Energy requirements, forms, and checklists for all buildings

Design reduction targets for new buildings are zero emissions by 2030. Existing buildings shall be effectively zero emissions by 2040.

In 2014, we introduced Canada’s first energy code and by-law with energy upgrade requirements for existing buildings.

Some areas of Vancouver have been designated for the establishment of neighbourhood energy systems that supply thermal energy for heating, hot water, and in some cases, cooling. These areas have specific thermal requirements for buildings to connect and use neighbourhood energy services.

This energy webpage was created in 2013 to support ongoing industry awareness and provide pertinent information in real-time to maximize understanding of building industry requirements.

This page is targeted toward building industry designers and constructors and therefore uses industry terms and language.

Quick links to what’s on this page

Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials
Vancouver Building By-law
Project types and requirements
Planning policies and rezoning
VBBL Part 10: Requirements and classifications
VBBL Part 10: Energy standards and conditions
VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings)

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What's happeningLatest updates

Recent updates on this page:

Part 10’s Requirements and Classifications section has been expanded to support 2025 versions of Part 10
Section 11.2 within the Part 11 (Existing Buildings) section has been expanded to support 2025 versions of Section 11.2

Anticipated changes

Changes in the first half of 2025 will include:

The removal of references, checklists, and tools pertaining to NECB 2011 and ASHRAE 90.1-2010
The removal of references to the 2014 Vancouver Building By-law
The addition of references and documentation supporting Vancouver’s 2025 Vancouver Building By-law

ZEBx

Canada’s only Centre of Excellence for zero emission buildings
BC’s Centre of Excellence (ZEBx) is an industry serving and solutions-neutral non-profit, focused leading-edge design and construction to support a low-carbon future.

It hosts a number of resources for industry, including:
- Dialogues and seminars
- Product demonstrations
- Project tours
- Code, standard, and policy information
- Beyond code systems
- Subject matter question and answer opportunities
ZEBx is open to all and supports all sectors of the building industry throughout BC.

View their fall calendar for a full list of upcoming programming, and sign up for their monthly newsletter

Vancouver Building By-law

The Vancouver Building By-law (CBO) serves as the central hub for accessing past and present VBBLs, along with supporting documentation for the permitting process, including Letters of Assurance.

Review the Vancouver Building By-law (CBO)
Access the Vancouver Building By-law on the Province's print and digital publishing solutions platform (King's Printer)

Project types and requirements

Building types, sizes, and classifications

Building By-law energy/emissions requirements are applied to buildings based on the building size and major occupancy classification. Additional energy/emissions requirements may be applied through the rezoning process, when applicable.

Specifically, Article 10.2.1 of Part 10 within the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) differentiates new buildings by these criteria to establish the specific baseline energy/emissions requirements and options available for compliance. The range of compliance options includes Prescriptive, Performance, Trade-off, using EnerGuide, ASHRAE 90.1, NECB, Passive House, and/or ZEBP (Vancouver’s equivalent to the provincial Energy Step Code).
New construction, additions, reconstruction, and alterations projects

Design all new construction, additions, and reconstruction to the Vancouver Building By-law’s energy/emissions requirements of Part 10 (Subsection 10.2.1). Design all alterations projects to the energy/emissions requirements of Part 11 (Section 11.7). In all cases, submit a complete energy checklist with the building permit application.

Starting January 1, 2023, all additions, reconstruction, and alterations projects will no longer be subject to the energy upgrade mechanism requirements within Section 11.2 of the Vancouver Building By-law's Part 11.
Modelled buildings and projects (design enhancement and performance path)
The following links are provided to support an expanding energy modelling industry dedicated to providing improved levels of services to the building design industry.

The City of Vancouver encourages the use of building energy performance modelling as a design enhancement tool for new construction and alterations projects, in addition to its use as a compliance tool. For these reasons, we promote the awareness of a new professional practice guideline for members of AIBC and EGBC involved in projects incorporating whole building energy modelling.
- When applicable, download and implement our energy modelling guidelines (318 KB)
Access the Professional Practice Guideline for Whole Building Energy Modelling Projects from the:
- AIBC website
- EGBC website
Energy statements on drawings
Additional energy requirements
Part 10 includes additional energy requirements outside the scope of the energy standards, such as:
- Vancouver buildings must be metered so as to determine their individual energy performance.
These requirements are effective January 1, 2015.
Certified Professionals (CP) projects
- Access the Certified Professional Program webpage
Official application date: The official building permit application date of a CP application is the accepted application date for Stage 1 only.

