Like other cities with strong commitments to combating climate change, Vancouver, Canada, is targeting citywide carbon neutrality by 2050. Because half of the metropolis’s existing building stock is expected to have been replaced by then, emissions limits apply to new construction first. “Everything that’s not a solution today becomes a problem later,” says Doug Smith, sustainability director at the City of Vancouver.
Within the overall 2050 limit, the municipality’s Zero Emissions Buildings Plan (2016) establishes a finely sliced series of deadlines reflecting the degree of challenge faced by various building types. Commercial and residential projects have the lowest hurdle in reducing emissions, with plenty of successful precedents. As of 2025, zero emissions buildings—those that are highly efficient and meet their energy needs from renewable sources—will be the only new construction permitted in these two categories. More specialized buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities, will have a little longer to achieve the target—until 2030. “It’s important to set those limits far in advance so that industry understands what they are and when they’re coming,” says Smith, “so there are no surprises.” To date, emissions from new buildings in the city have dropped by 43 percent compared to a 2007 benchmark.
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.