A few years ago, clients approached me wanting to design energy-efficient homes. They aimed for better insulation & top-end products, but only a few could afford a fully efficient home. Most ended up with partial solutions, focusing mainly on walls & missing the holistic approach.
Back then, early adopters faced high costs. People experimented with new materials like exterior foam insulation & advanced wall systems designed to improve thermal performance. However, many overlooked the need for airtight seals around windows, high-quality windows, & the specialized labor required. Key elements like under-slab insulation & foundation sealing were often missed. Imagine buying an expensive puffy coat for a winter mountain trip but forgetting to zip it up—leaving you cold & exposed. That's what it was like.
Now, sustainability isn't just a choice—it's a mandate. In British Columbia, the BC Step Code is revolutionizing home energy efficiency. This regulatory process gradually increases energy performance requirements. Every few years, new steps are introduced, making higher standards mandatory for all homeowners.
The Step Code levels the playing field. It drives the use of premium materials, creating economies of scale & reducing costs. By adopting these standards incrementally, design teams & trades gain the expertise needed for efficient, modern construction practices.
But what does sustainability truly mean? While energy efficiency & airtightness are crucial, we must also consider the environmental impact of our materials. In some regions, the use of plastic foams is being phased out. Construction must account for materials with high carbon footprints, like concrete. Sustainability encompasses not only the performance of the home but also the environmental impact of its construction.
In BC, the decision to build a better home is no longer optional. Thanks to the Step Code, we're all in this together, creating a future where sustainable homes are the norm, not the exception.
#SustainableLiving #EnergyEfficiency #BCStepCode #GreenBuilding #Architecture #ConstructionInnovation
