Energy-Efficient Homes: Starting the Conversation

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, we talk to Zachary May, Director of Strategic Policy at the Building and Safety Standards Branch of the BC Government and Chair of the Energy Step Code Council. Over the coming years, new homes in BC will get healthier, quieter, more durable, and more energy efficient than those on the resale market, thanks to a regulation called the BC Energy Step Code. In this feature conversation, we explore the Step Code, how it will benefit consumers and how Realtors can start talking to their clients about energy-efficient homes.This episode was recorded on January 26, 2021.Show Notes and LinksBelow is where you’ll find links to articles and websites referenced during the show. You can also use the times listed to navigate your way through the episode.What’s New – 1:25BCREA Launches Energy-Efficient Housing and Sustainable Homes CourseNew Tutorial Videos Focus on Common Standard FormsBCREA 2021 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update: Provincial Housing Market Set Up for Very Strong 2021Housing Market Update - January 2021Resources for REALTORS® (REALTOR® Link login required)Feature Conversation – 3:45By 2032, all new homes in BC will be built to step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code and will be up to 80 per cent more energy efficient than those built today. As the Step Code is implemented over the coming years, Realtors can help homebuyers make informed decisions by ensuring they're aware of the benefits of energy-efficient, or "high-performance," homes.To help prepare Realtors for the coming changes, we're joined by Zachary May, Chair of the Energy Step Code Council.To learn more about the BC Energy Step Code and what it means for Realtors, check out this blog post and brochure for Realtors. There are also lots of great resources, including resources for your clients, at energystepcode.ca.If you're interested in learning more about the features of an energy-efficient home and exploring various sustainability programs that go beyond the current building code requirements in BC, register for BCREA's new online, self-paced course, Energy Efficient and Sustainable Homes (REALTOR Link® login required).