VBBL for Renovations
The City of Vancouver’s VBBL requires an EnerGuide report at the pre-reno permit stage. For instance, the process involves an Existing Home Energy Evaluation before the renovation begins. Nonetheless, that’s where we come in. We will do our best to make this process as smooth as possible. We explicitly understand the cost and stress involved in renovations, especially at the permit stage.
We take the pain away from the process
Finally, we and are here to help guide you through the VBBL, while making your renovation a success story.
REUP
Accordingly, VBBL requires a Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal (REUP). This checklist is required for your 1 or 2 dwelling home’s renovation permit application. It not only summarizes the scope of work of the renovation, but also the proposed energy upgrades requirements based on the renovation scope.
The REUP is a compliance report and depends on the overall scope of the renovation for your project. Based on the requirement table illustrated above, your project will fall under either the Simple or Alternative REUP compliance.
As of February 28th, 2025, REUP is no longer required for renovations under $150,000 that does not involve major building envelope upgrade.
VBBL Basic REUP
The project requires a Simple or basic REUP if:
- All upgrades under the scope of work meet or exceed the VBBL for new homes requirements
- Effective R-22* wall insulation
- USI 1.22 or lower windows
- Existing gas hot water tank must be replaced with an electric unit
- For renovations over $150,000 – $249,999, meet all requirements in the Energy Efficiency Requirements table above
- For renovations over $250,000, existing gas primary heating system must be replaced with an electric system
- The renovation does not modify any of the exterior envelope of the home
- I.e. opening the drywall for any exterior wall or ceiling is considered altering the exterior envelope
VBBL Advanced REUP
The project will require an Alternative REUP if you are unable or unwilling to achieve the VBBL for new homes wall or roof requirements. Furthermore, for renovations over $250,000, you are unable or unwilling to achieve all requirements in the Energy Efficiency Requirements table above.
Flexibility in design
Although the Advanced REUP gives you flexibility in your design the VBBL requirements can be very costly and challenging to meet. Basically, we are experts and save you money and time.
All of a sudden, the new design must be more energy efficient and/or emit less greenhouse gases per year than the existing home. Generally, this is achieved through energy trade-offs that offset the energy savings.
Alternative Upgrade options:
All things considered, here are examples;
- upgrading mechanical systems
- making improvements to the air tightness of the home
- install more insulation
- replace windows/doors with performance beyond minimum code
- upgrade ventilation system to HRV or ERV
Afterwards why not browse the City’s official page for more info on the Vancouver Building By-Law for renovations?
VBBL New requirements for all renovations of 1-3 storey homes after January 1st, 2022 the following changes apply
- New windows: must achieve U 1.22 W/m2K
- New cathedral roof: thicker U values (see attached)
- New HRV: achieve 75% SRE @ 0 degree C
- Reconstruction (‘full gut’) projects: require electric space & hot water heating
- Solar chases no longer required for reconstruction projects
- More than $250,000 Permit value – Must install electric space and hot water heating systems
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