Green Buildings Resources and Education
The Township of Langley is pleased to host educational events throughout the year. These events will help builders, realtors, inspectors, and the public transition towards a world of high-performance buildings through workshops and expert presentations. This page is updated regularly, please check back often for more information on upcoming educational events. Past event resources are also available on this page at any time for your review.
Builder Forum Series on-demand learning portal
Upcoming Educational Events
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Builder Forum Series information
Past educational events
| Builder Forum Series presentations and videos |
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The Township of Langley is committed to providing ongoing educational opportunities for the local construction community. The Builder Forum Series events are held seasonally and cover topics such as high performance building and the BC Energy Step Code. Below you can find materials from our past Builder Forum Series events. Builder Forum Series: Zero Carbon Step Code 201, June 26, 2024In this online workshop, learn how to comply with the Zero Carbon Step Code from a builder’s perspective, the CSA F280 Standard, and Overheating Requirements, 9.33.3.1.(2), per BC Building Code 2024. Tom Giltenan, a builder, and Energy Advisor, from Bernhardt Construction covered how to comply with the Zero Carbon Step Code and implications for buildings, the importance of F280 calculations, and how they save on installation and operational costs with a look at the new cooling requirements. The presentation explored what typical mechanical systems will look like going forward and considers when dual-fuel and/or hybrid systems are truly beneficial. Todd Backus, Manager of Program Development at TECA, detailed heat loss & heat gain calculations for Part 9 buildings, which must conform with the CSA F280 standard, a requirement in the BC Building Code. The presentation highlighted some common errors and provided useful tips for reviewing the calculation results, including the use of a heat gain calculation to determine the cooling requirements for the new 26°C refuge room. Bertine Stelzer, Program Manager, from BC Hydro was also in attendance and provided a brief update on what is happening behind the scenes to support electrification and to answer some frequently asked questions.
Realtor Event: Selling Energy Efficient and Low Carbon Homes, June 6, 2024Energy efficient and low carbon homes are the future of real estate. New homes are designed to be more energy efficient and with reduced operational carbon. What does this mean for the homeowner? Realtors who sell new and pre-sale homes were invited to learn more about how to communicate the benefits and features of these homes to potential homeowners. Attending this workshop equipped realtors with the tools and information to confidently describe what makes these homes better for future owners. Builder Forum Series: Zero Carbon Step Code 101, April 25, 2024Emma Conway of E3 Eco Group Inc focused on the basics of Zero Carbon Step Code for Part 9 Homes. The webinar covered:
Township of Langley staff provided updates on building permit requirements, educational opportunities, and how we are making Building Permits easier to apply for. Builder's Breakfasts: High Performance Building Envelopes and Step Code for Part 9 Homes (February 22 and 23, 2024)Workshop 1This half-day workshop started with an introduction to building envelope, the current energy efficiency trends, and the importance of a holistic approach to energy efficiency when dealing with higher levels of BC Energy Step Code. Following that, practical, holistic, and insightful solutions for addressing the above-mentioned three challenges were presented based on several recently completed, fully exterior insulated wood-framed buildings in BC. Workshop 2This half-day workshop focused on bringing the learning of workshop 1 into practice by dividing participants into several groups to collaborate with their counterparts in developing various full-scale, coloured exterior insulated details based on the concepts covered in workshops 1 and 2. During this highly interactive session, Hamid Heidarali and his team visited each group, reviewed their details, and provided tailored comments and feedback. On Site Step 5 (Net Zero) Workshop Series (August 1, 2, and 3)The series includes four different workshops focused on different aspects of the design and construction of a townhome, including permitting and inspections, energy efficient and airtight envelopes, and high-performance mechanical systems.
Builder Forum Series - Step 4 in the Township & Upper Steps: Design Best Practices (July 11, 2023)Pat Cuthbert of Aqua-Coast Engineering presented this webinar with an overview of the upper Step Code targets and how they differ from the lower steps. He also outlined the role of the Energy Advisor in the design and permit application process, and best practices for architecture and building enclosure design for the upper steps. It included a summary of airtightness testing requirements and best practices, as well as best practices for mechanical (HVAC and DHW) design for the upper steps. He also shared examples of Part 9 projects that meet the upper steps, and led a brief discussion on occupancy thermal comfort (i.e. overheating) and how it relates to the upper steps. Township of Langley staff provided an update on the upcoming Step 4 requirements. Integrated Design Process (IDP) for Part 9 Buildings (October 26, 2022)Larry Clay of Clay Construction Inc. presented at this webinar about the difference between conventional design process and IDP, effectively conducting IDP for Step 4/5 buildings with examples, and key stakeholders in the IDP process. Nicholas Bell of Foxridge Homes (Qualico Developments) also provided information on how Step Code has changed the building process and how he uses IDP in his projects. Township of Langley staff provided a short update at the beginning of the webinar. Part 9 Upper Steps + Step Code Consultation (June 28, 2022)Dallas Hordichuk of Bernhardt Contracting presented this webinar on best practices for designing high performance Part 9 buildings. This included differences between upper and lower steps, as well as Net Zero and Net Zero Energy Ready strategies with respect to different building components (mechanical, envelope, aesthetics, and more). The webinar also included a presentation on the proposed BC Energy Step Code updates to the Township’s Building Bylaw 4642. From Design to Testing Day: Strategies for Airtight Part 3 Buildings (December 7, 2021)Einar Halbig of E3 Eco Group presented this webinar on: why airtightness is important for P3 buildings; components of a P3 building’s air barrier and their relative importance in ensuring airtightness; details about the final blower door test and how to prepare for it; and best practices and lessons learned for making P3 buildings airtight. The Township of Langley Green Buildings team also gave an update at the beginning of the presentation on upcoming P3 Non-Residential Step Code adoption and associated consultation, the Township of Langley’s Green Building Rebate Program, and a Compliance Talk by our Building Energy Specialist, Ajeen Surendran.
