Cornell Passive House Tower: Student Residence
October 3, 2018
EfficiencyBC
October 18, 2018
Why ZEB Tools
To support innovation in design and construction of multi-unit buildings that pursue zero emissions performance, the Zero Emissions Building (ZEB) tolls are structure to help offset the modest additional construction costs as leading builders test barriers, stimulate ZEB building supply chains, and spark a new wave of design innovation.
The Green Economy
The high-performance market is continuing to grow. Roughly 600,000 professionals along the West Coast are already employed as green architects and construction practitioners. Meanwhile, the global green building-materials market is predicted to reach $234 billion by 2019.
As the City’s Zero Emissions Building Plan is phased in between now and 2025 and the BC Energy Step Code between now and 2030, the demand for green building expertise will continue to support market growth.
The Tools
1. Floor Space Ratio (FSR)
Projects pursuing Passive House, International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Zero Energy standard or an equivalent standard are eligible for up to a 5% FSR increase.
Projects may qualify for this catalyst tool if classified as a development permit project in a district schedule zone and if the project contains six or more residential units.
2. Rezoning Projects
To support rezoning projects, the City of Vancouver will incorporate construction cost premiums for zero emission buildings into the rezoning evaluation process. In addition, the Director of Planning may use discretion in applying Planning policies and the Zoning and Development By-law to accommodate a zero emissions building. More information can be found in the Zero Emissions Building Catalyst Guidelines
3. Near Zero Emissions Building Research Project (Single Family to Townhouses)
The road to zero emissions will follow a phased approach between now and its target completion year of 2030. Industry needs early adopters to push the boundaries of traditional building practices to reach higher performances. The City of Vancouver recognizes the significant amount of effort needed for this type of innovative leadership and has developed the Near Zero Emissions Building Research Project as a way to catalyze increased ZEB development and associated open-source building knowledge.
By collecting and sharing data from their high-performance building (e.g. pre-construction, design, permitting, building systems, certification, images, renderings, challenges and solutions), project teams can earn between $10k to $30k to offset the modest design and construction costs for their projects.
Apply Today
These tools were developed to support all building practitioners – from seasoned Passive House experts to professionals new to the high-performance practice, but enthusiastic to take the first leap!
Take advantage of these tools and make your next project near zero emissions! More information can be found on the following websites:
Near Zero Emissions Building Research Project
Or contact green.buildings@vancouver.ca for further questions.
