 years to improve at provincial
government buildings, including:
- switching from fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydropower;
- using smart technologies to conserve energy, such as Wi-Fi building sensors to regulate lighting and real-time data displays;
- installing electric vehicle charging stations;
- undertaking energy retrofits in existing buildings, such as replacing heating systems and upgrading lighting;
- building new energy-efficient facilities, using green design and innovative technologies;
- making buildings more resilient to climate change by relocating and reinforcing equipment to protect against possible floods and wind, installing more HVAC systems and exterior drainage; and creating flexible and modern work environments to support a growing mobile workforce.
"Today's announcement by the Government of B.C. is a great example of what can be achieved
when local and provincial governments work together," said Lyn Hall, mayor of Prince George.
"The city showed leadership seven years ago when it established a downtown energy system
that supports local industry and business, which greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Today, this system is the single greatest contributor to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from
the city. Government has already documented savings of natural gas and carbon offsets worth
more than $100,000 from having just two of its buildings connected."
Along with reducing carbon pollution, the program also supports job creation and continued
innovation in the building and technology sectors.
"The Canada Green Building Council commends British Columbia's CleanBC Government
Buildings Program, which provides a path towards meeting its climate targets," said Thomas
Mueller, president and CEO of Canada Green Building Council. "To reduce greenhouse gases on
the scale needed to meet international targets, Canada urgently needs to retrofit existing
buildings. With this plan, the B.C. government is demonstrating leadership by placing an
emphasis on retrofitting its own building portfolio, showcasing deep energy retrofits,
establishing and disclosing its progress towards energy, water and waste reduction. B.C. is
setting an example for the rest of country and will reap the environmental benefits, along with
operating savings and job creation that come from retrofit."
CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was
developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in
the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.'s emission
- The CleanBC Government Buildings Program targets about 1,000 government buildings, which account for about 8% of total provincial public-sector emissions.
- By 2021, all new government facilities will include electric vehicle charging stations. For existing buildings, charging stations will be installed where there is demand.
- Energy retrofits generally result in a minimum of 25% energy savings. Major energy retrofits, which also include building envelope improvements, could deliver savings of
more than 40%.
- By 2032, all new buildings in B.C. will be net-zero energy ready. By 2050, the goal is to reduce emissions in core provincial buildings by 80% when compared to 2010 levels.
- CleanBC Efficiency Rebates are available for people and businesses to improve their homes and buildings by installing new heating and cooling systems, upgrade major appliances, improve insulation and complete BC Hydro energy-saving evaluations.
For more information about CleanBC Efficiency Rebates available for the public, visit: