Every new building in the Province must meet strict standards for energy and water efficiency.  The new green requirements, which apply to all new construction in BC, were announced by the provincial government in April, and came into effect on September 5, 2008.  New houses, multi-family residential buildings under five storeys, and small commercial and industrial buildings will now have to comply with the Province's new insulation requirements.  New high-rise residential towers and large commercial buildings must meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigeation and Air Conditioning Engineers 90.1 (2004) standard.  It applies to the building envelope, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water heating, power, lighting and other equipment.  Ultra low flow toilets and other water efficient plumbing fixtures are now mandatory for all new construction.

The new Code also features amendements to the Development Cost Charge (DCC) provisions for developers.  In principle, lower DCC's will offset some of the appliance and construction improvement costs that may raise the price of a new home.  Although these improvements may cost more to begin with, they will pay for themselves in energy and water savings over time.  More information about the new Building Code provisions can be found at www.housing.gov.bc.ca - open the link called "greening the BC Building Code".