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Energy and environmental design standards

Mole Hill, a non-profit housing site in Vancouver subsidized by BC Housing that employs sustainable practices.
Energy and environmental design standards are included in the design and construction standards required for all new non-profit developments receiving funding through BC Housing. The Development Services team at BC Housing uses the following environment design standards for large and small buildings:

Environmental design standards for large buildings
Large multi-family buildings, such as the Independent Living BC developments, follow the BC Housing Design and Construction Standards requiring compliance in the following areas:

  • Model National Energy Code of Canada for buildings (MNECB)
    To establish an energy performance standard, non-profit developments are required to use use 25% less energy than the MNECB. Non profit owners and their design consultants are encouraged to consider products and systems that reduce life cycle or long term operating costs. For example, some projects have incorporated geothermal heating systems, as an alternative to conventional energy sources, which will result in long-term energy savings.
  • Energy Star & BC Hydro Power Smart products  - For over 10 years, BC Housing has required that projects incorporate the following Power Smart approved products.
  • Water reducing fixtures - BC Housing requires water reducing fixtures in all large building projects such as low-flow toliets and low-flow showers.
  • Job site recycling – BC Housing recommends, where facilities are available, that construction sites follow a construction waste management plan, as described in the GVRD Job Site Recycling Guide.
Environment design standards for small buildings
Small single family dwellings, such new group homes, are required to meet the following environmental practices:

  • Reduce energy consumption - In support of our partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR), BC Housing has voluntarily adopted the EnerGuide 80 standard for all new group homes. Click here for information on the EnerGuide program .
  • Improve indoor air quality
For more information:


For more information please contact the web editor
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