• The Province is adopting the 2012 National Building Code Section 9.36 for energy efficiency in housing and small buildings. The new code provisions will set a minimum standard for insulation performance, heating and cooling systems, hot water tanks and the performance of doors, windows and skylights. 
• These improvements should result in energy savings of $68 to $197 annually for owners of newly constructed homes, depending on the size and location of the home. 
• The research suggests, over time, any cost increases would be offset by utility bill savings. 
• The total increased construction cost of these changes will depend on the size, design and geographic location of the house. The impact on a new $500,000 home is anticipated to be under 1%.
• The estimated average costs of these improvements in new construction:
• Energy efficiency - national research estimated the average cost increase for a home in the lower mainland to be approximately $1,800.
• Ventilation - no additional cost for home with a furnace and ducted HVAC system. Only those homes being built with no central heating may experience a cost increase of up to $2,500. The vast majority of builders will see an increase of less than $1,000 cost.
• These new requirements broaden the focus for energy efficiency to include the entire building as a system. Including these provisions in the BC Building Code means that as buildings are constructed and renovated, energy efficiency is considered alongside the health and safety requirements in the code. 
• The Province has been pursuing energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals in buildings since 2007. 

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing
250-952-0617