Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030

Vancouver, B.C., recently adopted a new policy requiring zero greenhouse gas emissions on new buildings by 2030.

All new buildings will have to be heated, cooled, and powered without any net emissions. Starting now, all new city-owned and Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency projects must meet the high standard. 

The head of the city’s green buildings program said new city projects will be a testing ground for techniques that will later be codified into the building standards. By 2025, all rezoned residential developments will have to achieve net-zero.  All other new buildings must reach the standard by 2030.

The city council will fund a non-governmental Zero Emissions Building Centre of Excellence to dispense information and advice on how to reach net zero. It is expected that much of what will need to be done reach the ambitious goal involves tightening the building envelope.