New Construction Program
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Constructing Energy-Efficient Buildings Even Easier – New Construction Program Launch

BC Hydro is excited to have recently launched the New Construction Program to help you design and develop energy-efficient, cost effective buildings. The New Construction Program will replace the current High Performance Building Program as of July 1, 2009.

With up to 100% funding for energy studies, higher capital incentives, and more ways to participate (from whole building design to individual system design assistance), it's easier than ever to incorporate energy conservation measures into your new building. Plus our new application process makes it simple for owners and developers to participate in the Program.

One of the key changes aimed at addressing market barriers, is the introduction of an inclining tiered incentive approach aimed at the proportionally higher capital costs of energy-efficient technology, to help customers achieve a higher level of savings in new construction.

BC Hydro Power Smart is working with building owners and the B.C. development and design industry to create high-performance, energy-efficient buildings that:

cost less to operate
have lower environmental impacts
are more profitable
are healthier
more comfortable places in which to live, work and play

The new construction program offer provides financial incentives, resources and technical assistance to help developers for commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential new developments or major building retrofits.

New Construction Program Featured Projects

The program offers four different Power Smart solutions tailored to meet a diverse range of needs.

Whole Building Design

Tools and financial incentives for large buildings with potential savings higher that 100,000 kWh that are in early design.

System Design

Tools and financial incentives for medium to large buildings with potential savings higher than 50,000 kWh.

Energy Efficient Lighting System Design

Tools and financial incentives for an energy efficient lighting design in medium to large buildings. The Energy-Efficient Lighting Design offer is for buildings with potential savings higher than 10,000 kWh.

In-Suite ENERGY STAR® Package

Rebates for multi-unit residential buildings that install an Energy Star Packages.

In the spotlight

Passive Design Toolkit available

The Passive Design Toolkit is a resource co-developed between the City of Vancouver and BC Hydro Power Smart.

The tool kits provide best practices for energy efficiency and sustainable construction in new homes and larger buildings. The City of Vancouver Passive Design Program aims to not only educate City staff and the development community about green building techniques but to align regulations and bylaws, making it easier to design and construct green buildings.

For further information, view the City of Vancouver's Passive Design Toolkit Best Practices for Large Buildings document [PDF, 3.2 Mb] and City of Vancouver's Passive Design Toolkit Best Practices for Homes document [PDF, 4.9 Mb].