Townhouses

Energy requirements for new single family and 1-3 storey homes

What you need to know

Vancouver Building By-law review update

On May 21, 2026, Council directed staff (125 KB) to undertake a comprehensive review, through an affordability lens, of the City’s housing and energy regulations – including the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL), the Energize Vancouver Program, and exploring alignment with the baseline provincial Energy Step Code, to identify opportunities to reduce duplication, costs, and delays.

Staff are now undertaking this review and will be reporting back to Council with recommendations in 2027.

At present, the Vancouver Building By-law has not changed, and all applicable provisions of the current by-law continue to apply to projects currently in stream, including energy and emissions requirements for new construction and major renovations.

Future amendments to the VBBL would apply only following industry consultation, a staff report-back, and Council formally approving by-law updates, which is not expected until 2027.

Financial compensation for low-carbon design and construction

Learn how you can get financial compensation by reducing the embodied carbon footprint of your new home. Apply to the Embodied Carbon Research Program .

Working on an existing building?

Are you designing or building a single-family or multi-family home? This information is for new, purely residential buildings 1 to 3 storeys tall, including:

  • One- and two-family homes
  • Townhomes and rowhomes
  • Laneway homes
  • Secondary suites
  • One to 3 storey stacked multi-family residential buildings

By 2030 all new homes will be zero emissions in operation. This is outlined in our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Zero Emissions Building Plan.

Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) requirements

For energy advisors and building professionals

As an energy advisor, you conduct EnerGuide home assessments and ensure homes meet the required standards. We've gathered some tools and resources for your quick reference.

Heat pump rebate and energy efficient enquiries

We don't administer heat pump rebate applications.

Contact a Clean BC Better Homes Energy Coach through their online form or by phone 1-844-881-9790.

Find out more about heat pumps