Summerland joins in move toward energy sustainability

Province developing new code that will require buildings produce at least as much energy as they use

SUMMERLAND — Summerland is on board with the provincial building and safety standards branch’s Energy Step Code.

The code is designed to help local government and industry incrementally move toward a future in which all construction across the province is “net-zero energy ready” by 2032.

That means a building produces at least as much energy as it uses, development planner Alex Kondor and sustainability-alternative energy co-ordinator Tami Rothery explained to council Monday.

Council approved the resolution to submit a notice of consultation on the B.C. Energy Step Code to the provincial building and safety standards branch, and that staff engage with regional governments in the development of an Energy Step Code timeline and strategy.

“This is a very timely and important item,” Coun. Erin Carlson said.

Summerland staff have already participated in a regional consultation process organized by the City of Kelowna with the assistance of grant funds from FortisBC.

Future activities include engaging stakeholders using online and in-person methods, requesting feedback from the community climate action advisory committee, and gathering feedback on the tools and resources needed for a smooth transition to the adoption of the Energy Step Code.

At present, the district is planning to host two open public meetings and two stakeholder workshops for builders, professionals and developers.

There will also be a web page with information about the implementation of the Energy Step Code.

Dates are yet to be determined.