1. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Urban Gymnastics: Is it Possible to Get Around Regulations that Don’t Support Designing for Energy Efficiency? Renewable Cities Global Learning Forum Patricia Bell Community Energy Association May 11, 2015

2. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Community Energy Association Purpose CEA is a charitable non-profit society CEA is the trusted independent advisor to local governments We are helping local governments close the implementation gap Accelerate Climate Action with People and Projects Awareness & Recognition Workshops & Presentations Research & Publications Collaboration Climate & Energy Action Awards Projects Planning Implementation Technology Acceleration

3. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Community Energy Association Corporate Members

4. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Community Energy Association Municipal Members

5. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Context National Building Code Provincial Building Codes BC Building Code Local Building Bylaws Related Bylaws

6. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Context The Playing Field Province and industry prefer consistency Many local governments would like to just implement the building code but feel it is not aggressive enough New building code (Dec 2014) is better but not great New Building Act reinforces provincial jurisdiction - no local government building bylaws and restrictions on building related content in official plans, zoning bylaws, other bylaws BUT voluntary programs offering incentives are OK!

7. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Context

8. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Context

9. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Voluntary Programs Offering Incentives – OK!

10. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Voluntary Programs Offering Incentives – OK! City of North Vancouver Density Bonusing Bylaw Incents all new buildings and homes to meet EnerGuide 80 requirements. Two levels of permissible density for each zone. In single family and duplex zones, basements are included in permissible floor area if building code standards are met. Basements are excluded from permissible floor area if you build to EG 80. This allows for builders and developers to increase sale profits through larger housing units, while offsetting much of the incremental costs associated with increased energy efficiency. Since the bylaw was adopted, 95% of developments have accepted the incentive. Uptake is estimated to have reduce GHG emissions by 440 tonnes between adoption and 2013 and reduce electricity consumption by 1.3 GWh..

11. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Voluntary Programs Offering Incentives – OK! Township of Langley Building Permit Fee Rebate Program Process: Analyze historical building permit numbers and forecast future building permit demand Identify typical building permit fees Estimate incremental costs to builders for various targets Check for other incentives for various targets Estimate program operating costs Evaluate possible program options against goals Select option Consult with stakeholders Identify short (pilot phase) and long term source of funds to support the rebate (combination of increased building permit fees, grants, operating budget)

12. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Voluntary Programs Offering Incentives – OK! Builders will also receive a rebate related to the cost of assessment – about $300 Programs costs estimated at $60,000 - $70,000 per year, covered through existing operating budgets, proceeds from modified building permit application fee structure and, initially, an BC Hydro grant.

13. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Guiding Questions (and some thoughts) 1.What role and cities and the private sector play? 2.What market mechanisms can be leveraged to overcome barriers? Some thoughts: Incentive programs (rebates, additional floor space) Education and information to support existing consumer demand: Realtors Builders Public

14. www.communityenergy.bc.ca Thank-you! Patricia Bell Manger of Planning & Director of Education pebell@communityenergy.bc.ca 604-936-0470

15. www.communityenergy.bc.ca EXTRA SLIDE: Voluntary Programs Offering Incentives – OK!

16. www.communityenergy.bc.ca EXTRA SLIDE: Voluntary Programs Offering Incentives – OK! Building permit fees were averaging $2,119 for SFD and $1,525 for MFD