Buildings and communities
Last updated on September 19, 2024Through CleanBC, the Province is raising the standards for new construction, encouraging energy-saving improvements in existing homes, schools and workplaces, and supporting communities in reducing greenhouse gases and preparing for the effects of climate change.
On this page
- Buildings and communities in 2030
- How we're making buildings cleaner
- How communities are taking climate action
- How we're reducing and reusing waste
Buildings and communities in 2030
As part of our commitment to reduce province-wide emissions by 40 percent from 2007 levels, B.C. has set a target to reduce emissions in buildings and communities by more than a half by 2030. The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 (PDF, 9.4MB) maps out the most promising routes to reach these targets and sets the course to fulfil our net-zero commitment by 2050.
Here are some ways our buildings and infrastructure could look different in 2030 based on the Roadmap to 2030:
- All new buildings in B.C. will be zero-carbon, so no new climate pollution will be added to the atmosphere from new buildings after this point
- All new space and hot water equipment will be at least 100 percent efficient, significantly reducing emissions compared to current combustion technology
B.C. is improving regulations and providing incentives to ensure new and existing buildings are energy efficient and use cleaner energy.
See CleanBC actions on building better.
How communities are taking climate action
Through programs and shared funding opportunities, B.C. is supporting local governments and First Nations to build clean and sustainable communities and prepare for the effects of a changing climate.
The CleanBC Communities Fund provides provincial and federal funding for community projects that reduce reliance on fossil fuels by generating or managing renewable energy, improving building efficiency or increasing clean transportation.
The Local Government Climate Action Program provides local governments and Modern Treaty Nations with predictable and stable funding to prepare for and adapt to climate change.
See CleanBC actions at the community level.
How we're reducing and reusing waste
CleanBC aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by keeping recyclable materials, food and organic waste out of landfills and by supporting the capture of landfill gases.