BC Building Code Energy and Ventilation Changes coming December 19, 2014: Province-wide AIBC-BOABC Continuing Education Initiative

The province of BC will be adopting into the 2012 BC Building Code the 9.36 Energy Efficiency and 9.32 Ventilation requirements of the 2010 National Building Code. These will come into effect in BC on December 19, 2014. The Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC), in conjunction with the AIBC, will be delivering continuing education seminars across the province on these changes between October 22 and November 26, 2014.  The venues will be Richmond, Nanaimo, Victoria, Prince George, Nelson, Kamloops, Kelowna, Surrey, Abbotsford and Cranbrook. Instructors will be architects and building officials. Register now, space is limited.

The program has been developed by Richard Kadulski Architect AIBC. He has specialized in energy efficient housing for over 30 years, and as a member of the National Building Code Standing Committee on Housing and Small Buildings, has been instrumental in the development of these code changes.    The complexities of these new code provisions are such that it is strongly advised that AIBC members and associates working on Part 9 buildings in jurisdictions that are governed by the BC Building Code or the National Building Code attend. These changes do not apply to the Vancouver Building Bylaw, nor do they apply to buildings required to comply with Part 3. .

Code users can expect the Building and Safety Standards Branch to issue the final code replacement pages before the implementation date. Online code users will see the new provisions as of the implementation date. Those designing buildings now, for permit application after December 19, 2014, will need to design in accordance with these new requirements noted above.

Note: The first document is comprised of 42 pages of the new 9.36 ‘Energy Efficiency’ Section; it replaces the existing five page Section 9.25 ‘Heat Transfer, Air Leakage and Condensation Control’. This crude comparison begins to suggest the challenge to the industry that these new provisions will present. To comply with the new provisions, a deeper understanding of thermal properties and performance than had previously been required of Part 9 code users will be required. Specification of RSI values will no longer be sufficient, effective RSI rather than material RSI will have to be determined. Requirements will vary according to climate zone, energy calculations will be necessary. The prescriptive requirements in 9.36 are focused primarily on Group C occupancies (residential).  Group D, E and F3 occupancies greater than 300 square meters, and F2 occupancies if any size, will require compliance with the National Energy Code for Buildings.

As a core competency for architects, many practitioners will be well-grounded in the building science theory necessary for understanding these new provisions, but understanding and application of the specific new requirements will require focused professional development. An easy way to get a clear overview of these code changes and what is being required of those designing Part 9 buildings is through taking this one day continuing education program.

Topics covered in the seminars will include:

• Overview of Current Regulations
• Scope of Changes – Changes to Div A, B, and C
• Structure of 9.36 – Building Envelope – HVAC – Service water heating
• Compliance options – Prescriptive – Performance – Trade-offs
• Building Envelope
  • Determination R-values
  • Calculation wall, ceiling, foundations
  • Calculating effective R-value
  • Continuity insulation
  • Thermal characteristics of above grade assemblies
  • Thermal characteristics of glazing
  • Thermal characteristics of below grade assemblies
  • Airtightness requirements
  • Trade-offs
• HVAC Requirements
  • Scope
  • Equipment & ducts
  • Heat recovery ventilation (with 9.32)
• Service Water Heating
  • Equipment efficiency
  • Piping & controls
• Performance Compliance
  • Calculation methods
  • Modelling criteria
• Administrative Issues
  • Resource materials
  • Consultants & para-professionals
  • Energy labelling programs

The schedule and registration form can be found on the BOABC website at www.boabc.org under ‘What’s New’ on the home page, or by clicking on the following link: http://www.boabc.org/EN/main/270.html.

Please send completed registration forms to Jennifer at the BOABC office along with payment.  You can also fax (604-270-9488) or scan and email (jennifer@boabc.org) completed registration forms with payment to follow.

New Provincial Energy Advisor Available to Assist Architects

As part of the province’s building regulatory system modernization strategy, the Building and Safety Standards Branch has launched a new, temporary project to provide advice and leadership on achieving compliance with energy requirements within the BC Building Code. For the next eighteen months, Zachary May, Senior Codes Administrator, will be your Compliance Advisor for energy requirements. He will be available to help you understand the new Part 3 and Part 9 energy code changes and technical requirements.

