Re: Saanich’s proposed building code changes come under fire in the Feb. 21 Saanich News.
With flooding and wildfires on the rise, the negative effects of human-caused climate change are being felt here and now. Strong climate action is imperative to ensure B.C.’s continued prosperity in the changing world.
By 2030, the Pembina Institute estimates carbon pollution from the building sector must be slashed by half in order to meet B.C.’s legislated climate target for 2050. B.C. is taking action on new homes and buildings via the Energy Step Code; implementing it is still voluntary for municipalities.
What’s sorely needed is a strategy to reduce emissions from existing homes and buildings by an average of 60 per cent. This calls for the upgrading of 20,000 houses, two million square feet of commercial space, and one million square feet of high-rise apartments every year until 2050.
Karen Tam Wu, acting B.C. director
Pembina Institute