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Green Buildings

The philosophy of Green Building affects every stage of infrastructure development: design, construction, operation, and demolition. By utilizing an integrated design process, using carefully selected components, and adhering to best practices, a “green building” can be seen to offer a healthier and more comfortable occupant experience while minimizing the impacts it has on the environment. The Southeast False Creek residential community is one example of the steps the City of Vancouver is taking towards developing sustainable communities.

The Office of the Chief Building Official supports the advancement of building technology and green building design in the City of Vancouver through several initiatives:

• The Vancouver Building By-law: As one of three cities in Canada with Charter authority to modify provincial building codes, the City is actively incorporating green building objectives and standards into the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL). More information ›››

• The Alternative Solution Process: Should a project choose to utilize a design or product that falls outside of the prescriptive requirements of the VBBL, the submission of an Alternative Solution is possible. More information ›››

• The City of Vancouver Green Building Strategy: The City of Vancouver is seeking to develop a green building strategy for all single-family homes, as well as commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and high density residential buildings in the city of Vancouver.
  • COV Green Homes Program for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. More information ›››
  • COV Part 3 Green Building Strategy for Commercial and Multi-Unit Residential Buildings. More information ›››

• The South East False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility and By-law: The SEFC NEU By-law provides the regulatory framework to support the installation and operation of environmentally-friendly community energy systems. More information ›››

In addition to the initiatives listed above, members of the Office of the Chief Building Official are actively supporting the development of the British Columbia Green Building Code, and are members of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) Green Building Task Force.

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