What is the Impact of the BC Building Code Going Green?
May 6th, 2008 Categories: Green Condos, Vancouver Real Estate
In February 2007 the BC Government signaled that a “BC Green Building Code” would be developed to help reduce global warming.
Their goals are identification and removal of barriers to sustainable building practices within current codes and regulations. Identification and proposal of new provisions for green buildings regulation and implementation of new provisions through administration, education and training.
The green building provisions will focus on sustainable sites, water conservation , energy conservation, materials and indoor environment.
Realtors will be indirectly impacted by the proposals as they will be encouraged to recognize and communicate a home’s green features and the related benefits.
Bill 10 was introduced in April by the Province’s Housing Minister. It gives municipalities the authority to create bylaws to conserve energy or water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means some building materials and practices might not meet local government or BC building code standards, thereby increasing the hoops developers have to jump through.
Polygon Homes CEO Neil Chrystal says “if anything greener requirements will simply add a lot of cost to the buildings, which will impact affordability.” He added that “the risk in all of this is that people react too quickly to impose new standards, that maybe have not been property tested.”
Maureen Enser, executive director of the Urban Development Institute believes the bill is a positive step for ward for the province.
Bob Laurie, co-chairman of the Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition said prices will rise because there aren’t enough green technologies available for developers. “Industry is behind in the evolution of technological change.” He added that higher start up costs will mean lower energy costs in the long run.
There are a number of Green Condos being built around the City. If you are interested in purchasing one, fill out my contact form and read other articles I’ve written about Green Homes.
Quite a difference of opinions. What do you think of the BC Government’s Green Building Code? Does it go far enough or not? If not, what else would you like to see? What do you like most about Green Condos? Are you willing to pay more for a property that is more Green?
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Hi Maggie,
Interesting stuff.
“Realtors will be indirectly impacted by the proposals as they will be encouraged to recognize and communicate a home’s green features and the related benefits.” This comment raised a question.
From my perspective as a building materials manufacturer: what impact - if any - do/will realtors have on the demand for green building products? We make interior doors that earn high marks for recycle content, no VOCs, no added urea-formaldehyde, rapidly renewable resources (bambo door skins and agfiber door cores), certified wood and product durability. Is it worth it (yet) for a realtor to recognize and promote products like ours over less environmentally intelligent choices? Keeping in mind that we are already busy telling our story to builders, developers, architects and designers — is it worth our while to educate the realtor community? If so, how best to do so?
http://www.lyndendoor.com/files/Feb4c_LD_GreenDorSellSheet.pdf
Best,
Mitch
Comment by Mitchell Toews — May 7, 2008 #
thanks for the comment mitch.
yes, i definitely think its worthwhile educating the realtors. i guess in the long run the consumer is the one who demands more Green Homes and moves the industry forward, and of course the new legislation. If one wishes to keep current with ones ones clients then you have to keep abreast of the changes that are taking place. I’d suggest a course run by the Real Estate Board or a guest speaker at our Division Meetings. let me know if i can be of further help
Comment by Maggie — May 7, 2008 #