Passive House Canada Welcomes B.C. Government, Calls for Course Correction on Energy Step Code

Statement from Chris Ballard, CEO, Passive House Canada

“Passive House Canada welcomes the election of John Horgan and his majority government in B.C. With economic recovery, health and climate top of mind for voters, we know that buildings have a critical role to play in delivering those outcomes they are looking for. Investments in infrastructure will support our economic growth, constructing high quality, low carbon buildings will provide British Columbians with healthier environments to live and work in.

By targeting passive house building performance levels for buildings, the province can achieve the emissions reduction targets in buildings critical to mitigate climate change and create climate change resilient buildings.

However, these outcomes will require leadership and determination. The government needs to act now to address issues with the B.C. Energy Step Code. It has become clear that while we have a sound framework in place through the Clean Energy Act, the implementation of the Step Code has gone awry. It has had its standards reduced, which has limited the industry’s ability to deliver better buildings.

This government has a window of opportunity to deliver real and measurable emissions reductions in buildings and to demonstrate to voters that it can deliver on the environmental issues British Columbians care about. We are optimistic about the road ahead and look forward to working with the Horgan government to achieve these goals.”

Our policy paper highlighting concerns about the changes to the B.C. Energy Step Code can be found here.

 

For more information please contact: Stephanie Phillips, Communications Manager, 416-578- 9786 [email protected] or visit us at www.passivehousecanada.com