Housing Research and Education Project Highlights

TECHNICAL RESEARCH

INDUSTRY EDUCATION

BC Energy Step Code Design Guide – Supplement S3 on Overheating and Air Quality

Description This supplement to the BC Energy Step Code Design Guide recommends strategies to reduce the impacts of a warmer climate on mid- and high-rise (Part 3) wood- frame and non-combustible residential buildings across British Columbia. Current building codes and standards are based on past climatic conditions and do not necessarily recognize the impacts of climate change on the health, comfort, and safety of building residents. This supplement considers future conditions as an increasingly important part of building design to address overheating and indoor air quality in residential construction. Creating more resilient buildings will allow residents to cope with higher temperatures, more frequent and severe heat waves, and air quality challenges caused by extreme wildfires and other air pollutants. Impact This guide recommends key strategies and approaches to help ensure that multi- unit residential buildings constructed today are designed for occupant comfort and safety throughout the lifetime of the building.

Status: Available online at www.bchousing.org Partners: BC Hydro, City of Vancouver, City of New Westminster, Province of British Columbia Audience: Development, design and

construction industry, local governments, energy utilities, and other industry stakeholders

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45 HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021

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