Vancouver Mandates Air Conditioning in All New Homes

In response to the rising temperatures and extreme heat events experienced in recent years, Vancouver has introduced mandatory air conditioning (AC) requirements for new homes. The new rules, effective from January 2025, are aimed at protecting residents from overheating and are part of the city's larger climate emergency building report. Here’s a breakdown of what this means for future homeowners and developers.

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Why the Change?

The devastating heatwave of 2021, which resulted in over 600 deaths in British Columbia, highlighted the urgent need for better cooling solutions in residential buildings. The new rules are a direct response to recommendations from a report on heat-related deaths, urging the incorporation of both passive and active cooling measures in new housing constructions.

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What's Required?

Starting January 2025, all new residential units in larger buildings (Part 3 buildings) must have active mechanical cooling systems. Part 3 buildings are defined as those taller than three storeys or exceeding 600 square meters (6,458 square feet) in area. These systems must be capable of maintaining indoor temperatures at or below 26°C (78.8°F) even with windows closed. This is crucial for ensuring that residents can stay safe during extreme heat events.

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Passive and Active Cooling Strategies

While the new regulations mandate active cooling, passive cooling strategies are also encouraged. These can significantly reduce cooling loads and help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Here are some recommended strategies:

• Building Orientation and Ventilation: Optimizing the building’s orientation to enhance natural ventilation and reduce unwanted solar gain.
• Thermal Performance: Improving the building envelope’s thermal performance to regulate heat transfer.
• Shading Devices: Using overhangs or operable shading to limit solar heat gain in summer while allowing it in winter.
• Glazing and Windows: Carefully selecting window orientation and glazing to balance heating and cooling loads, minimizing exposure to high solar gain areas.
• Passive Ventilation: Facilitating airflow through operable windows to promote cross ventilation.
• Thermal Mass: Utilizing materials like concrete and stone to absorb and slowly release heat, moderating indoor temperatures.
• Reflective and Green Roofs: Installing reflective or green roof systems to reduce heat transfer to the living spaces below.

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Costs and Considerations

Implementing these cooling systems is not without costs. Estimates suggest that adding these cooling solutions could increase construction costs by up to 3.5%, with prices ranging from $8 to $10 per square foot or higher. However, as technology advances, costs may decrease, and integrating cooling with heating systems can offer some cost savings.

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Implications for Existing Buildings

The new rules apply only to new constructions, leaving existing building owners and renters to find their own cooling solutions. However, the city is working on programs to install more AC units in existing residential buildings.

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Looking Ahead

Vancouver’s new AC requirements are a proactive step towards addressing the growing climate challenges. By ensuring that new homes are equipped with effective cooling systems, the city aims to protect its residents and enhance their quality of life amidst changing climate conditions.

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Professional Opinion

As a real estate advisor in Vancouver, I see these new requirements as a positive step forward in adapting to our changing climate. The heatwave of 2021 was a wake-up call, demonstrating the need for better cooling solutions in our homes. While the initial costs may seem steep, the long-term benefits in terms of safety, comfort, and even potential energy savings make it a worthwhile investment. For developers, incorporating these systems from the design phase will be crucial to meet the new regulations and ensure that homes are both comfortable and compliant. For homebuyers, these updates provide peace of mind knowing that their new homes will be better equipped to handle extreme heat events, making Vancouver living safer and more enjoyable.

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Resources:

1. ‍BC Government Bulletin PDF
2. CTV News Report