Energy requirements for single family and 1-3 storey home renovations

The 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) requires that you perform energy-efficient measures when you renovate your home. Any new work must also comply with the VBBL including ventilation systems, walls, roof, and room additions.

Renovating a larger building? Visit the energy requirements for large and retail and commercial buildings page.

VBBL upgrades depend on the year of the home and the cost of the project. Homes completing EnerGuide assessments must submit a Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal form (485 KB), completed by your Energy Advisor.

Home renovations may require the following:

Total project cost	EnerGuide Home Evaluation and upgrades required?
Less than $20,000	Not required
$20,000 to $74,999	EnerGuide Home Evaluation
More than $75,000	EnerGuide Home Evaluation (pre and post) + air sealing + improve attic insulation

Questions? Call our Development and Building Services Centre at 604-873-7611 about your total project cost

How to meet your renovation energy upgrade requirements

Before you start, talk to an expert
Speak with experts from the BC Home Energy Coach Program and the City of Vancouver.

1. Talk to an Energy Coach for general information

The CleanBC Better Homes is unbiased, expert advice for all stages of your energy-saving home improvement project. It explains draft-proofing, insulation, ventilation, heating and cooling systems, water-heating systems, windows and doors, and appliances and lighting. It also includes easy-to-use tools, guidelines to EnerGuide and contractors, and incentive rebates and offers.
- Phone: 1-844-881-9790
- Online: betterhomesbc.ca
2. Talk to City of Vancouver staff for specific information

When you call, staff will direct you to a department that can help you.
- Phone: 604-873-7611
1. Answer a few questions about your project
1. Does your renovation require a permit?
  - Find out what work requires a permit
2. Does your renovation require an EnerGuide evaluation?
  - Homes completing a renovation with a value greater than $20,000 must complete a Renovation Energy Proposal and an EnerGuide Home Evaluation . An evaluation completed within the last 4 years is permitted. If you do need an assessment, find an Energy Advisor.
3. Is your home a registered heritage home or City-registered character home?
  - Heritage homes may be eligible for energy upgrade relaxations. Read about:
    
    Home assessments for character homes before a renovation
    
    Grants for heritage and character homes
2. Find an Energy Advisor
An Energy Advisor will come to your home and perform your EnerGuide Home Evaluation from basement to attic.
- Find an Energy Advisor
3. Review your EnerGuide Home Evaluation and required upgrades
After the Energy Advisor leaves your home, they prepare an EnerGuide Home Report that they share with you. It includes an EnerGuide rating and recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades.

The Energy Advisor will also notify the City on your behalf of the energy efficiency upgrades to be included in your renovation. It's required by the current building bylaw.
- You could qualify for a grant, rebate, or other incentives

For Energy Advisors and building professionals

As an Energy Advisor, you conduct EnerGuide home assessments and ensure homes under NRCan’s energy efficiency housing initiatives meet the required standards. We've gathered some tools and resources for your quick reference.

Models and checklists

Energy models we accept and inspection checklists.
Energy models we accept:
- EnerGuide HOT2000 models using EnerGuide’s New Homes mode when homes are under 600m² in area and 10,000m³ in volume.
- Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) models by trained passive house designers when homes use the passive house international standard or are above the area and volume limits for HOT2000 models.
Checklists:
- Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal checklist (485 KB)

Resources for homeowners

Green home renovation guides

The Green Home Renovation Guide series covers common remodeling topics, giving helpful hints on materials and strategies to create a home that's healthy, saves money, and is easy on the environment.

Green renovation overview (498 KB)

What is a green renovation, and why consider one? This overview guide explains how a green renovation works, shows you what it can look like, and gives helpful project tips.

Green home salvage and reuse (928 KB)

This 16-page guide is full of tips about how to reuse and recycle used building materials. Save money and be gentler on the planet.

Home energy audit (1.1 MB)

A tour of your home, using this guide and checklist will help you learn how well your home operates, and what upgrades can improve its performance.

Hiring a pro (1.2 MB)

A green renovation requires a new approach to design and construction. Make sure you get help from professionals who understand this new approach.

Roofing (1.5 MB)

The choices you make when re-roofing your home can help protect the environment - and your budget.

Landscaping (2.5 MB)

Using low maintenance and non-toxic materials for your landscape can give you beautiful results. Get these tips for lanscape elements, from pathways to pergolas.

Lighting (1.4 MB)

Energy efficient lighting can be both stylish and functional. Learn how to incorporate creative green lighting into your home.

Painting (935 KB)

The wrong paint can affect air quality inside your house, and cause smog outside. Learn to choose paints that meet your needs, while protecting air quality.

Kitchen (1.2 MB)

Use this guide to make sure your new sustainable kitchen is not only durable, safe, and efficient, but welcoming, too.

Bath and laundry (958 KB)

Bathrooms use large amounts of water and energy. Use this guide to help make important decicions about energy saving fixtures, flooring, and more.

Green homes buyer's guide (716 KB)

This two-page guide explains what makes a home a green home, includes details about green features, and provides 10 questions to ask about your future home.

Help us improve this page

Special offers

Grants, rebates, and incentives

Ask the Energy Coach

Call 1-844-881-9790

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Visit bcenergycoach.ca

EnerGuide and Energy Advisors

EnerGuide is a Canadian rating system for energy consumption. It describes a home’s energy efficiency. Energy Advisors are experts who are certified by Natural Resources Canada. They perform energy efficiency home evaluations according to EnerGuide standards, and provide advice and recommendations to both homeowners and home building professionals.

Learn more about EnerGuide, Energy Advisors, and home evaluations

Do you need a permit for your renovation?

Most common renovation, construction, or maintenance projects require a city permit.

Find out if you need a permit for your project, and learn the value of the City's permitting system.

See if you need a permit

Energy requirements for single family and 1-3 storey home renovations

Home renovations may require the following:

How to meet your renovation energy upgrade requirements

Before you start, talk to an expert

1. Answer a few questions about your project

2. Find an Energy Advisor

3. Review your EnerGuide Home Evaluation and required upgrades