Green Buildings: Builders
BC Energy Step Code in the Township of Langley
The BC Energy Step Code (Step Code) is a provincial code that requires each new building to meet a certain step (or level) of increased energy efficiency, which will gradually lead to “net-zero energy ready” construction by 2032.
The Township of Langley voluntarily adopted the Step Code in 2019 and as of January 1, 2022, is at Step 3 for all new residential construction. The Township’s Climate Action Strategy Big Move # 2 states that all new buildings in the community will produce zero emissions by 2030. To support meeting this goal, the Township has also proposed Step 4 for Part 9 – SFD, Duplex, Triplex, Townhouse, Rowhouse by January 1, 2024.
Proposed bylaw changes
Please see proposed changes to Building Bylaw 4642, pertaining to BC Energy Step Code compliance. As directed by the Township Council, these changes are expected to be in effect by January 1, 2024.
| Building classification | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Part 9 – SFD, Duplex, Triplex, Townhouse, Rowhouse | 4 |
| Building classification | Step required |
|---|---|
| Part 3 Residential | 3 |
| Part 9 Residential | 3 |
| Assembly, as described in Table 10.2.3.3-A to D | 2 |
| Treatment, as described in Table 10.2.3.3-E | 2 |
| Care, as described in Table 10.2.3.3 - F | 2 |
| Offices as described in Table 10.2.3.3-I | 2 |
| Other Business and Personal Service or Mercantile Occupancies | 2 |
For projects that are in-stream with a precursor application on the date this bylaw is adopted, this bylaw would have no effect with respect to that construction provided that the building permit authorizing the construction is issued within a specified time frame after the date this bylaw is adopted.
Energy Compliance
This flowchart will help the builders to understand the process of building to Step Code and building in the GHG DP areas in the Township.
If you have any questions regarding energy compliance, email greenbuildings@tol.ca or call the Building department at 604-533-6018.
For all buildings, the Township of Langley requires the Abbotsford weather file to be used for energy simulations. The Heating Degree Days (HDD) of 2,700 for Langley, as per Table C-2 in Division B - Appendix C of the BC Building Code shall be used for adjusted TEDI calculations.
Please note, we are aware of a feature in 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.
| Part 9 - Permit Documentation for energy compliance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The below table summarizes the required documentation at the Building Permit stage and Occupancy Permit stage for all buildings showing compliance with Section 9.36 Energy Efficiency of the BC Building Code 2018 (Rev 5):
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| Part 3 - Permit Documentation for energy compliance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table summarizes the required documentation at the building permit stage and occupancy permit stage for buildings showing compliance with 10.2.3 Energy Step Code of the BC Building Code 2018:
All other Part 3 buildingsFor buildings showing compliance with Section 10.2 Energy Efficiency, except for Subsection 10.2.3 of the BC Building Code 2018, the following documentation is required at building permit stage:
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| Energy conservation and GHG emission reduction Development Permit Area (GHG DPAs) requirements | ||||||||
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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:
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. |
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| Rebates and incentives - Township of Langley GBRP | ||||||||
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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
Renovation
The below flowcharts outline the GBRP process at the Township:
Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.
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| Grants, Rebates, and Incentives - external | ||||||||
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All grants, rebates and incentives are subject to availability. Confirm availability and/or eligibility with the appropriate rebate provider. Grants to address housing supply challengesGrants are now available from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for innovative solutions to improve construction-related barriers to housing supply. Learn more. New construction rebatesCleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program: The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates of 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 PDF outlines 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, open the dropdown above, Rebates and incentives – Township of Langley GBRP. Renovation rebatesThe federal and provincial governments are offering thousands of dollars in rebates for energy efficient home upgrades. Eligible projects include insulation, water heating, windows, and space heating for your home. The table below provides high-level information on these rebates; please visit program websites for the most up-to-date information.
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