Step Code 5 and Form (September 21, 2021)The Township of Langley hosted this online builder forum to share information related to design strategies for meeting Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code. The first presentation was by Ezgi Yuruk, our 2021 Sustainability Scholar. She went over her survey results and findings from an ambitious summer project titled “Making Buildings Greener: Identifying Building Trades that Need Support to Successfully Implement Airtight Residential Building Envelopes”. The main presentation was by Mark Bernhardt of Bernhardt Contracting who covered Step 5 requirements, articulation of buildings to meet Step 5, key performance parameters, overheating in Part 9, and cost-effective energy conservation measures. There will be no webinar recording due to technical difficulties with our webinar software. Passive Cooling and Step Code (June 1, 2021)This webinar was presented by Monte Paulsen, Associate and Passive House Specialist at RDH Building Science. Topics covered included: what is passive cooling, why it is important, implications from climate change, example of passive cooling strategies, and cost-effective passive cooling options.
Fenestration and Step Code (March 23, 2021)The Township of Langley and Cascadia Windows & Doors presented information related to Fenestration and Step Code at this Builder Forum Series webinar. This 2 hour presentation goes into topics such as: Township of Langley updates, CleanBC New Home Construction Program, and a comprehensive and integrated approach to envelope and fenestration performance, with a focus on cost-optimized solutions for meeting current and upcoming BC Energy Step Code requirements by Michael Bousfield of Cascadia Windows & Doors. Sponsored by BC Hydro.
Ventilation and Step Code (January 27, 2021)The Township of Langley and Focal Engineering presented information related to Ventilation and Step Code at this Builder Forum Series webinar. This 1.5 hour presentation goes into topics such as: Township of Langley updates, Key Design Strategies for Ventilation in Part 9 and Part 3 buildings, and Other Design Considerations for Ventilation. Sponsored by BC Hydro and FortisBC.
Airtightness Techniques and Heat Pump Best Practices (November 19, 2020)The Township of Langley hosted this online builder forum to share information related to airtightness techniques for Steps 3, 4, and 5, and heat pump best practices. Presenters included: Einar Halbig of E3 EcoGroup Ltd. and Mikhael Horvath of Enforma Engineering Inc. Township staff also provided updates on municipal building programs and Step Code implementation. Sponsored by BC Hydro and FortisBC.
Building Envelope Energy Efficiency – How to Avoid Surprises (Feb. 6, 2020)The Township of Langley hosted this builder forum series event in partnership with the City of Abbotsford and City of Surrey to share information on building envelope energy efficiency and how it relates to the BC Energy Step Code. Hamid Heidarali of Hamid Design Build Ltd. explained a holistic approach to building energy efficiently within the airtightness and thermal performance requirements of the BC Energy Step Code. This event was an educational partnership with BC Hydro, and sponsored by FortisBC. Airtightness (Apr. 25, 2019)In partnership with the City of Surrey, the Township of Langley organized a training forum on airtightness and the BC Energy Step Code. As airtightness is an essential measure in achieving the BC Energy Stop Code performance targets, local builders and industry experts presented on air barriers and how to achieve Step Code-level airtightness. Step Code Updates: Airtightness presentations:
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UBC Scholar Projects |
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Our UBC Sustainability Scholars are researching and writing reports to help inform the Township’s adoption of the BC Energy Step Code and better understand how builders are adapting to create green buildings in our community. See details of the research findings in these reports. Research to understand gaps in the BC Building Code as applied to high performance building design and constructionThis research aims to identify possible gaps and actively enhance the knowledge of the Alternative Solutions Pathway within the BC Building Code. (2023) High Performance Buildings DatabaseView photos and see how high performance buildings are taking shape in our communities. (2022) Making buildings greenerIdentifying building trades that need support to successfully implement airtight residential building envelopes. (2021) Implementing the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 (Non-Residential) buildings in Township of LangleyThis project aims to provide a pathway for implementation of the Step Code for Part 3 (Non-Residential) Buildings in the Township of Langley. (2020) |
| BC Energy Step Code Demonstration Home presentations and videos |
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The Township of Langley presented a series of Energy Step Code Demonstration Home tours and workshops in partnership with Clay Construction, BC Hydro, and City Green. The goal of the August workshops was to demonstrate techniques and training at an active construction site to help the construction industry meet the BC Energy Step Code performance targets. In December, the completed home hosted Realtors and the public to showcase its energy efficient features. Industry experts presented during an afternoon workshop and an evening open house. Project Case StudyProject Summary VideosPresentation slides
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| Other educational resources |
Webinar: are you considering purchasing a heat pump?Learn what a heat pump is, how to find a program registered contractor, and what rebates and financial supports are available to help you upgrade your heating and cooling system. Please note that all rebate amounts shown in the webinars are reflective of what was available the date the webinar was recorded. For the most up to date information, visit CleanBC’s website and the federal Canada Greener Homes Program website. November 8, 2022 webinarApril 12, 2022 webinarOctober 19, 2021 webinarApril 20, 2021 webinarWorking with an Energy Advisor (prepared by Community Energy Association, CHBA-BC, and CACEA)This 3-slide Roadmap explains the process of working with an Energy Advisor. A checklist is included on the last page for Modelling Information Requirements and Air Leakage Testing. |