Energy Modelling & Energy Assessments
Servicing Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton & surrounding areas.
FOR ARCHITECTS, BUILDING DESIGNERS & BUILDERS: NEW CONSTRUCTION - We provide consulting services for New Construction in relation to BC’s Energy Step Code & Vancouver Building By-Law compliance for Part 9 residential buildings. We also offer a CSA F280-12 Heat Summary calculation service.
FOR HOME OWNERS & BUILDERS: EXISTING HOMES (LOOKING TO UPGRADE) - We can provide EnerGuide Home Energy Assessments for existing homes providing owners with an understanding of their home’s energy performance as well as access to federal or provincial grants for energy upgrades.
See below for a more detailed description of what’s involved.
For Architects, Building Designers & Builders - New Construction Modelling for BC Energy Step Code Compliance or Vancouver Building By-Laws
This service allows us to to review plans, model energy consumption and verify that the specified plans will meet the energy performance requirements for the required level of the BC Energy Step Code or the Vancouver Building By-Law.
An energy model calculates how much energy a proposed building is expected to use. Modelled energy consumption in a building can relate to space heating, ventilation, lighting, appliance and plug loads. The energy advisor (or energy modeler) understands the modeling software, construction details and Building Code requirements for the jurisdiction where the construction will take place. The energy model accounts for the size and geometry of the building, the climate at the building’s location, the effective insulation values of assemblies such as walls, ceilings, windows and doors, and the mechanical systems that keeps the occupants comfortable in the home.
Energy advisors can provide advice to home builders who want to improve energy efficiency in the homes they build so they can achieve any of the Part 9 steps.
Associated organizations:
Mid & Final Construction Stage Blower Door Airtightness Testing - Part 9 & Part 3 Buildings
This service is carried out during and after construction, and involves energy advisors assessing the building which will include a blower door test to measure the building’s airtightness. We can also provide consultancy during this process to assist in understanding the opportunities for improvement in future airtightness tests. This often involves utilizing visual aids such as smoke pencils and infra red cameras to identify areas of infiltration or thermal bridging in the building envelope.
Existing Home Assessments
With this service we can assist with an EnerGuide Evaluation in order to participate in a rebate program, meet permit requirements for improvements, or to really just understand how much energy your home uses. This service also requires us to carry out a blower door test to determine the current level of airtightness within the home. We can provide a roadmap for future renovation plans to identify areas of opportunity to improve your home’s efficiency.
For home owners, home buyers, or home builders, our Natural Resources Canada licensed Energy Advisors can provide you with an EnerGuide Rating or ENERGY STAR® certification on the home and valuable information on how to upgrade the home to make it more energy efficient.
