Designers, builders and developers are being challenged to make energy-efficient buildings more affordable for British Columbians. The challenge is part of the provincial government’s new Better Buildings BC program.

“Every new building and renovation is an opportunity to save energy and reduce costs for British Columbians,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “Our government is challenging designers, builders and developers to get creative and show us their innovative ideas.”

The challenge was presented to students and faculty at the University of British Columbia, including engineers and architects taking part in the school’s master of engineering leadership in high performance buildings curriculum.

The Better Buildings BC program will accelerate the design and construction of multi-family, commercial and institutional buildings that are super energy efficient. The program is built around a design competition, with up to $390,000 given to the most cost-effective demonstration of net-zero energy-ready buildings.

Net-zero energy-ready buildings are designed to be so efficient that they could meet all or most of their own energy consumption requirements with renewable energy technologies. They are more comfortable, durable and quieter than conventional buildings, and help make life more affordable by saving owners and tenants money through reduced energy bills.

“Over the past 20 years, UBC has demonstrated leadership in green buildings and has used its campus as a testbed for innovative and cost-effective approaches to energy efficient design and measures to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that advance the campus towards its zero carbon emissions target,” said Michael White, associate vice-president, campus and community planning at UBC. “UBC is excited to see the launch of the Better Buildings BC program as it will help catalyze momentum toward net-zero energy-ready buildings.”

Designers, builders, and developers can apply by visiting: www.efficiencybc.ca/betterbuildings