Energy requirements for home renovations

Vancouver Building By-law requirements

The required upgrades depend depend on the year of the renovation's permit application and the total cost of the project. Homes completing EnerGuide assessments External website, opens in new tab must submit a renovation energy upgrade proposal form, completed by your energy advisor.

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  Applications after February 28, 2025

  Total project cost	EnerGuide home evaluation and upgrades required?
  Less than $150,000	Not required
  $150,000 to $249,999	Existing gas hot water heating systems must be converted to an electric system
  Over $250,000	EnerGuide home evaluation (pre and post renovation) + select two (2) additional energy upgrades + install electric space and hot water heating systems

  Important note Questions? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre about your total project cost.

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  Applications before February 28, 2025

  Total project cost	EnerGuide home evaluation and upgrades required?
  Less than $20,000	Not required
  $20,000 to $74,999	EnerGuide home evaluation (pre-renovation)
  Between $75,000 and $249,000	EnerGuide home evaluation (pre and post renovation) + select two (2) additional energy upgrades
  More than $250,000 Information icon Effective January 1, 2023	EnerGuide home evaluation (pre and post renovation) + select two (2) additional energy upgrades + install electric space and hot water heating systems

  Important note Questions? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre about your total project cost.

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.

  1. Talk to an energy coach for general information

  The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Coach External link icon 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 External link icon

  2. Talk to City staff for specific information

  When you call, staff will direct you to a department that can help you.

  • Online: Renovate a house
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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?​
     • Homes completing a renovation with a value greater than $150,000 must complete a Renovation Energy Proposal and those over $250,000 must complete an EnerGuide Home Evaluation External website, opens in new tab.
     • An evaluation completed within the last 4 years is permitted, including new homes built within the last four years. 
     • Some renovations are exempted from requirements. See the list of exemptions in the Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal form.
     • 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 External website, opens in new tab
  4. Are you installing a heat pump?
     • Learn more about the permits required
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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 External website, opens in new tab
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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 External website, opens in new tab

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 External website, opens in new tab 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 External website, opens in new tab using EnerGuide’s New Homes mode when homes are under 600m² in area and 10,000m³ in volume.
  • Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) models External website, opens in new tab 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:

  The Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal (REUP) is the checklist required for all renovations valued over $150,000. It is filled out by an Energy Advisor.

  • Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal checklist (applications after January 1, 2022) Excel file (365 KB) 
  • Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal checklist (applications after January 1, 2023) Excel file (368 KB)
  • Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal checklist (applications after February 28, 2025) Excel file (367 KB)

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 PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (1.5 MB)

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

  Landscaping PDF file (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 PDF file (1.4 MB)

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

  Painting PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (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.

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