Energy checklist submission: You are required to submit the building design's energy checklist on a staged project at the full construction application stage only.
Neighbourhood Energy projects
Projects within neighbourhood energy areas (formerly district energy)

Is your project within a neighbourhood energy area? If yes, design your project according to the area's guidelines.
- Neighbourhood Energy Utility Connectivity Guidelines and Requirements (821 KB)
If your project is tying into a neighbourhood energy system, either as a City requirement or voluntarily, see the section "City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Energy Interpretation Guide for Rezonings" below.

If your project is pursuing LEED certification, whether as a City requirement or voluntarily, see the section "LEED Projects" below.

City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Energy Interpretation Guide for Rezonings

For projects subject to either the General Policy for Higher Building or the Green Buildings Policy for Rezonings, and required to tie into the South East False Creek or North East False Creek neighbourhood energy systems, use this guide to help you meet the requirements:
- City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Energy Interpretation Guide for Rezonings (60 KB)
Passive House (PH) projects

Building designs using the Passive House (PH) standard are accepted by the City of Vancouver.

The PH standard is deemed compliant with Article 10.2.2.5 requirements within the VBBL, and, on a project by project basis, may be deemed compliant with Article 10.2.1.2. requirements.

For information on our requirements and processes for projects pursuing Passive House certification, refer to the Passive House webpage.

Zero Emissions Building Plan (ZEBP)

Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan includes the following Planning policies and Rezoning conditions as well as specific Building By-law energy requirements (Part 10 - 10.2.2.5) aligned with BC’s Energy Step Code.

Planning policies and rezoning

General policy for higher buildings
Use the latest policy version to access all previous versions through links within the title page. Each version indicates its applicability based on application dates.
- Higher Buildings Policy (all versions) (535 KB)
Rezoning projects: rezoning conditions
Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning projects
All versions of Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning (GBPR)

Use the latest version to access all previous versions via links within the title page. Each version indicates its applicability based on rezoning application dates.
- GBPR (2010 to present) (188 KB)
Supporting documents applicable to specific versions of GBPR 2018 and 2017 GBPR projects

Energy models must be in accordance with the modelling guidelines, while energy model submissions must include a completed ZEBP energy checklist.
- Process and Requirements bulletin (2010 to present) GBPR (319 KB)
- City of Vancouver's Modelling Guidelines (550 KB)
GBPR projects pursuing the Low-Carbon Energy Systems path

Refer to the following policy:
- Low-Carbon Energy Systems Policy (effective Nov. 15, 2017) (787 KB)

VBBL Part 10: Requirements and classifications

Past, present, and future versions of VBBL's Part 10
The City of Vancouver has been developing its short- and long-term energy requirements. As a result, Vancouver City Council has approved energy amendments to Part 10 of Vancouver’s Building By-law effective the following dates:

2025
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective March 1, 2025) (480 KB)
2023
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2023) (480 KB)
Introduces a new section, 10.4 Low Carbon Materials and Construction with a soft rollout date of July 1, 2023, and a full effective date requiring submission of compliant design and supporting documentation for October 1st, 2023, per Bulletin 2023-001-AD.
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2023) (464 KB)
2022
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2022) (450 KB)
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2022) (450 KB)
  - View the energy requirements flowchart (effective January 1, 2022) for NC (256 KB)
2021
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective June 1, 2021) (424 KB)
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2021) (441 KB)
  - View the energy requirements flowchart (effective Jan 1, 2021) for NC (184 KB)
2020
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2020) (444 KB)
2019
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective November 1, 2019) (320 KB)
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective June 3, 2019) (320 KB)
  - View the energy requirements flowchart (effective June 3, 2019) for NC (210 KB)
2018
- Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective May 15, 2018) (130 KB)
These are drafts of Part 10 and are meant to clarify energy requirements while not necessarily incorporating the exact final wording.
10.2.1.5: Residential (Group C) buildings of 1 to 3 storeys
Effective March 1, 2018, the City of Vancouver implemented the 2017 Building By-law amendments pertaining to Residential (Group C) buildings by requiring designs for new construction to meet or exceed specific prescriptive and performance requirements (208 KB) that affect building energy performance.

The 2017 Building By-law amendments are meant to harmonize the requirements across three categories of residential buildings, specifically:
- 1 and 2 Family Dwelling
- Group C (1 to 3 storeys)
These requirements are for fully residential use only and do not apply to mixed-use buildings.
- Learn more through the Residential (Group C) buildings (1 to 3 storeys) webpage

VBBL Part 10: Energy standards and conditions

Part 10 consists of three main energy compliance paths for Part 3 buildings and some Part 9 buildings. Building archetype descriptions within 10.2.1. are to be used to determine applicability of one or more of the following compliance paths:

ASHRAE (10.2.2.2)
NECB (10.2.2.3.)
ZEBP (10.2.2.5)

The ZEBP path aligns with BC's Energy Step Code and uses the City of Vancouver Energy Modelling Guidelines while following NECB's Part 8 instructions for the proposed building's performance model.

