For Immediate Release
February 07, 2018
VICTORIA – To help the building community prepare for new energy-efficiency standards in B.C., Passive House Canada and design and construction industry leaders present the latest developments in high-performance building at BUILDEX Vancouver, February 14–15.
Every year, more Passive House energy-efficient six-storey multi-residential buildings, high rises and institutional buildings are being planned and constructed in B.C. The construction industry is changing as building professionals, developers, manufacturers, and public officials seek to deliver these high-performance buildings and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.
“Building codes are changing to require greater energy efficiency in communities across Canada, and it’s important industry understand the benefits and requirements in designing and constructing high-performance buildings,” says Passive House Canada CEO Rob Bernhardt, one of the presenters at the Passive House seminars at BUILDEX Vancouver. “Industry leaders have come together at BUILDEX to share their knowledge and experience with B.C.’s building community.”
The Passive House Standard is recognized internationally as the proven best way to build for comfort, affordability and energy efficiency of residential, institutional and commercial buildings through all stages of design, construction and liveability.
The standard aligns with the goals of the B.C. Government’s Energy Step Code, the City of Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Buildings Plan and BuildSmart, Canada’s new buildings strategy, which aim to make high-performance, energy-efficient buildings the norm within the next 15 years.
High-performance buildings use up to 90 per cent less energy, require little maintenance, and are comfortable and quiet regardless of the weather outside. Passive House buildings are the most energy-efficient of the high-performance buildings.
Hundreds of high-performance buildings are in planning, design and construction in B.C. They include single-family and multi-unit homes, commercial, institutional and mixed-use buildings, and low- and high-rise buildings.
About Passive House Canada
Passive House Canada is a national non-profit professional association that advocates for the Passive House high-performance building standard and educates and trains professionals in the building industry. It offers dozens of courses every year, including in many B.C. communities.
