Updated CleanBC Roadmap Promises Energy Rating Tool for Homes

This week, the BC Government announced a new CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, with more ambitious commitments to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets. As a result of additions in the plan related to the real estate sector, REALTORS^® should expect conversations around energy efficiency to become an increasingly important part of your day-to-day interaction with clients.

While the CleanBC Roadmap includes a series of new general actions, including an increased carbon tax and an accelerated shift toward active transportation and public transit, the most significant change impacting real estate is new requirements to make all new buildings zero-carbon ready by 2030.

The CleanBC Roadmap also promises a home energy labeling tool, similar to what already exists for appliances or vehicles. This web-based tool will allow people to see how efficient their home is. The implementation of the tool takes into account BCREA’s Government Liaison Days recommendation to coordinate the tool with CleanBC retrofit incentives.

Approaching 2030 and beyond, both of these changes are likely to have an impact on real estate practice, from conversations with clients to the marketing of listings. So, Realtors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the developments and trends related to energy efficiency.

To learn more about energy efficiency now, check out BCREA’s accredited, self-paced online courses like Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Homes, Healthy Indoor Environments and The BC Energy Step Code: A Primer for Selling Energy-Efficient New Homes.

These courses will equip Realtors with knowledge and information to share with clients to assist them in choosing the home that best fits their needs and meets high standards for energy efficiency.

CleanBC is the provincial government’s plan to reduce BC’s GHG emissions to 40 per cent less than 2007 levels by 2030 and have net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan, first developed in 2018.

BCREA supports the province meeting its GHG targets and has advocated for long-term, widespread investments in financial incentives to help property owners voluntarily retrofit existing buildings. We are encouraged that GHG emissions from buildings have decreased by eight per cent compared to 2007 levels.

We also plan to write to BC’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, George Heyman, to request that the energy assessment tool is available to owners of all existing homes rather than only at the point of listing. We will also ask that the tool be coordinated with other programs, including local government and private sector programs to allow consumers to easily navigate available incentives.

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