At this upcoming ZEBx Decarb Lunch, we’ll explore insights from a new Part 9 Mechanical Costing Study conducted by Ecolighten, ZEIC, and CEA — and what this preliminary research may mean for managing HVAC costs in BC homes. The study compiles and analyzes installed costs for a range of heating and cooling systems in new Part 9 homes, including gas-fired equipment, electric boilers, and air-to-water heat pumps.  

Drawing from 20 homes across varied house sizes, climate zones, and Step Code levels, the research offers an early snapshot of how HVAC installation costs are trending and where they tend to cluster. While the sample size is limited, it provides a useful starting point for understanding which factors — such as market conditions, system complexity, contractor practices, and equipment choices — may be shaping overall costs.  

Beyond the numbers, this session will focus on what these early findings suggest for keeping HVAC costs in check, improving budgeting confidence, and informing design, procurement, and policy decisions as mechanical systems play an increasingly central role in high-performance, low-carbon homes. The event will consist of a presentation of the study findings followed by a panel discussion featuring a builder and an HVAC industry representative, offering practical perspectives from industry. Whether you are navigating system choices, advising clients, or shaping policy, this conversation aims to support more informed and cost-aware decision-making. 

Speakers: 

Rob Pope, Senior Consultant, Ecolighten Energy Solutions 

Rob started working in the HVAC industry in the mid 1970s where he began his apprenticeship in high-end custom homes, quickly earning tickets in sheet metal, refrigeration and gas fitting. During this time, he installed, serviced, and began designing the first wave of energy-efficient systems such as condensing gas furnaces and boilers, heat recovery ventilation, heat pumps, and solar thermal. Rob was the Mechanical Consultant on the first residence in Canada to achieve a Canadian LEED® certification. As an active member of the industry, he has served as an executive member of the HVCI and TECA industry associations, advocating for higher standards and better education for its members. 

Meredith Hamstead 

Meredith’s work at thinkBright is backed by a prior career as an independent consultant. Her approach to housing and construction is informed by two decades of professional experience spanning water conservation; environmental communications; climate change; sustainable land use; sustainable community development; and strategic planning for local governments and boards of directors.

thinkBright Homes was the first company in BC to be registered with the Home Performance Contractor’s Network in Insulation and in Fenestration. 

Meredith has a Masters Degree in Environmental Design and is an Environmental Professional (EP) certified in Environmental Communications and Public Awareness, and Environmental Policy and Legislation. In recent years she has taken formal training in Passive House construction, Insulation best practices, and business administration.

Co-hosts: 

• Todd Backus, Chief Operating Officer, Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) 

• Oriol Bracken, Program Manager, Community Energy Association 

Thank you to BC Hydro for their financial support for this case study, and to the City of Vancouver for enabling us to make this event free of charge. 

Join our Community of Leaders! 

Do you have an exciting zero emissions or high-performance project, product, or concept you’d like to share? Interested in participating in our Program Series as subject matter experts? Email events@zeic.ca for more information on how to get involved. Together, we can make the 2020s the decade of zero emission buildings!