There is a program in Alberta called P.A.C.E.
One of my constituents from Salt Spring Island initially brought this program to my attention back before the 2017 provincial election. He continues to encourage me to advocate for a similar program in British Columbia. He’s not alone in this endeavour.
First, what is P.A.C.E. you might ask? It stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy. As the PACE Canada website describes it, PACE “is an innovative financing tool which building owners and developers can use to upgrade their building’s energy performance, install renewable energy systems and reduce resource consumption with no money down and with the financing repaid through their property’s tax bill.”
We know that increasing building standards for new construction to improve the efficiency of our buildings will reduce emissions. However, there are a huge number of aging buildings that are super-inefficient and use a lot of energy. Rather than knocking them all down and wasting those materials, we need to upgrade them. This is expensive and not everyone has access to the capital, nor can they personally carry the financial burden of mortgages on their property to fund the modernization.
How does PACE work?
The idea of no up-front cost to the property owner sounds too good to be true. Well it’s not. Essentially, the property carries debt not the owner. Whether it’s supported by private funds or a municipal finance authority like we have in British Columbia, it represents a tremendous untapped opportunity.
This short video provides a good description how it works.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppOg2zWbpsU[/embedyt]
It could unleash a frenzy of economic activity retrofitting buildings in British Columbia while dramatically decreasing emissions in our cities, towns and villages and lowering the cost of living for people. On June 27, 2019 the City of Port Moody wrote the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Hon. Selina Robinson encouraging her to investigate creating a similar program for British Columbians.
I’ve also brought this opportunity to the attention of both Minister Robinson and the Minister of Finance, Hon. Carole James. I’m hopeful that momentum will build under this idea. It is an excellent way to involve the public personally in climate change adaptation while generating positive economic activity. I will continue to work to raise the profile of this initiative at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities convention and Fall legislative session.
It’s time for a PACE program in British Columbia!
Thank you Adam for your continued support. I’m apart of the grassroots efforts to continue to move #PACE along and momentum is now building. This proven program is the missing link to the adoption of renewable energy in Canada.
Hi Sandra , l am the constituent referenced by Adam in the blog . l was inspired by a study by the David Suzuki Foundation on PAPER / Property Assessed Payment Energy Retrofit . Sonya Persram was the author of the Study . There have been three UBCM resolutions asking for a remedy to the existing LIC Bylaw . l believe changing the LIC bylaw is a critical step necessary to forward a PACE/PAPER initiative in BC . Your thoughts?
I recently assisted neighbour build 2,400 sq. ft. home and after seeing the amount of plastics, sealers and glues that are required to meet building efficiency standard I did some research.
First, building contractor told me he recently returned from building envelope seminar. The key theme was let buildings breath. Rather than major investment in time and materials in sealing building, particularly wood structures, they recommended investing in efficient heating sources (geothermal, solar, etc.) Keep heat constant and air moving. Woodframe buildings then last for many decades with no mold or rot.
Second, chemical off gassing is a measurable health risk. Although it may diminish it never ceases. Everything from vapour barrier to tapes, glues to sealants, paints to petrochemical based flooring all combine to emit questionable levels of gases.
Third, wood products, unless burned, retain carbon. Extraction and manufacturing of petrochemical based product have no redeeming carbon retention quality.
Fourth, research and investment in inexpensive heating sources rather than layering on more and more petrochemical based building materials will significantly reduce building cost and maintenance.
The contractor said they did testing to show building with 2×4 walls, R 12 insulation, no vapour barrier, perforated felt under cedar siding and efficient heating was a very effective model. Even if moister entered walls the heat and air flow quickly dries wood and removes any potential rot or mildew problem.
Although I appreciate the intent of LEED’s and STEP program in BC I get a sense we are missing the boat by focussing on sealing efficiency rather than heating efficiency.
I appreciate this program concept. Another consideration is research and investment in supply of cheap efficienct energy/heat source. A local developer recent attended building envelope seminar. One theme was focused on reducing chemical off gassing from petrochemical based products, reducing rot and mold by letting building breath.
Basically the model was structurally sound builds but no vapour barrier, no tyvek, no tapes, glues and sealants if possible. Ensuring constant heat and airflow and woodframe buildings last for generations. The construction costs are significantly less and also less demand for mega energy infrastructures.
Solar or geothermal are currently energy options but an investment in efficient energy innovation would reduce demand for more traditional (monopoly) based energy sources and address growing health concerns from extensive use of petrochemical based building products.