Passive house, photo credit: Kingdom Home Builders, 2018

High performance building standards

Catalyst tools

To support innovation and design to high performance building standards, catalyst tools such as additional floor area allowances are available for multi-unit residential projects.

Find out more about catalyst tools

High performance buildings that meet Passive House and Net Zero certified standards are recognized as pathways to meet Vancouver Building By-law energy requirements and may qualify for a number of zoning variances.

Zoning variances

Low-density housing

Zoning variances in R1, RT, and RA district schedules

Discretionary zoning variances are available for high performance projects that meet acceptable standards in R1, RT, and RA district schedules. Variances include relaxations to floor space, height, and rear yard setback and building depth regulations.

For more information on zoning flexibility, accepted building standards, as well as guidance on the application process and submission requirements, read the Zero Emissions Buildings in R1, RT, and RA Bulletin (191 KB).

Passive House trained staff

For Passive House projects, ask if any of our Passive House-trained development planners, project coordinators, project facilitators, or inspectors are available to be assigned to your project.
Larger projects

Discretionary zoning variances are available for high performance projects that meet acceptable standards. Variances include relaxations to floor space, height, and rear yard setback and building depth regulations.

For more information on zoning flexibility, accepted building standards, as well as guidance on the application process and submission requirements, refer to the Larger Zero Emissions Bulletin (261 KB).

Passive House trained staff

For Passive House projects, ask if any of our Passive House-trained development planners, project coordinators, project facilitators, or inspectors are available to be assigned to your project.

Online resources, training, and case studies

Certified Passive House
What is a Passive House?

Passive House Explained in 90 Seconds from Hans-Jörn Eich on Vimeo

Learn more about the Passive House standard

Resources
- A Developer’s Guide to Passive House Buildings (1.95 MB)
- Passive House project map
- Passipedia is managed by the International Passive House Association, and acts as a comprehensive knowledge base for Passive House projects around the world.
- Guidelines for Blower Door Testing for Passive Houses (from GreenBuild, August 2015) (608 KB)
Courses and training
- Passive House training courses are available from various individuals, institutions, and companies. Courses are offered across Canada and include:
  - One Day Introduction to Passive House Design and Construction
  - Passive House Design and Construction Course
  - Passive House 5-day trades course
- BCIT Discount Passive House tradesperson course
Other high performance standards

CHBA Net Zero Energy

The Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) Net Zero Home Label applies to homes that produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis. It is applicable to homes that are eligible under the EnerGuide Rating System.

International Living Future Institute

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) offers a number of high performance standards including: Living Building, Core Green Building, Zero Energy, and Zero Carbon Standards.