Zac has been involved in the adoption of these requirements and is great at helping code users understand technical matters in a matter-of-fact way. Zac will be a “coaching” resource for code users by:

• Proactively providing technical advice and assistance to industry and local governments specifically on ASHRAE 90.1 2010, NECB 2011 and requirements for Part 9 buildings by means of bulletins, presentations and support for their education delivery efforts;
  
• Developing program and policy recommendations on how to improve compliance with energy efficiency requirements of the BC Building Code; and
  
• Working with the Homeowner Protection Office on coordinated training and education for residential building energy efficiency requirements.

This project was created in response to stakeholder feedback and in partnership with BC Hydro.  The Building and Safety Standards Branch is committed to working with code users and finding ways to support their efforts to comply with the energy requirements in the BC Building Code.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:

Zachary May
Senior Codes Administrator
Compliance Advisor – Energy
Phone: 778-679-9641
Email: Zachary.May@gov.bc.ca

REMINDER:  The new Part 9 energy efficiency requirements take effect December 19, 2014. To find out more about the pending changes, check the Building and Safety Standards Branch technical bulletins.

The Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC), in conjunction with AIBC, will be delivering education seminars in ten locations throughout the province on these Part 9 energy efficiency requirements.  These seminars will deal with the new energy provisions of the code.

This is an AIBC Registered Educational Provider (REP) event. Attendees will earn seven core LUs. Architects working on Part 9 buildings are strongly advised to attend. Learn more and register.

 

 

Affinity Institute

Construction Contracts and Risk Management: Advanced Issues and Practical Insight

Led by top Canadian construction lawyers, you will gain the practical tools and strategies necessary to maximize opportunities and manage risk in construction contracts and projects.  Going beyond the basic topics, you will examine in detail some of the key issues and actual classes that are often misunderstood or overlooked, potentially causing significant loss.

Date: January 22, 2015
Location: SFU Segal Graduate School of Business, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Early Bird Cost $650 + GST (expires Nov 21).  Regular course price $695 + GST
Learning Units (LUs): 6.5 Core LUs
To register: www.affinityinstitute.ca

 

 

Affinity Institute

Hottest Issues and Trends in Construction

The latest developments in construction law have left uncertainty for all stakeholders in the industry. This information packed, one-day event will offer insight on the recent developments in the field of construction law, allowing you to proactively plan to ensure you are poised to thrive in 2015 and beyond.

Date: November 25, 2014
Location: SFU Segal Graduate School of Business, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Early Bird Cost $650 + GST (expires Oct. 24). Regular course price $695 + GST
Learning Units (LUs): 6.5 Core LUs
To register: www.affinityinstitute.ca

 

Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia

Architectural Sheet Metal Hands on Workshop

Become an Architectural Sheet Metal worker for a day! Roll up your sleeves and join the Roofing Contractors Association to learn about architectural sheet metal in the roofing industry. Workshop takes place on  November 4, 2014 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Roofing Contractors Association headquarters, 9734 – 201 St, Langley, BC. Space is limited. To register contact Peggy Millar at 604-882-9734, ext.210.  

5 Core LUs

Wood Works! BC

BC Wood Solutions Fair

You are invited to take part in the next Wood Solutions Fair, a one-day educational event on wood products and construction being held in Vancouver, Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Hosted by the Canadian Wood Council and Wood WORKS! BC , this event showcases wood uses in commercial, institutional, industrial and multi-unit residential construction through a trade show and seminars. Take advantage of; informative seminars solely dedicated to wood products; technical information from suppliers, manufacturers, wood engineering consultants and industry associations; the full range of structural wood products and finishing wood products; exhibits totally devoted to wood products; and, consultation with wood industry experts. If you are an architect, civil or structural engineer, building designer or contractor, construction technologist, student or professor, this is the one event you should not miss. Pre-registration and admission is free of charge for industry professionals. Register at http://wood-works.ca/bc/wsf/, or contact Zena Caul, Event Coordinator at 877 929 9663 ext 4, or by email at  zcaul@wood-works.ca

Core and Non-core LUs available.

Role Call: District of West Vancouver Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the District of West Vancouver Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here. 

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).

 

Role Call: City of Port Moody Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the City of Port Moody Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here.

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).

 

Role Call: City of White Rock Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the City of White Rock Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here. 

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).

 

Role Call: City of Surrey Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the City of Surrey Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here. 

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).

 

Role Call: City North Vancouver Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the City of North Vancouver Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here. 

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).