FortisBC Energy and FortisBC have announced an increase in funding for British Columbia (BC), Canada, builders to create energy-efficient, affordable homes.
This initiative is aimed at providing more affordable methods to construct homes that are energy-efficient and align with the highest levels of the BC Energy Step Code.
The company has made changes to its New Home Programme, which is now offering $15,000 or more for building to Step 4 and $20,000 or more for achieving Step 5, which represents a net-zero-ready home.
FortisBC conservation and energy management director Danielle Wensink said: “The province needs new energy-efficient homes to support the growing population as well as meet longer-term climate action goals.
“We believe that when builders have options, it can help us work towards these goals collectively while also giving customers a choice in energy options for their homes. Offering rebates on new construction projects gives builders flexibility on how to approach their projects, especially in different climates, while still building higher-efficiency homes.”
The programme's enhancement comes after collaboration with builders across BC's varying climate zones.
These partnerships have yielded insights into the flexibility, support, and funding necessary to design and construct high-efficiency new homes cost-effectively.
Builders have tailored their approaches to meet the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code, with an emphasis on energy efficiency from the design phase.
The Wilden Living Lab (WLL) project in Kelowna, led by the Wilden Group, is said to be an example of this.
WLL is a hands-on research initiative where academia and industry partners collaborate to construct a net-zero-ready home using innovative and practical methods.
The findings from this project are expected to inform future construction endeavours in the region.
FortisBC's updated New Home programme continues to support builders who adopt an integrated design strategy and consult with an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada.
