What is a 'Green'
Building?
"In 2019, about 26% of Canada's total GHG emissions came from the oil and gas sector, 25% from transportation, 12% from buildings and 11% from the heavy industry sector."
Environment Canada
GREEN is the colour used to identify sustainability. A sustainable building is one that conserves ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.
The Province of British Columbia first introduced energy efficiency as a BC Building Code objective in 2008. By 2019 the BCBC included the BC Energy Step Code.
BC's ENERGY STEP CODE will become the mandatory energy compliance pathway for all new construction by 2022. The objective is to reduce green house gas emissions emitted from buildings by 2032.
The Step Code consists of 5 steps or levels. The highest level, Step Code Five, is considered to have achieved Net-Zero. This means the amount of energy a building consumes equals the amount of energy the building produces from renewable resources, such as the wind, sun, and earth.
NET-ZERO READY refers to houses that have been designed to Step Code Four standards to be Net-Zero by 2032, i.e. the roof is strong enough to support solar panels.
PASSIVE HOUSES are considered to have achieved Step Code Five after they have been certified. Certification involves Energy Modelling during the design process and Air Tightness testing during the construction. The primary focus of Passive Houses is reduction of energy consumption via super insulation and sealing.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and. Environmental Design) aims to achieve overall sustainability based on many factors including design, construction, maintenance and operation. Points are awarded in each category to achieve a silver, gold or platinum rating.
INCENTIVES for green buildings are available through various levels of government as well as the private sector. For example, BC Hydro will buy back surplus electricity generated privately, via solar panels, etc.
Shades of Green
There are many shades of green, the most common colour found in nature. Our services are geared to which shade of green you want to achieve.
LIGHT GREEN:
A light shade of green will ensure the building design complies with the BC Building Code (BCBC) and local authorities, such as municipalities and districts. The primary objective is to reduce energy consumption. This can be achieved by sealing and insulating the building as well by locating most windows on the south side, if possible. This shade of green will comply with Step Code Four the BCBC and will be Net-Zero ready.
MEDIUM GREEN:
A medium shade of green will ensure the building design complies with Step Code Five of the BCBC and local authorities. The primary objective is to reduce energy and consumption to Net-Zero. This can be achieved by passive means, such as locating most windows on the south side, as well as active means, i.e. installing technology, such as heat pumps to both heat and cool the building.
DARK GREEN:
A dark green shade will ensure the building design not only complies with Step Code Five of the BCBC, it will exceed it by providing a healthy environment for the occupants. AGA will specify building materials that are environmentally friendly to the occupants as well as the environment. The building can also be designed to withstand disaster, such as earthquakes, floods and forest fires.