Regional Strategy for Net Zero Buildings and Localized Energy Generation

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), City of Nanaimo, Town of Qualicum Beach and District of Lantzville are developing a strategy to support energy efficient, low carbon buildings and localized energy generation in our region. This work will help local governments within the RDN understand the most effective options for the rapid and cost-effective uptake of energy efficient, low emission new buildings and improved energy resilience. This is important to help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our area.

Why are we looking at energy and emissions in new buildings?

In B.C. and throughout our region, the building sector is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions through the construction, operation and maintenance of buildings. One approach to reducing carbon and energy use in the building sector and contribute to long-term cost savings for building owners and occupants, is to encourage the construction of energy-efficient and low-carbon new buildings. Using low emission/energy efficient design at the time of initial construction avoids the high cost of having to renovate the home for better efficiency or a different energy system later.

How will this work help?

The work will identify potential policies and evaluate each so that we understand their full environmental, social and financial impacts. This will help us choose the policies that will effectively reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions while also achieving good social outcomes and low costs.

This can range from incentivization options like providing financial or administrative incentives for those who voluntarily build to higher standards, to the regulatory options available under the BC Building Code (BC Energy Step Code, BC Zero Carbon Step Code).

The work will result in:

• City of Nanaimo staff recommendations to City Council on an implementation strategy for higher steps of the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code, with recommended Step Levels and timing
• The development of a Regional Strategy for Net Zero Buildings and Localized Energy Generation, including potential staff recommendations to the Regional District of Nanaimo Board, District of Lantzville Council and Town of Qualicum Beach Council on implementation of Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code

If you're in the building industry and want to share your thoughts on opportunities and risks, here's what you can do:

• Register (click the blue Register button on this page) to stay updated on the project through our electronic communications
• Review the Industry Survey - Closed
• Watch the video recording of the Industry Stakeholder Meeting held on May 9, 2023
• Explore this webpage for more information, including staff reports and other documents under Supporting Documents
• Mark your calendar with Key Dates found on this page
• Ask us a question in the Q & A tab below and we will respond
• Check the FAQ section which contains useful information related to this project and will be updated regularly based on the questions asked