Official Community Plan - District of North Vancouver

Energy-Efficient Buildings
10.1
Buildings in the District contribute around 50% of our community’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The District’s objective is to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings. As well
as supporting other climate change initiatives, efficient buildings are resilient to higher energy
prices and reduce the load on infrastructure. The District has developed a green building
strategy and development permit guidelines for the conservation of energy and water for new
multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings (See Schedule B).
Policies
1. Promote the development of green/energy-efficient buildings for new multifamily, residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional buildings
2. Encourage residential energy conservation and building retrofits and promote access to senior
government grants and incentives to achieve this
3. Advocate for energy efficiency ratings to be established in all homes for sale/resale
4. Work with other levels of government, energy providers and the business community to facilitate
emissions assessments and to develop energy and greenhouse gas reduction strategies
10.2
Alternative Energy
Supply Options
In addition to reducing energy consumption, it is important that we explore renewable energy
sources and systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that we reduce our dependency
on fossil fuels. The District’s objective is to encourage alternative energy sources and systems
that lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Policies
1. Undertake feasibility assessments of district energy systems and advance these, where
appropriate, through partnerships and the planning and redevelopment process
2. Encourage and facilitate new development to be district energy ready with hydronic systems where
appropriate
3. Explore opportunities for a heat recovery system from the proposed sewage treatment plant
4. For large developments undergoing rezoning require developers to conduct energy efficiency and
alternative energy assessments
5. Investigate potential renewable energy resources and applications including geoexchange, solar
and biomass-based technologies, and consider use of incentives for homeowners undertaking
green energy improvements
6. Work with North Shore municipalities, Metro Vancouver, First Nations governments and other
partners to advance opportunities for integrated, alternative energy systems such as Integrated
Resource Recovery and carbon offset opportunities such as aforestation
DNV Official Community Plan | Part Two 73