Building Green Incentives in the District of North Vancouver

Building Green Incentives in the District of North Vancouver

The District of North Vancouver has a Green Building Strategy to support their emission reduction targets. This new strategy offers an incentive for homeowners and builders to construct with the environment top of mind. The incentive program "increases the maximum permitted floor space for single family residential buildings, meeting the building and energy performance baselines...The incentive increases commensurate with increasing energy performance."

For single family homes, the measure is 'Gold' under the Built Green™2011 checklist with a minimum performance rating of Energuide 80. To achieve the greatest allowable extra space the Energuide rating is 86. 

If you are a homeowner in the District of North Vancouver this means the better your home performs energy-wise, the greater the allowable additional floor space in a newly constructed home. Some homeowners have also made application for large renovations. There are numerous reasons to consider an energy efficient home: lower energy and water costs, improved indoor air quality, increased comfort and ventilation, decreased maintenance costs, lower environmental impact and greater resale value. 

The City of Vancouver is following suit in another way with the implementation of a "wide range of green building programs and policies" beginning with the Green Homes program. Under the program, new one and two family homes are required to include a number of sustainable features to help save energy, water and money while providing an improved indoor environment.  There's even a requirement for recharging of electric vehicles.

While the District of West Vancouver hasn't employed a similar strategy there are rebates for improving energy efficiency.  

Where is Blackfish in all this?

Well, we'd like to put a feather in our cap: Our Georgie and Built Green Award winning home achieved a Platinum rating achieving Energuide  87 and an ultra-low air change per hour of 1.3, making it one of the most energy efficient homes on the North Shore and in the lower mainland (BCHomesmag.com).

What's clear is that the environment is a top priority with all levels of government and future direction very apparent. Homeowners are increasingly considering the energy and water consumption/efficiency of their home.  

Not so long ago green building used to seem very "Jetsons". The future is now here! 

Blackfish Homes in 2013

I'm proud to be part of a company that is more like a family. At home, I send out my family's newsletter to extended family and close friends each Christmas. This year, with so much happening at Blackfish Homes, it's definitely fitting to update our friends on what's taking place.

What's Happening Lately?

* We're pleased that Blackfish Homes is now a recognized leader in the green building industry.  Building new homes and operating a business based on environmentally sound decision making isn't always the easiest or the least expensive option but we're committed to our beliefs. And isn't that what we teach our children?  Stick to your guns. We're continuously researching ways to improve the environmental impact of what we do. Please let us know if you have learned anything innovative that may apply to us. 

* Homeowner's are now more educated and understand that sustainable, energy efficient homes aren't cost prohibitive and ultra modern but are, first and foremost, healthier and less expensive to maintain in the long run.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has predicted spending on home renovations in BC to increase from $7.6 billion to $7.8 billion in 2013.  We've already felt the impact of that increase through a surge in enquiries. A good dilemma for the new year!  

* We're a finalist for another Georgie award for a stunning kitchen renovation. Winners will be announced in February.

Before 

Georgie Award finalist: kitchen renovation after

* Blackfish Homes was very proud to be involved in the Canfor Playhouse Challenge this past summer. The Teepee playhouse we built designed by Michael Green and his team at MGA was moved to the site of the new Ronald McDonald House; the new RMH will be complete in 2013. We are hoping to participate in this challenge once again this summer and support another charity through our work.  We'll post when the plans are announced!

What are we Building Now?

Along with a few smaller renovations, we have three exceptional projects currently underway.

The first project, although defined as a renovation is, in reality, quite extensive.  The "renovation" transforms a heritage cottage built on bedrock into a highly efficient, sleek home that makes extraordinary use of the property. Architectural Designer D'Arcy Jones (be sure to click the link for additional photos of the project) has kept the basic footprint but extended the sight lines inside the home and expanded the views to the exterior. The look is clean and West Coast cool.


Before

After

The second project is a home with jaw dropping views of the ocean.  From the design team at Kennedy Crawford Design the bones of this home remain unchanged with the interior receiving a complete redux.  The result will be superior jaw dropping ocean views from all interior spaces, additional natural light and better use of the floor plan for this family.  The homeowner's will now be able to savour the outdoor experience (and views) thanks to additional  patio access.  Did I mention the views?

View looking west

View looking east

 The third project is a new home on an even lot. The homeowner has thought carefully about the use of this family home and added touches throughout that will make every day household tasks less work.  Large living spaces for entertaining and family gatherings will make this their "forever home".

This is only a small glimpse into the new year at Blackfish Homes. There are many more items in the works that can't be mentioned just yet; as soon as possible they will be posted here! Cheers to everyone for a prosperous 2013.