The B.C. Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) has set a target of achieving an energy performance of 25 per cent better than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) for new institutional, commercial, industrial (ICI) and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) by 2010, reducing the average energy consumption by 20 per cent.

As part of the pilot program, the Energy Savings Plan (ESP) and the Light House Sustainable Building Centre (Light House) are providing free energy efficiency screenings of new ICI and MURB buildings. This service is designed to build awareness among developers of the business case arising from energy efficiency investments including enhanced marketability, faster absorption, higher yields and lower tenant turnover. ESP will also use the information we obtain to determine average baseline energy intensities for current, conventionally designed buildings in each of the four target sectors. The screening service is available from November 2006 through March 2007. Upon completion of the program, ESP will evaluate uptake and market trends and compile a report on top line findings. This report will be used to develop a business plan to extend the pilot phase through to 2010.