Vancouver has long been at the forefront of environmental sustainability, and the city’s current ambitious goals include transitioning to zero-emission buildings by 2030. If they succeed, they will effectively have reduced carbon emissions by 40% from 2007.
To achieve this goal, home builders are altering their approach and focusing on creating homes that produce zero carbon emissions or offset any carbon production. There are a couple of ways to achieve this.
Tighter Building Envelopes
One essential component of new environmental standards involves creating tighter building envelopes. By improving insulation and sealing air leaks, homes become more resilient against fluctuating temperatures.
Some of the latest trends here include advances in glazing technology that have led to windows having higher R-Values while minimizing solar heat gain.
Exterior shading is another practical method gaining traction. By preventing heat from penetrating homes, builders can keep interiors cooler without relying on air conditioning systems.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Reducing carbon emissions is the main goal of Vancouver’s green-building plans. Builders are adapting to this by incorporating environmentally friendly heating systems like heat pumps and efficient lighting solutions such as LEDs.
Solar panels have also become increasingly popular to offset carbon production. By harnessing renewable solar energy, homes can often generate more electricity than they consume, contributing surplus power back into the grid. This shift towards sustainable energy further supports Vancouver’s zero-emission aspirations.
Meeting Vancouver’s updated environmental standards requires innovative strategies and a robust commitment from builders and residents alike. But if we can follow these steps, we can take strides towards creating a sustainable future for all.
Best Builders has been renovating existing homes and building new ones for over 20 years. They are a multiple-award-winning builder that brings fine craftmanship to projects, turning dreams into reality. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your home project, please call us at (604) 943-2378 or email us at info@bestbuilders.ca