government to revise the Provinces goal in the Clean BC Plan to make every new building constructed in BC net-zero energy ready by 2032 to make every new building constructed in BC zero emissions and net-zero energy ready by 2032; And be it further resolved that UBCM request the BC government to liaise with staff at Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments, North Central Local Government Association, and Southern Interior Local Government Association to ensure that there are provisions in the GHG limits that take into account and support the unique circumstances faced by rural communities, such as, but not limited to, decisions to utilize local materials and alternative building methods.