Green Buildings: Builders

For all buildings, the Township of Langley requires the Abbotsford weather file to be used for energy simulations. The Heating Degree Days (HDD) for Langley, as per Table C-2 in Division B - Appendix C of the BC Building Code is 2,700.

Please note, we are aware of a feature in NRCan’s HOT2000 software where the weather file is automatically selected based on the address of the building. If Abbotsford is not automatically selected, please enter it in manually.

The following documents are required as part of all building permit applications. Please check bulletins for builders from the Township of Langley for important updates.

Part 9 buildings

• BC Energy Compliance Reports - Performance Paths for Part 9 Buildings (please include Section F – Other Energy Modelling Metrics)
  • Pre-construction Report, submitted at time of BP application (in PDF format)
  • As-Built Report, submitted at time of final inspection (in PDF format)
• An energy modeling report (typically an EnerGuide report with accompanying HOT2000 data for Part 9 houses) must accompany all building permit applications. As-built versions must be submitted at the time of final inspection
• The application shall also include energy statements on the drawings indicating the project complies with the BC Energy Step Code, the climate zone (Climate Zone 4), the specific Step pursued and the required step code target metrics (e.g., TEDI, MEUI, Airtightness, etc.) and the actual values achieved in the model as applicable
• Air barrier details shall be shown on the drawings (in red)

The report/calculator used to generate the BC Energy Compliance Reports and more information related to these reports can be found on the BC Energy Step Code webpage under Resources: Compliance Tools for Part 9 Buildings.

For non-residential Part 9 projects, contact the Building department for the building permit application requirements.

Part 3 buildings

For Part 3 Step Code projects, the following are required as part of all new building permit applications:

• Energy Intensity Report
• Part 3 Step Code Energy Design Report
• Energy statement on all permit drawings (sample energy statements)
• Energy Modeling report
• Thermal bridging Calculations for Effective Envelope performance.

For Part 3 non-Step Code projects, the following are required as part of all new building permit applications:

• Energy Design Intent letter
• Energy statement on all permit drawings (sample energy statements) 
• Prescriptive forms (NECB checklist, ASHRAE Compliance forms)
• Trade-off Report (if applicable, e.g. COMCheck or NECB Simple Trade-off Report)
• Energy modeling report (if applicable, for performance-path projects)

If you have any questions regarding required documentation, email greenbuildings@tol.ca or call the Building department at 604-533-6018.

The BC Energy Step Code (Step Code) is a provincial standard that requires a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code. Each building type has a certain number of steps (or levels) of increasing energy efficiency, which gradually lead to “net-zero energy ready” construction by 2032. The province defines a net-zero energy ready building as one that has been designed and built to a level of performance, such that it could (with additional measures) generate enough onsite energy to meet its own energy needs.  It’s expected that net-zero energy ready buildings will be required by the BC Building Code by 2032.

The Township of Langley voluntarily adopted the Step Code in 2017 and as of January 1, 2022 is at Step 3 for all new residential construction (please see GHG DPA section below for more information on GHG Development Permit Areas). By voluntarily adopting the Step Code, the Township is preparing builders for the highly energy efficient new construction the Province will require in 2032. Builders must work with an Energy Advisor during the entire construction process to ensure their project is designed and built to meet the Step Code.

The following chart summarizes the Township’s past and future adoption of the BC Energy Step Code for residential buildings.

Our 2020 UBC Sustainability Scholar, Madhur Motwani, researched and wrote a report to help inform the Township’s adoption of the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 non-residential buildings. Take a look at the report findings!

Adoption of Step Code for non-residential buildings (ie., industrial, commercial and institutional buildings) is in the beginning stages of stakeholder consultation. Email greenbuildings@tol.ca to be included in our Green Buildings email list so you hear of consultation opportunities first.

Part 9 Step Code residential targets

Table 9.36.6.6.-A
Requirements for Buildings Located Where the Degree-Days Below 18°C Value is less than 3000(1)
Forming Part of Sentence 9.36.6.3.(1)

Table 9.36.6.3.-G
Mechanical Energy Use Intensity Requirements
Forming Part of Sentence 9.36.6.3.(1)

The following table summarizes the adjusted TEDI requirement throughout the Township of Langley, calculated based on the Heating Degree-Days for Langley, provided under Appendix C of the BC Building Code 2018 (as amended from time to time).

Part 3 Step Code residential targets

Table 10.2.3.3.-H
Energy Performance Requirements for Other Residential Occupancies
Forming part of Sentences 10.2.3.3.(1) and (2)

More information can be found on energystepcode.ca.

Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.

As a leader in green buildings in BC, the Township of Langley has additional requirements for builders to support the construction of high performance buildings above and beyond the requirements of the BCBC. These additional requirements are applicable in areas known as Energy Conservation and GHG Emission Reduction Development Permit Areas, or GHG DPAs for short. GHG DPAs promote conservation and efficient use of energy in buildings, reduce building-generated greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to the development of sustainable communities.

