B1.3Require future weather data in building modeling

Under current BC Building Code requirements, historical climate data is used in building energy modeling, including for the design of heating and cooling systems. As a result, buildings constructed today may not be adequately equipped to handle the warmer summers and more frequent extreme heat events already being experienced and expected to intensify in the future. By requiring the use of future climate projections in building modeling, the City can help ensure that new buildings are designed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round and offer improved resilience to a changing climate.

This action will see the City require Part 3 development applicants to incorporate future weather data in building energy and thermal comfort modeling and to report the results and design implications to the City as part of the development application process. This requirement will support climate-resilient building design and provide staff with insights on potential risks and adaptation needs under future climate conditions.