October 18, 2024

Al PhillipsVANCOUVER CITY COUNCIL recently approved a directive to reinstate natural gas as an option for heating and hot water in new home construction. This reverses its January 2022 policy that mandated only low-emission electric units for space and hot water heating in new low-rise residential buildings.

The decision has been controversial as many municipalities are enforcing early adoption of B.C.’s Zero Carbon Step Code: a voluntary provincial standard aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in new buildings. Effective May 1, 2023, the code requires new buildings to be 20 per cent more efficient, progressing to lower emissions until all new buildings are zero carbon by 2030. The code essentially bans natural gas connections for most new commercial and residential structures, pushing them to rely solely on electricity for heating and cooking. While the target for zero carbon is 2030, some municipalities have already enacted legislation banning natural gas and hydrogen in new construction. West Vancouver and North Vancouver now require step five of the code, meaning new homes must be net zero. Nanaimo banned the use of natural gas as a primary heat source starting July 1, 2024.

So why has the City of Vancouver seemingly taken a step back on this issue? Most of us can agree that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority. The decision to allow natural gas in new homes, despite the broader trend towards electrification and the zero-emission standard goes against the prevailing direction But takes a more balanced approach towards achieving zero emissions. Having diversified energy options, including natural gas, is key in maintaining low energy costs and ensuring a reliable supply.

With many municipalities pushing for all-electric buildings, the rapid move away from natural gas is concerning. According to BC Hydro, electricity only accounts for 19 per cent of the total energy use in British Columbia. Despite this, BC Hydro imported power in 2023 due to the severe drought conditions faced by our province. The Site C dam, where many of our members are currently working, is set to start up later this year and should increase the province’s power supply by about 8 per cent when fully operational. Still, BC Hydro is looking for additional ways to generate electricity to meet rising demand. Earlier this year, it put out a request for proposals to find more electricity—that hasn’t been done in 15 years. With demand for electricity expected to rise by 15 per cent or more by 2030, electricity alone cannot meet all our energy needs. Increased demand for electricity and insufficient supply eventually means higher costs for electricity. maintaining natural gas as an option as we transition to electrification will help to ensure price stability.

A shift to 100 per cent electricity could also limit access to low-carbon alternatives, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen, which could play a crucial role in the future. While progressing towards cleaner energy is important, preserving access to these alternatives is also key to maintaining affordable energy prices and ensuring a consistent and reliable supply. Renewable natural gas derived from organic waste provides a lower-carbon alternative to conventional natural gas. Its integration into the existing gas system infrastructure can help lower overall greenhouse gas emissions. Without gas connections, buildings will lack access to such future energy solutions.

Vancouver’s decision strikes a balance between reaching zero emissions and addressing economic and energy reliability concerns. By considering both environmental goals and practical issues, the city aims to make the shift to zero emissions both effective and manageable.

Al Phillips, President