New Rules to Create Green Building Code

By 250 News

Changes that will create a "greener" building code for B.C. have been introduced .

Minister responsible for Housing, Rich Coleman,says it is time  to change the way we build in B.C. "Bill 10 ensures we can construct greener buildings and
respond to rapidly changing building technology.  It is an important first step in improving the way we regulate buildings and construction."


Bill 10 amends the Local Government Act, Community Charter, Vancouver Charter, Architects Act and the Engineers and Geoscientists Act.

These changes will:

* Allow local governments to make bylaws to conserve energy and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve building accessibility for
persons with disabilities.

* Introduce the use of building specialists trained in new and more complex building technologies such as rain screen and green building techniques. Professional associations that govern engineers, geoscientists and architects will have authority to create building specialist designations and determine the level of knowledge needed for certification as a specialist.

* Permit the Minister responsible for Housing to designate an official to make binding interpretations of the B.C. Building Code. This will add clarity and lead to more consistent application of the Code.

The amendments follow three years of consultations with the building industry, local governments, professional associations and consumer groups to improve the way buildings are regulated.

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