To help support better building practices, including improved energy efficiency in homes, Minister Responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced four updates to the BC Building Code today.

The B.C. government is introducing four new requirements to the BC Building Code that take effect on Dec. 19, 2014:

Energy Efficiency - B.C. adopted the 2012 National Building Code 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. The new requirements broaden  energy-efficiency standards to include the entire building, not just the insulation in the walls.

Ventilation - To make sure houses have adequate ventilation to improve air flow in homes and reduce the likelihood of mould and mildew in new construction.

Child Care - The new code clarifies that buildings containing child-care facilities may be classified as assembly occupancy (A-2). This means that child-care facilities can occupy small wood-frame buildings, provided certain fire safety requirements are met. The change allows for more building options for child-care providers, while maintaining a high level of safety.

Radon Rough-in - In known radon hot-spot areas, builders will be required to rough in radon vent pipes that vent outside (in stead of being capped). This change follows a pilot project in Castlegar and Prince George.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing -

“We continue to improve our approach to construction so that British Columbians live in safe, energy-efficient homes.”

Neil Moody, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia -

“The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC has been following the development of the amendments to the BC Building Code and has tailored our industry-driven education programs to support builders as they prepare for these new standards.”

Scott McDonald, president and CEO of the BC Lung Association -

“Improving the radon venting requirements in new homes is a huge gain for public health. B.C.’s new requirements are among the strongest in Canada and will help save lives.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Building Code applies to new construction.
• The BC Building Code is based on the Model National Building Code of Canada and is updated at least every five years.
• The BC Building Code establishes minimum standards for health, safety and accessibility, as well as energy and water efficiency.

Learn More:

Builders and developers can learn more about the upcoming changes by reading the technical bulletins for each update: www.housing.gov.bc.ca/pub/bulletins/index.htm

The Homeowner Protection Office also offers an illustrated guide to new energy efficiency requirements: www.hpo.bc.ca/energy-efficiency-requirements

The Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC offers an Energy Code Change Checklist: www.chbabc.org/energy-programs/energy-code-changes-(9.36).html

BC Lung’s Radon Aware website: www.radonaware.ca/

BC Building Code: www.bccodes.ca

Media Contacts:

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