All supporting documents for these paths can be accessed from the Tools and Reference Materials section at the bottom of this webpage.

Effective June 3, 2019, the Vancouver Building By-law requires the use of the energy standard ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or the energy code, National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2015, in place of ASHRAE 90.1-2010 or NECB 2011. These standards and codes have been implemented with conditions, but without additional addenda or errata.

ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (effective June 3, 2019)
Building permit applications using ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 must be in compliance with the following conditions:
- Applicability: May be used on any building, excluding:
  - Multi-family buildings of 3 storeys or less (regardless of size)
  - Temporary buildings
- Exclude 5.5.4.5 Fenestration Orientation from Section 5 Building Envelope
- Exclude 8.4.2 Automatic Receptacle Control from Section 8 Power
- Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
- Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, 6.2.2.1.3.b) of the building by-law
- Projects over 3,000 gross square feet must have vestibules at all doors used as building entrances
- BE Trade-Off Method (COMcheck users): Starting February 2014, COMcheck software offers a dozen BC weather station locations. Vancouver projects are to choose the "Vancouver" location option.
- Exempt assemblies: Modellers are to follow requirements of Exception 1 within 11.5.1.5., or G3.1.5.a., using 2% in place of the 5% indicated
ASHRAE 90.1-2010
Building permit applications using ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 must be in compliance with the following conditions:
- Applicability: May be used on any building, excluding:
  - Residential buildings of 3 storeys or less (regardless of size)
  - Temporary buildings
- Exclude 5.5.4.5 Fenestration Orientation from Section 5 Building Envelope (June 27, 2016 amendment)
- Exclude 8.4.2 Automatic Receptacle Control from Section 8 Power (per Bulletin 2015-001-BU)
- Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 5
- Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, 6.2.2.1.3.b) of the building by-law
- Projects over 3,000 gross square feet must have vestibules at all doors used as building entrances. (For exact requirements and exceptions, see 2014 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, 10.2.1.1.7)
- BE Trade-Off Method (COMcheck users): Starting February 2014, COMcheck software offers a dozen BC weather station locations. Vancouver projects are to choose the "Vancouver" location option.
- Exempt assemblies (starting August 1, 2016): Modellers are to follow requirements of Table 11.3.1.5.a. using 2% in place of the 5% indicated
NECB 2015 (effective June 3, 2019)
The CanQuest modeling software and the NECB Checklist are not compatible with Mac OS software.

Building permit applications using the NECB 2015 must be in compliance with the following conditions:
- Applicability: Part 3 buildings, new construction only
- Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
- Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, 6.2.2.1.3.b) of the building by-law
- Projects over 3,000 gross square feet must have vestibules at all doors used as building entrances. (For exact requirements and exceptions, see 2014 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, 10.2.1.1.7)
- For projects with glazing and skylight ratios below Prescriptive maximums (40% and 5%, respectively), ensure that window-wall and skylight-roof ratios of the reference building are identical to the ratios of the proposed building
- Vertical glazing Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Assembly Maximum = 0.36
- Skylight SHGC which does not exceed an assembly maximum of 0.40, where the ratio of the aggregate skylight area to roof area is less than or equal to 3.0%
By-law language supporting alterations of buildings designed to NECB 2011 can be accessed from the “VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings)" section below.
NECB 2011
The CanQuest modeling software and the NECB Checklist are not compatible with Mac OS software.

Building permit applications using the NECB 2011 must be in compliance with the following conditions:
- Applicability: Part 3 buildings, new construction only
- Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
- Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, 6.2.2.1.3.b) of the building by-law
- Projects over 3,000 gross square feet must have vestibules at all doors used as building entrances. (For exact requirements and exceptions, see 2014 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, 10.2.1.1.7)
- For projects with glazing and skylight ratios below Prescriptive maximums (40% and 5%, respectively), ensure that window-wall and skylight-roof ratios of the reference building are identical to the ratios of the proposed building
- Vertical glazing Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Assembly Maximum = 0.40
- Skylight SHGC without Curb, or with Curb and Glass:
  - % of Roof: 0% – 2.0%, Assembly Maximum SHGC (all) = 0.49
  - % of Roof: 2.1% – 5.0%, Assembly Maximum SHGC (all) = 0.39
- Skylight SHGC with Curb and Plastic:
  - % of Roof: 0% – 2.0%, Assembly Maximum SHGC (all) = 0.77
  - % of Roof: 2.1% – 5.0%, Assembly Maximum SHGC (all) = 0.62
10.2.2.5. – ZEBP Path

VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings)

Present and future versions of VBBL’s Part 11 (Sections 11.2, 11.7, and Notes)
The City of Vancouver has been developing its short- and long-term energy requirements. As a result, City Council has approved energy amendments to Part 11 of Vancouver’s Building By-law effective the following dates:

Section 11.2

2025
- Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective February 28, 2025) (296 KB)
2024
- Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective July 23, 2024) (296 KB)
2023
- Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2023) (333 KB)
2019
- Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective November 1, 2019) (320 KB)
Section 11.7

2022
- Section 11.7 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2022) (88 KB)
2021
- Section 11.7 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2021) (89 KB)
2019
- Section 11.7 (unofficial wording, effective November 1, 2019) (320 KB)
Notes to Part 11

2023
- Notes to Part 11 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2023) (799 KB)
  - Includes removal of Energy Upgrade Trigger Mechanism
2022
- Notes to Part 11 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2022) (476 KB)
These are drafts of sections within Part 11 and are meant to clarify energy requirements while not necessarily incorporating the exact final wording of these future versions.
Archive drawings available as PDF
Tenant improvements (TI)
Tenant improvements are required to comply with the energy requirements of either Part 10 or Part 11's Section 11.7 which is based on Part 10, and when applicable, the Energy Upgrade Mechanism of Part 11 (below), of Vancouver's Building By-law.

Learn about the requirements and processes, and get links to important information and required documentation:
First TI (new construction TI)

Tenant improvements (TI) within a space not previously occupied are considered an extension of the original new construction and are to be treated as new construction but under the present code requirements.

The scope of work must comply with the relevant sections within the applicable ASHRAE 90.1 or NECB standard.

First TI projects must complete and submit the applicable checklist with their building permit applications.

Access the First TI energy checklists from the "Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials" section below.
Part 11 TI (alteration to previously occupied space(s))

Tenant improvements (TI) within a space previously occupied are considered alterations to existing buildings and therefore classified as Part 11 TIs.

Until January 1, 2023, the scope of work for a Part 11 TI must comply with Section 11.2 (Energy Upgrade Mechanism) and either the “Alterations” portion within each relevant section of the applicable ASHRAE 90.1 standard or, if applicable, the NECB TI requirements section below. However, it may be easier to incorporate the more concise approach that also includes relaxations and allowances for smaller projects by complying with Sections 11.7 (Alterations for Building Energy and Emissions Performance) and 11.2 (Energy Upgrade Mechanism) of the 2019 VBBL. See the “Present and Future Versions of Part 11 Sections (draft)” section above for PDFs of 11.2 and 11.7.

Part 11 TI projects must complete and submit the applicable checklist(s) with their building permit applications.

Access the Alterations to Existing Buildings energy checklists from the “Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials” section below.
Residential Suites TI

Until January 1, 2023, alterations within residential suites, excluding work on the building’s envelope, are subject to the Energy Upgrade Mechanism requirements of Part 11 and must complete and submit the applicable checklist(s) with their building permit applications.

Alterations to common areas of the base building such as lobbies, corridors and building envelope, are to use the First TI or Part 11 TI path above.

Access the Alterations to Residential Suites energy checklist from the “Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials” section below.
NECB TI (language supporting alterations to NECB buildings)
Tenant improvement projects within buildings designed to NECB 2011 are to comply with the language provided within the following document. Until January 1, 2023, these projects are also subject to the energy upgrade mechanism requirements of Part 11.
- TI language supporting alterations to NECB buildings (effective July 1, 2020) (303 KB)
- TI language supporting alterations to NECB buildings (effective November 1, 2019) (254 KB)
Energy Upgrade Mechanism
The existing building energy upgrade mechanism process was implemented effective January 1, 2015, and ended December 31, 2022.

The requirements apply to all building permit applications of the following categories:
- Rehabilitation/TIs (repairs, small suite, minor, and major renovations, reconstruction)
- Additions (vertical and horizontal)
- Change of major occupancy classifications
Envelope retrofit

Any tenant improvements undergoing a building envelope retrofit or upgrade, where the energy performance of the resulting envelope is not obviously an improvement over the original envelope performance, will use the Building Envelope Energy Performance Comparison Calculator to confirm the building’s overall envelope performance has not worsened.

Access the calculator from the "Energy, tools, and reference materials" below.

Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials

Energy checklists
Training videos and Supporting Documents webpages

Our training videos help applicants, designers, and installers understand and complete the energy documentation and process. As we expand our videos, review the videos in the category Energy Checklist for Alterations to Existing Buildings to assist with the checklist in other categories.
- Access the energy checklist training videos webpage
Documents used to support the various energy checklists can be accessed directly from the checklists or the following links:
- Access the webpage with ASHRAE 90.1 supporting documents
ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (effective June 3, 2019)

For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists:
- Energy checklist for 90.1-2016 for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction (552 KB)
- Energy Checklist for 90.1-2016 for First TIs (2.34 MB)
For alterations projects, use the following tools and checklists:
- Energy requirements (June2019) for tenant improvements (113 KB)
- Energy Checklist for 90.1-2016 for Alterations to Existing Buildings (1.5 MB)
ASHRAE 90.1-2010

For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists:
- Energy Checklist for 90.1-2010 for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction (700 KB)
- Energy Checklist for 90.1-2010 for First TIs (1.2 MB)
For alterations projects, use the following tools and checklists:
- Energy requirements (2015-May2019) for tenant improvements (57 KB)
- Energy Checklist for 90.1-2010 for Alterations to Existing Buildings (1.5 MB)
NECB 2015

Use the following energy checklists for NECB 2015 projects. For Prescriptive Path projects, use the abridged version, otherwise use the full version:
For alterations to NECB and ZEBP buildings, use the following checklist and sample:
- Energy Checklist for NECB for Alterations to Existing Buildings (943 KB)
- Sample of Energy Checklist for NECB for Alterations to Existing Buildings (853 KB)
NECB 2011

For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists:
- Energy Checklist for NECB 2011 for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction (2.2 MB)
ZEBP (10.2.2.5.)including Passive House

For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists:

ZEBP:
- Energy Checklist for ZEBP for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction (1.14 MB)
- City energy modelling guidelines (v2.0) (318 KB)
- Energy Checklist for ZEBP for First TIs (712 KB)
For alterations to NECB and ZEBP buildings, use the following checklist and sample:
- Energy Checklist for NECB for Alterations to Existing Buildings (816 KB)
- Sample of Energy Checklist for NECB for Alterations to Existing Buildings (853 KB)
Passive House:
- Energy Checklist for Passive House for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction (632 KB)
Residential Suites – alterations projects only

For alterations projects, use the following tools and checklists.

Effective June 3, 2019:
- Energy Checklist (June2019) for Alterations to Residential Suites (560 KB)
Effective January 2015 – Dec 31, 2018:
- Energy Checklist (2015-May2019) for Alterations to Residential Suites (550 KB)
Energy statements on drawings
The energy statements are to follow the methodology outlined in the appropriate building energy design statement tool below.
Envelope upgrade - energy performance comparison calculator
For buildings undergoing an envelope upgrade, we require you to either maintain or improve your building's envelope performance. If you are unsure, use this calculator to confirm compliance:
- Building envelope energy performance comparison calculator (88 KB)

Energy requirements, forms, and checklists for all buildings

Quick links to what’s on this page

Get updates

What's happeningLatest updates

Anticipated changes

ZEBx

Canada’s only Centre of Excellence for zero emission buildings

Vancouver Building By-law

Project types and requirements

Building types, sizes, and classifications

New construction, additions, reconstruction, and alterations projects

Modelled buildings and projects (design enhancement and performance path)

Energy statements on drawings

Additional energy requirements

Certified Professionals (CP) projects

Neighbourhood Energy projects

Passive House (PH) projects

Zero Emissions Building Plan (ZEBP)

Planning policies and rezoning

General policy for higher buildings

Rezoning projects: rezoning conditions

Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning projects

VBBL Part 10: Requirements and classifications

Past, present, and future versions of VBBL's Part 10

10.2.1.5: Residential (Group C) buildings of 1 to 3 storeys

VBBL Part 10: Energy standards and conditions

ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (effective June 3, 2019)

ASHRAE 90.1-2010

NECB 2015 (effective June 3, 2019)

NECB 2011

10.2.2.5. – ZEBP Path

VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings)

Present and future versions of VBBL’s Part 11 (Sections 11.2, 11.7, and Notes)

Archive drawings available as PDF

Tenant improvements (TI)

First TI (new construction TI)

Part 11 TI (alteration to previously occupied space(s))

Residential Suites TI

NECB TI (language supporting alterations to NECB buildings)

Energy Upgrade Mechanism

Envelope retrofit

Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials

Energy checklists

Energy statements on drawings

Envelope upgrade - energy performance comparison calculator

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies