Engagement to begin in February 2022
Council directed staff to proceed with an update of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) Green Building Policy at the January 25 Regular Council meeting.
The Green Building Policy update will include a review of existing guidelines and requirements for new construction as set out in the Official Community Plan and the Climate Action Big Moves Strategy.
Since the Green Building Policy was adopted in 2008, Whistler has updated its sustainability and climate action goals. The province has also since adopted a new approach to energy efficiency in new building with the BC Energy Step Code. The Green Building Policy will be updated to reflect these new goals and targets. The update to Whistler’s Green Building Policy will modernize and align the policy with provincial guidelines, industry best practices, and municipal sustainability initiatives, while focusing on improving and simplifying the process for applicants.
To shape the Green Building Policy update, engagement with industry, key stakeholders and community will be undertaken through online workshops and meetings starting in February 2022. Project information and updates will be available at whistler.ca/GreenBuildingPolicy
Staff will return to council to share results of the engagement, and bring forward the Green Building Policy framework for approval. Working with industry, staff will outline the implementation process of the policy and how it will be integrated into the municipality’s existing building regulatory framework.
“The updated Green Building Policy is an important tool to mitigate the impacts of the built environment on our climate and natural environment,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “This policy update will support our corporate goals, streamline rezoning applications, and improve efficiency for applicants.”
What is considered a Green Building?
Green Building design goes beyond the typical building design of economy, utility, durability, and comfort while reducing or eliminating negative impacts on our climate and natural environment. The term ‘Green Building’ refers to both a structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle.
A number of features that define a building as ‘green’ include:
- Integration of passive design strategies;
- High-performance building envelopes and energy efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems;
- Ground water and storm water management
- Landscaping and Habitat
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances; and
- Technologies harvesting on-site renewable energy sources.
For more information, visit whistler.ca/GreenBuildingPolicy.
