This project will develop practical strategies and policy recommendations to increase energy efficiency in BC’s built environment, which currently accounts for about 10 percent of provincial GHG emissions. The built environment is a complex intertwined multi-scale system of cities, towns and neighbourhoods whose energy performance is shaped by factors such as building design and the behaviour of its inhabitants, as well by the infrastructure that serves those buildings. Therefore the types and location of buildings and how they are designed, built and operated will be central to reducing emissions.
The project team will evaluate many facets toward achieving significantly improved building energy performance and, where possible, net-positive energy buildings. Potential contributions from evolving green building codes, standards, design and new innovations will be explored. The roles of district energy systems and bioenergy sources will be reviewed, as will best practices for increasing building inhabitants’ support for, and engagement with, energy efficiency measures. Financing options for energy efficiency retrofits for existing buildings will also be analyzed along with tax and utility-based energy-efficiency incentives, following a rigorous review of international best practices. A key outcome will be to generate practical solutions that can be implemented on the ground by building industry professionals and stakeholders.
Project lead: Ron Kellett, Director of the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, UBC (Project formerly led by Dr. Ray Cole, Academic Director, UBC Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability)
Media Releases:
- New research provides policy pathway to ultra energy efficient buildings for BC
- How to accelerate energy efficiency in BC’s buildings: new report
Publications:
- Journal Article: Effects of visualizations and information rich public engagement in planning for energy and emissions. Journal of architectural and planning research.
- Report: Evaluation of Actions and Policies to Reduce Urban GHG Emissions Using Multiple Criteria: A Contribution Towards Energy Efficiency in British Columbia’s Built Environment
- White Paper: The Path to “Net-Zero Energy” Buildings in BC: The case for action and the role of public policy
- White Paper: Evolution of Energy Efficiency Requirements in the BC Building Code
- White Paper: Accelerating Energy Efficiency in BC’s Built Environment: Lessons from Massachusetts and California
Presentations and Conference Proceedings:
- Residential PACE Bonds Presentation for Pathways to Net-Zero Buildings Conference by Thor Jensen.
- A Multi-Display Environment for Community Planning (from Graphics Interface International Conference)
Media Coverage:
- Pamela McCall interviews Josha Macnab on 'net-zero' buildings - CFAX 1070 (interview begins at minute 34)
- B.C. needs 'net-zero' building revolution to combat climate change - Vancouver Observer
- Carbon Neutral Buildings Could Heavily Influence BC Climate Action - My Prince George Now
- B.C. urged to amp up scheme for energy-efficient buildings - The Vancouver Sun
- Frank Stanford interviews Tom Berkhout on how to accelerate energy efficiency in BC building - CFAX 1070 (interview beigins at minute 34)
- How to accelerate energy efficiency in BC's buildings - PHYS.org