Energy requirements for single family home renovations

How to meet your renovation energy upgrade requirements

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  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.
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  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?​
     • 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.
  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 
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  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 
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  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.

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  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  (828 KB)
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  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:

  • Achieving airtight buildings - Illustrated guide (BC Housing)  

  Better walls and envelopes

  • Illustrated guide - R22+ Effective Walls in Residential Construction in BC  (2.2 MB)

  Windows and doors

  • Windows and doors FAQ  (60 KB)

  Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)

  • Maximizing furnace performance  (850 KB)
  • Heat recovery ventilation guide for houses  (2 MB)

  Solar rooftop installations

  • Get a permit for solar photovoltaic panels
  • National Resources Canada SolarReady Guidelines  (7.6 MB)

Resources for homeowners

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  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.