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 Energy certified standards are recognized as pathways to meet Vancouver Building By-law energy requirements, rezoning conditions, and also serve as applicable standards to qualify for a number of discretionary zoning variances.

Rezoning projects

All rezoning applications submitted after May 1, 2017, are required to meet near zero standards or low emissions targets. This requirement can be met by constructing to Passive House, CHBA Net Zero Homes, and other accepted standard.

Zoning variances

Single-family homes and duplexes

Zoning variances in RS, RT, and RA district schedules

Discretionary zoning variances are available for high performance projects that meet acceptable standards in RS, 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, please consult the Guidelines for the Administration of Variances for Zero Emissions Buildings in RS, RT, and RA Districts (334 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 larger 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 Passive House relaxations - guidelines for larger projects (124 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

In addition to the following standards below, we may accept other proposed standards for building code compliance, rezoning applications, and zoning variances at the discretion of the Director of Planning.

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.

Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) – LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) offers four levels of certification (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) representing a wide range of green building strategies that fits best with a particular project’s constraints and goals.

Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) – Zero Carbon

The CaGBC Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard provides a focus on the carbon balance of a building across its life-cycle, including construction and operation. It is applicable to all buildings except homes and small multi-family residential buildings.