The Zero Emissions Building Exchange (ZEBbx) Centre for Excellence in Vancouver officially opened in July.
As Canada’s first centre for low-energy building, ZEBx aims to be a one-stop-shop for low-energy building resources, empowering builders, developers, architects and designers with the tools necessary to achieve their zero emissions targets.
It will remove barriers to zero emissions building adoption by facilitating knowledge sharing, fostering relationships and increasing capacity for exemplary buildings.
By 2025, new building projects in the City of Vancouver must have near zero emissions, as outlined in the city’s 2016 Zero Emission Building Plan. British Columbia’s Energy Step Code aims to have all residential and commercial construction designed to “net zero ready” by 2032.
With the imminent wide-spread adoption of low-energy building design and construction, ZEBx’s launch is a direct response to industry’s capacity challenge. ZEBx will support local industry and accelerate market transformation by identifying opportunities and navigating barriers to advance design and construction practices towards a low-carbon future.
“We are thrilled to launch Canada’s first Zero Emissions Building Exchange. Zero emission buildings are the future of Canadian infrastructure, and provide healthy, liveable and affordable places to live, play and work,” said Christian Cianfrone, ZEBx executive director. “Through ZEBx’s unique, industry-serving platform, we’ll create both a physical and virtual space to develop a community of practice and connect industry with relevant, curated content.”
ZEBx will begin to connect industry with solutions by collaborating with strategic partners to facilitate knowledge exchange through a range of initiatives currently in development, including dialogues, project tours, and demonstrations.
ZEBx is funded by the City of Vancouver, hosted by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) and has established key partnerships with Passive House Canada and the Open Green Building Society. ZEBx received additional support from industry stakeholders, including BCIT, Canada Green Building Council, Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association, Roofing Contractors Association of BC, SFU, UBC, Vancity, Wood WORKS! BC, and many more companies, government agencies and NGOs.
