Energize Vancouver

The Energize Vancouver initiative does not apply to single-family homes.

Find information on retrofit incentives and requirements: Review the energy requirements for home renovations

Upgraded and retrofitted buildings provide healthier, safer, and more comfortable indoor spaces, while reducing emissions that contribute to climate change and improving energy performance.

Energize Vancouver is our multi-year initiative to: 

  • Reduce the carbon pollution produced by existing commercial and multi-family buildings 
  • Accelerate the shift to healthier, more affordable, and more resilient homes, offices, and stores 

What's happeningJoin us at our next upcoming webinar: December 4

On Wednesday, December 4 at 10am, staff will share results from the first year of energy and carbon reporting and launch these 2 new resources to support the Energize Vancouver initiative:

  • An interactive Energize Vancouver reporting map
  • Performance scorecards for buildings reported in the first year

This webinar will provide building owners, managers, and consultants a valuable snapshot of how to use the data from these resources to achieve the 2026 and 2040 greenhouse gas and heat energy intensity targets. 

Who needs to measure and report

Report energy and greenhouse gas emissions data 

Existing large commercial buildings must report their energy and greenhouse gas emissions data by June 1, 2024.

Review steps and report data

The Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law  (212 KB) requires owners and managers of existing large commercial and multi-family buildings to measure and report:  

  • How much energy each building uses 
  • The greenhouse gas intensity (GHGi) of each building

These regulations are being implemented:

  • Using a phased approach based on building size
  • To support equipment replacement in capital plans

Commercial buildings

Requirements for owners and managers of existing large commercial buildings (retail, office, and more).

Multi-family buildings and hotels

Requirements for owners and managers of existing large multi-family buildings.

Starting in 2027, owners and managers of large office and retail buildings (greater than or equal to 9,290 square metres or 100,000 square feet) will have to get an annual operating permit.

The fees for these permits will be determined by the 2026 greenhouse gas intensity (GHGi).

Reduction of GHG emissions

Large commercial and multi-family buildings that need to take action to reduce GHG emissions can: 

  • Implement efficiency measures to reduce the natural gas and district energy consumption 
  • Replace mechanical equipment with high efficiency alternatives 
  • Choose a renewable energy rate option through FortisBC or their district energy provider 

Greenhouse gas intensity limits

Greenhouse gas and heat energy intensity limits for office and retail buildings.

Regulatory requirements by data year

  • 2023

    Annual energy and carbon reporting:

    • Commercial greater than 9,290 metres (100,000 square feet)
    • First reporting deadline: June 1, 2024

  • 2024

    Annual energy and carbon reporting:

    • Commercial greater than 4,645 square metres (50,000 square feet)
    • Multi-family greater than 9,290 square metres (100,000 square feet)
    • First reporting deadline: June 1, 2025

  • 2025

    Annual energy and carbon reporting:

    • Multi-family greater than 4,645 square metres (50,000 square feet)
    • First reporting deadline: June 1, 2026

  • 2026

    GHGi limits come into effect for commercial office and retail buildings greater than 9,290 square metres (100,00 square feet):

    • Office = 25 kilograms CO2e/square metres/year
    • Retail = 14 kilograms CO2e/square metres/year
    • First reporting deadline: June 1, 2027

  • 2040

    GHGi limits come into effect for commercial office and retail buildings greater than 9,290 square metres (100,00 square feet):

    • Office and retail = 0 kilograms CO2e/square metres/year
    • First reporting deadline: June 1, 2041

  • 2040

    Heat energy limit for commercial buildings greater than 9,290 square metres (100,000 square feet):

    • Office and retail = 0.09 gigajoule/square metres/year
    • First reporting deadline: June 1, 2041

Technical Advisory Committee 

Our Technical Advisory Committee is helping shape the technical details of energy and carbon reporting requirements for existing large commercial and multi-family buildings. 

The Technical Advisory Committee currently has vacancies. Apply today to join the committee.  

Related pages 

Need help?

Review FAQ, guides, and training videos that explain how to register properties in ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® and our Building Performance Reporting System. 

If you can’t find an answer to your question, contact us and schedule and appointment by:  

Subscribe for updates

Join the Energize Vancouver mailing list to learn about upcoming requirements and support for existing large commercial and multi-family buildings. Receive reminders of important deadlines. 

* Indicates required fields

View Privacy Policy