The B.C. Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) has set a target of achieving an energy performance of 25 per cent better than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) for new institutional, commercial, industrial (ICI) and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) by 2010, reducing the average energy consumption by 20 per cent.

As part of the pilot program, the Energy Savings Plan (ESP) and the Light House Sustainable Building Centre (Light House) are providing free energy efficiency screenings of new ICI and MURB buildings. This service is designed to build awareness among developers of the business case arising from energy efficiency investments including enhanced marketability, faster absorption, higher yields and lower tenant turnover. ESP will also use the information we obtain to determine average baseline energy intensities for current, conventionally designed buildings in each of the four target sectors. The screening service is available from November 2006 through March 2007. Upon completion of the program, ESP will evaluate uptake and market trends and compile a report on top line findings. This report will be used to develop a business plan to extend the pilot phase through to 2010.

Through our municipal contacts and partnerships with NAIOP and UDI, we are seeking developers who are currently engaged in the planning / pre-development phase of an ICI or MURB building project. Light House will review the architectural, mechanical and electrical specifications and drawings for their projects and enter 40 key inputs into Natural Resources Canada’s web-based screening tool to inform developers how much different inputs can affect their building’s energy performance. There is no obligation to enact any of the associated recommendations and there is no cost for this service. However, members who are receptive to the recommendations and intend to reach MEMPR’s energy efficiency target will be provided with free extensive energy modeling services. Alternatively, Light House can arrange introductory training for developers, professionals and municipalities on the screening tool, CBIP EE Wizard, RETScreen energy efficiency module, BC Hydro’s E-Review and other tools for identifying energy efficiency opportunities. In either case, we can assist developers with access to federal, provincial and utility energy incentive programs.

To book your screening please fill out the Screening Questionnaire [.doc 159.5 KB] and contact:
Karine Le Du, Manager, Energy Assessments,
Light House Sustainable Building Centre,
karine@sustainablebuildingcentre.com,
T. 604.682.5960.

Examples of eligible institutional / commercial / industrial /MURB buildings include the following:

1. Public Service – government buildings including municipal (city hall), provincial, regional or federal
2. Public safety including fire, ambulance or jail.
3. Education – primary, secondary, college or university
4. Health Care – clinic or hospital
5. Assembly – art gallery, museum, theatre, church, synagogue or mosque

1. Office
2. Lodging – hotel or motel
3. Food Service – take out, fast food, full service restaurant or caterer
4. Retail – services, general merchandiser, supermarket or shopping mall with and without tenant utility loads
5. Recreation Centres – private or public

1. Works yard or transport terminal
2. Warehouse with or without refrigeration
3. Processing including lumber, oil and gas, animal feed, beverages, meats and food
4. Manufacturing

1. High-rise or mid-rise concrete frame
2. Low-rise wood frame

RETScreen

Learn how free software developed by Natural Resources Canada can help people make decisions about the efficiency and cost of installing clean energy projects.

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