INNOVATION November-December 2016

City council unanimously adopted the plan in July 2016, and has since approved updates, including rezoning requirements coming into effect this May, and is open to buildings undergoing rezoning now. Developed in consultation with industry, professional and non-governmental associations, public sector, academic, utility and manufacturing representatives, and external consultants, the plan recognises the required change can be implemented most effectively and efficiently in new construction projects. Targeting emissions in new construction is crucial. By 2050, the city estimates that 30 percent of Vancouver’s buildings will have been built before 2010, 30 percent will have been built between 2010 and 2020, and the remaining 40 percent will have been built after 2020. Although previous policies led to an estimated 33 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity in new buildings from 2007, the Zero Emissions Building Plan takes the targets further. Because engineers play an integral role in new building design and construction, the plan will

significantly affect our professional practice. The following summarises the plan’s targets, approaches and strategies. Paths The plan identifies two paths to achieve the required greenhouse gas emission levels. Buildings not connected to a district energy system will be provided with energy-efficiency and emissions targets. New projects can certify as Passive House (See page 31 for passive house criteria) or achieve the targets in other ways. New developments connected to a district energy system will have energy efficiency and emissions targets that are modified to account for the system they connect to. Strategies The plan identifies four strategies to meet the goals: 1. The city will establish emissions and energy-use targets by building type and step these down over time to zero (See page 22). This strategy will guide future development projects.

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