Vancouver, B.C., may delay new zero emissions building standards

Vancouver, B.C., may delay net-zero construction requirements for a year due to concerns over building permit delays.

The city is beset by a housing affordability crisis and the new rules would worsen the issue. City staff has recommended delaying the regulations to speed up residential permits and reduce the growth of the permitting backlog.

Industry groups including Homebuilders Association Vancouver and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating have urged the city to enact the delay. A representative from the homebuilders group said the permitting backlog in the city has reached crisis proportions and that the zero emissions requirement adds 12 weeks to the process.

A PassiveHouse advocate argued against the delay, saying that the industry needs a strong incentive to make progress on green construction.