Whereas many local governments have declared climate and ecological emergencies and have set significant targets to reduce emissions, to protect the environment, and to support health, wellness, and quality of life; And whereas existing buildings account for 11 percent of BCs current greenhouse gas emissions, and retrofitting those buildings is critical to BC meetings its climate targets, while bringing money into the economy, adding new jobs to the market, and reducing energy bills for citizens; And whereas Home Emissions and Energy ratings and labelling provide a good system for homeowners and buyers to raise awareness of their propertys Emissions and Energy performance which in turn helps to encourage changes to reduce property emissions, but currently there is no statutory authority for a local government to require Emissions and Energy labelling or rating: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the BC government to enact legislation to enable a local government to require building Emissions and Energy rating and labelling.
Ministry of Energy Mines Low Carbon Innovation In fall of 2020, following an earlier CleanBC commitment, the government of British Columbia BC mandated the Ministries of Finance and Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation EMLI to collaborate on requiring the disclosure of energy performance information at time of sale for residential buildings in BC. The mandate aims to achieve the following objectives: 1 raise awareness of home energy performance and costs amongst homeowners and buyers; and 2 drive the implementation of energy and emission-reducing retrofits in the existing building sector. EMLI is currently working on the development of policy options and implementation tools to facilitate the generation of home energy ratings and their disclosure at the time of sale in support of this mandate. Before proceeding with this policy, EMLI will engage homeowners, real estate professionals, local governments, and First Nation governments to ensure alignment with stakeholder objectives and priorities.