This session will cover significant changes in the next edition of the BC Codes including accessibility, adaptability, protection from overheating, and radon rough-ins, with a primary focus on the new lateral bracing design methodology for housing and small buildings.

With extreme heat, cold, flooding and wildfires becoming more frequent events, what should we consider when building the next generation of residential construction? This session explores the role that the BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code can play in improving climate-resilience and adaptation. Through regional case studies, barriers to Step Code implementation and practical, cost-effective strategies will also be reviewed. Learning Objectives: Recognize the importance of building housing in BC that responds to climate change through energy efficiency, durability, and comfort, for a diverse range of occupants. Explain to team members and clients the basic considerations for designing and building to the Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code, including considerations for future climate readiness, market expectations, potential cost implications, diverse building types, and future code readiness. Apply building science principles to help in the selection of durable building components, assemblies, and construction approaches in the diverse British Columbia climate and market

Hear from Fortis BC and BC Hydro about the utilities’ respective responses to demand for low carbon solutions and how they are supporting the building industry. The agenda will include hearing from BC Hydro on: Updates on our electrification process (electrification plan highlights and our sign post update) Update on customer connection improvements (both current processes as well as a quick summary of the connection fee policy changes) Electric panel upgrade questions (what are we doing to support) As well as Fortis BC on: Current energy landscape What is RNG and where is Fortis at with RNG Natural gas to renewable natural gas transition plan

Following last year’s session at the BOABC conference, Tim Ryce, CBO for City of North Vancouver, and Andrew Harmsworth, Founding Principal of GHL Consultants Ltd, Fire Engineers and Code Consultants, will present a discussion on high level alternative solutions, including background on the Code Development Process, where Peer Review is appropriate and methods for managing Peer Review of Alternative Solutions. New EGBC guidelines for review of engineering designs will be discussed.

New data suggests that radon exists in many areas of British Columbia where it was not previously known to result in elevated indoor levels. This presentation will cover current and proposed radon rough-in requirements for Part 9 residential buildings under the BC Building Code. We will show and discuss actual installations and best practice considerations.

The session will be divided into three (3) segments of about 20 minutes each: i) CCMC publications, ii) ABS and vapour barrier and iii) thermal resistance values. The first segment, consists of an overview of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) Registry of product assessments for the participants to efficiently search through the published assessments and review their applicability for specific projects, as they provide a compliance opinion with the National Building Code (NBC) and standards. NBC compliance paths will be outlined to raise the awareness of code compliance via alternative solutions. This will be followed by a review of the NBC requirements for air barrier systems (ABS) and vapour barriers (VB) for the participants to be able to distinguish their respective role, location in the building envelope and key issues. The last segment will focus on the thermal resistance value of products and assemblies to enable participants to identify the proper value to be used for compliance with the NBC requirements.

On May 1, 2023, Revision 5 of the BC Building Code 2018 came into effect. Checklists have since been released to reflect the changes, which include updates to the Energy Step Code and the introduction of the Zero Carbon Step Code. This session will provide an overview of how to use/review the Checklists, including typical case studies and more complex examples. The User Guides will also be introduced. Learning Objectives: 1.Describe when a registered professional is required under Part 9 of the BC Building Code 2.Identify key aspects of Division B, Part 9, that may trigger registered professional involvement Examples: Geotechnical investigation Cable railings 3.Demonstrate understanding of how local bylaws and community charter may affect residential construction and where to locate the bylaws. 4.Identify mechanisms and professional resources to apply for appeals and interpretations under the BC Building Code

A panel session with a building official, registered professional, and builder to discuss the challenges of professional reliance for Part 9 residential construction. This session will explore available tools and resources to improve enforcement consistency and unpack requirements for registered professional reports and sign-offs for Part 9 residential construction projects.

The Professional Governance Act (PGA) is the regulatory authority for Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC) and Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC). The PGA establishes a new, consolidated framework for professional regulators in the natural and built environments. Representatives from the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC) and Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) will discuss their transition to the Professional Governance Act, and the implications for BC Building Code compliance. A general overview of how AIBC and EGBC registrants are regulated will be followed by discussion on professional reliance in the BC Building Code, per 2.2.7. of Division C. Guidance will be provided on appropriate use of professional assurances on Part 9 buildings.

This session will be a collaborative and interactive workshop focused on providing a basic understanding of the importance of fireblocking to control the spread of fire/smoke within Part 9 buildings. It will incorporate code education mixed with visual examples of correctly and incorrectly installed fireblocking. The session will also allow for participants to voice challenges in achieving minimum code requirements and develop best practice solutions.

This session will provide an overview of asbestos licensing and certification, which is being implemented in January 2024. We will share the vision for a safer world for asbestos abatement workers, and how licensing and certification will work together to transform this sector and improve protections for workers from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Following this introduction, we will have a panel discussion with experts from Prevention Services who have been involved in the development of these programs and who will be managing the programs post-implementation. Questions and open dialogue are encouraged.

As more local governments adopt low carbon emissions policies for new residential construction, greater emphasis is being placed on improving regulatory mechanisms to ensure the appropriate design and installation of space heating/cooling and domestic hot water systems. Hear about the experience and lessons learned from implementing mechanical permits from local governments, including the City of Vancouver.