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The 2014 Vancouver Building Bylaw (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 built after 2009 do not require an EnerGuide assessment.
Home renovations may require the following:
| Total project cost | EnerGuide Home Evaluation and upgrades required? |
|---|---|
| Less than $5,000 | Not required |
| $5000 to $24,999 | EnerGuide Home Evaluation |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | EnerGuide Home Evaluation + air sealing |
| More than $50,000 | EnerGuide Home Evaluation + air sealing + improve attic insulation |
Questions? Call 3-1-1 to talk to City of Vancouver staff 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 BC Home Energy Coach Program 
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: bcenergycoach.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: 3-1-1.
1. Answer a few questions about your project.
- Does your renovation require a permit?
- Does your renovation require an EnerGuide evaluation?
- Use this flowchart
(155 KB) to see if you will need an EnerGuide Home Evaluation . The questions on the flowchart will guide you to next steps. If you do need an assessment, find an Energy Advisor.
- Use this flowchart
- Is your home a registered heritage home or City-registered character home?
- Heritage homes may be eligible for energy upgrade relaxations. Read about:
2. Find an Energy Advisor.
An Energy Advisor will come to your home and perform your EnerGuide Home Evaluation from basement to attic.
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.
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:
(828 KB)
Resources for new work in renovations
Any new work completed as part of your renovation must meet the Vancouver Building Bylaw 2014 requirements. These documents can help you to meet the requirements.
Information for clients
- Single Family Home Renovations: What you need to know to meet Vancouver’s energy requirements (58 KB)
Air-tightness
To reduce air leaks as much as possible and achieve air-tightness below 3.5 air changes per hour, read:
Better walls and envelopes
Windows and doors
- Windows and doors FAQ (60 KB)
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)
Solar rooftop installations
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 (498.43 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 (927.56 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 (1122.72 KB)
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 (1185.18 KB)
A green renovation requires a new approach to design and construction. Make sure you get help from professionals who understand this new approach.
Roofing (1510.71 KB)
The choices you make when re-roofing your home can help protect the environment - and your budget.
Landscaping (2508.34 KB)
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 (1353.96 KB)
Energy efficient lighting can be both stylish and functional. Learn how to incorporate creative green lighting into your home.
Painting (935.31 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 (1237.20 KB)
Use this guide to make sure your new sustainable kitchen is not only durable, safe, and efficient, but welcoming, too.
Bath and laundry (957.78 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 (715.46 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.
Special offers
Grants, rebates, and incentives
Ask the Energy Coach
Call 1-844-881-9790
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Visit bcenergycoach.ca .
Contact us
Talk to City staff about renovations or new home updates.
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.
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
