Townhouses

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

New building energy requirements

Changes to energy requirements for new 1-3 storey residential buildings will go in effect for all building permits submitted after January 1, 2022.

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

Working on an existing building?

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.

Rezoning requirements

Starting May 17, 2022, the Green Building Policy for rezoning no longer applies to new rezoning applications for 1-3 storey residential buildings.

For applications before this date:

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 do not 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