Description

HRAI is hosting an event with the City of Vancouver. 

The City of Vancouver would like to provide an update to the HVAC industry on proposed recommendations for residential space heating and water heating.

City staff originally proposed to bring four recommendations to Vancouver City Council in May 2022 for space heating and domestic hot water equipment in one and two family detached homes.

The proposed regulations are now being brought forward in two phases:

PHASE 1
On May 17, 2022, a set of proposed regulations will be submitted to council that will include:
a) A requirement that all cooling units must be two-directional heat pumps, as of January 1, 2023; and
b) A requirement that space heating and domestic hot water equipment must meet the same standards as new construction when renovation projects exceed $250,000, effective January 1, 2023.

The report to Council on these proposed regulations is expected to be available for public review on May 11. Please check this link for details.

PHASE 2
In 2023, further regulations will be brought forward relating to:
a) Requirements for space heating equipment at time of replacement; and
b) Requirements for domestic hot water equipment at time of replacement.

Originally planned for this year, staff will be taking additional time to develop a more elegant permitting process that allows greater ease of equipment installations at time of replacement for both home owners and qualified industry professionals. They will also use this time to engage and consult with industry as needed to ensure a satisfactory process is in place.

To hear more about these plans, join us on May 10th at noon (PST).

Speakers

Chris Higgins

Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability @City of Vancouver

Chris is an accomplished project manager who has developed a number of successful programs that overcome market barriers and result in lower energy buildings that address the climate Emergency. He possesses a well-developed knowledge of energy use in residential buildings and has the experience to know the policy triggers to encourage action. As a Senior Green Building Planner at the City of Vancouver, Chris develops and implements building bylaw, policy, and programs to achieve new buildings that run without fossil fuel, while at the same time helping to reduce greenhouses gases from existing homes. He works to remove barriers for Passive House projects, and possesses an understanding of regulatory and incentive options a city has at its disposal. Chris is a spokesperson at national conferences and to various media outlets.