BC government leads by example on green buildings

BC introduced the CleanBC Government Building Program

Steve Randall
Canadian Real Estate Wealth

As the climate change issue intensifies, the provincial government of British Columbia has pledged to make all its buildings more efficient.

It has introduced a new CleanBC Government Buildings Program which will make buildings smart and combine energy efficiency, innovative design, and renewable building energy systems.

The program will include courthouses, correctional centres, warehouses and ministry offices which will transition into facilities that are 80% more energy efficient by 2050.

"The B.C. government is leading by example and walking the talk when it comes to building a better future for British Columbians," said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens' Services. "The new CleanBC Government Buildings Program will help government facilities consume less energy, reduce emissions, create local jobs and save British Columbians money."

The Province is investing $58 million over the next five years to improve provincial government buildings, including:

• switching from fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydropower;
• using smart technologies to conserve energy, such as Wi-Fi building sensors to regulate lighting and real-time data displays;
• installing electric vehicle charging stations;
• undertaking energy retrofits in existing buildings, such as replacing heating systems and upgrading lighting;
• building new energy-efficient facilities, using green design and innovative technologies;
• making buildings more resilient to climate change by relocating and reinforcing equipment to protect against possible floods and wind, installing more HVAC systems and exterior drainage; and
• creating flexible and modern work environments to support a growing mobile workforce.

Example for the rest of Canada

The BC government pledge has been welcomed by the Canada Green Building Council which says urgent action is needed to meet climate targets.

"To reduce greenhouse gases on the scale needed to meet international targets, Canada urgently needs to retrofit existing buildings. With this plan, the B.C. government is demonstrating leadership by placing an emphasis on retrofitting its own building portfolio, showcasing deep energy retrofits, establishing and disclosing its progress towards energy, water and waste reduction,” said Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of Canada Green Building Council. “B.C. is setting an example for the rest of country and will reap the environmental benefits, along with operating savings and job creation that come from retrofit."

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