Currently, GHG DPAs include the Latimer, Williams, Smith, and Carvolth Neighbourhoods in Willoughby, and the Brookswood-Fernridge neighbourhood. Strategies to reduce GHG emissions in these areas include but are not limited to:

• Orienting buildings to optimize passive solar energy heating, reduce heat loss, and support natural ventilation
• Incorporating high thermally performing windows, doors, and skylights
• Utilizing sunscreens or overhangs to minimize solar heat gain in the summer while maximizing solar heat gain in the winter
• Acquiring at least 10% of the building’s total energy demand through on-site renewable energy systems.

Click on the image below to view a map of where the GHG DPAs are located.

 Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.

How to apply for the Green Building Rebate Program

The Township’s Green Building Rebate Program incentivizes high performance new and existing buildings. Rebates for new construction and renovations are outlined below:

To apply follow these steps:

New construction

1. At the start of the building design process, hire an Energy Advisor. View NRCan’s list of service providers at nrcan.gc.ca/homes.
2. When you apply for your building permit, receive the New Construction GBRP referral form.
3. Build your home to the meet the targeted level of the BC Energy Step Code and the Township’s GHG DPA requirements (if applicable).
4. Contact your Energy Advisor to complete the final as-built BC Energy Compliance report.
5. Within 90 days of final inspection, submit the New Construction referral form, invoices, and EnerGuide and energy modelling (ie, HOT2000) documentation to the Township of Langley.

Renovation

1. Complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation with an Energy Advisor. View NRCan’s list of service providers at nrcan.gc.ca/homes.
2. When you apply for your building permit, receive the Renovation GBRP referral form.
3. Complete your home renovation incorporating Energy Advisor recommended energy improvements.
4. Contact your Energy Advisor to complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
5. Within 90 days of final inspection, submit the Renovation referral form, invoices, and EnerGuide documentation to the Township of Langley.

The below flowcharts outline the GBRP process at the Township:

Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.

All rebates and incentives are subject to availability. Confirm availability and/or eligibility on betterhomesbc.ca.

New construction rebates

This program is fully subscribed. Applicants can submit a pre-registration form to be added to the program waitlist. If a pre-approved program participant drops out or does not meet the program requirements, available funding will go to the next applicant on the waitlist.

The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates up to $15,000 for the construction of new, high-performance, electric homes. Through the CleanBC plan, the Province is supporting the adoption of the BC Energy Step Code and making energy efficient, climate-friendly homes more affordable and accessible for British Columbians.

The below table and PDF outline the two different pathways you can take (Energy Step Code OR Heat Pump pathway), as well as add-on rebates through CleanBC and separate rebates through the Township of Langley’s Green Building Rebate Program. Examples of how these rebates can be combined are on the second page of the PDF.

The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program is administered by CleanBC. To learn more, visit their New Construction Program. The Green Building Rebate Program is administered by the Township of Langley. For more information on the Township’s Green Building Rebate Program, contact the team.

Contact	Rebate type	Details	Amount	Rebate table
	Energy Step Code Pathway	Step 3	$4,000
		Step 4	$6,000
		Step 5	$10,000
	Heat Pump Pathway	Air source heat pump1;2	$3,000
		Air-to-water hydronic heat pump2	$3,000
		Combined space and water heat pump2	$4,000
		Heat pump water heater2	$1,000
	Energy Advisor Support Rebate (optional)	Per individually modelled home or unit	$1,000 ($800 to builder, $200 to EA)
	All-Electric Bonus (optional)	Per home or unit	$4,000

¹ Variable speed mini-split, multi-split, or central (Tier 2) air source heat pump; HSPF ≥ 9.3, SEER ≥ 16; Variable speed compressor

² Must be on the Qualifying Product List

Renovation rebates

Rebates are subject to change. Please visit BetterHomeBC for up-to-date information

CleanBC, in partnership with FortisBC and BC Hydro, are offering over $5,000 in rebates for energy efficient home upgrades. Eligible projects include insulation, water heating, windows, and space heating for your home. Visit BetterHomesBC for more information.

Check out the below table and PDF for rebate amounts.

Contact	Upgrade category	Amount	Details
	Space Heating	Up to $6,000	CleanBC BetterHomes Rebates
	Domestic Hot Water	Up to $1,000
	Electrical Service Upgrade	Up to $500
	Windows and Doors	Up to $2,000
	Insulation	Up to $1,200
	Bonus offers	Up to $2,000
	Pre- and post-retrofit energy evaluations	Up to $600	A maximum of $600 for the energy evaluations and $5,000 for home upgrades is available ($5,600 total in grants). An interest-free loan program is also available, providing homeowners with up to $40,000 to help complete deep home retrofits. Visit Canada Greener Homes Grant for more information and to apply.
	Home insulation	Up to $5,000
	Air-sealing	Up to $1,000
	Windows and doors	Up to $5,000
	Smart thermostats	Up to $50
	Heat pump	Up to $5,000
	Water heater	Up to $1,000
	Solar panels	Up to $5,000
	Resiliency measures	Up to $2,625