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Provincial | Existing Building Renewal Strategy
The Province’s Building Standards and Safety Branch (BSSB) is developing an Existing Building Renewal Strategy for existing buildings to become more energy efficient and safer during climate change-induced events. This strategy aligns with the forthcoming National Existing Building Code and Adaptation Strategy in 2024. The BSSB is developing a code for alterations to existing buildings to incorporate energy-efficiency standards into the BC Building Code and create new standards to mitigate the effects of climate change through improved building resiliency. The strategy will launch at the end of the year followed by continued engagement with the industry to ensure a successful implementation starting in 2024.
Measures include mandating the highest efficiency standards for all new space and water heating equipment by 2030 and enhancing energy efficiency programs to encourage electrification, as well as new standards to support building resiliency.
BOMA BC Advocacy to date
BOMA BC was a key stakeholder at all Provincial consultations over the past year and has written to the Province to express our views. To mitigate financial and operational impacts to our members, BOMA BC has consistently advocated for policies that minimize disruption to our industry, including:
- Flexible policies as commercial properties vary according to building type, ownership structure, and age.
- Targeted tax incentives or financing tools to incentivize energy retrofit uptake and minimize financial impacts.
- Education and support for industry to navigate any new codes and programs.
What’s next?
February 2022: Province to share summary report of industry engagement.
2022-2024: Province to engage with industry on implementation.
2024: Adoption of Existing Buildings Renewal Strategy.
Stay tuned to hear more about the Province’s strategy. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts about this initiative, please contact Zach Segal, our Director of Government Relations at zsegal@boma.bc.ca, or 604-684-3916 x. 225.?
