Details for developers, designers, and builders

Vancouver is home to a number of established neighbourhood energy systems. Review a map of these systems (138 KB).

For developments located in the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) Service area (Southeast and Northeast False Creek, False Creek Flats, and parts of Mount Pleasant), connection is required as per Energy Utility System By-law 9552 (318 KB).

Refer to the NEU webpage for connection details and process requirements.

Low-carbon energy requirements for neighbourhood energy systems

The Low-Carbon Energy Systems Policy (120 KB) (approved by Council in 2017) outlines the various types of low-carbon neighbourhood energy systems recognized by the City and our associated requirements.

Buildings connected to City-recognized low-carbon energy systems are subject to energy performance limits under the Zero Emissions Building Plan.

Projects that require a rezoning or development permit
Projects that require a rezoning or development permit to proceed in areas adjacent to existing neighbourhood energy systems may have the option to connect to these third-party systems. Refer to the Low-Carbon Energy Systems Policy for further details and contact the energy provider directly.
Know how your project needs to be designed
- Contact the relevant neighbourhood energy provider for connectivity standards
- For details on how to demonstrate energy and GHG reductions for connecting to Low-Carbon Energy Systems, refer to the Energy Modelling Guidelines (319 KB)
Rezoning requirements for large development projects
In some instances, very large development projects can have unique low-carbon energy requirements as established in the Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments or the Higher Buildings Policy.

Read the Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments (173 KB) if your project:
- Involves a land parcel or parcels having a total site size of 8,000 m² (1.98 acres) or more, or,
- Contains 45,000m² (484,375 ft²) or more of new development floor area
Read the Higher Buildings Policy (536 KB) if your project:
- Is seeking significant additional height above current zoning and policy, or
- For those entering into the Queen Elizabeth Park or other Council Approved view corridors

Details for developers, designers, and builders

Low-carbon energy requirements for neighbourhood energy systems

Projects that require a rezoning or development permit

Rezoning requirements for large development projects