The broad mandate of each Peer Network is to support community-based climate action through peer learning and knowledge sharing for local government staff .
In simple terms, peer networks exist to get the best information about a topic into the hands of staff who are responsible for implementing in their community. By coming together with their peers, network members can find ways to advance their priorities by replicating what has already been done, adapt solutions for their context and collaborate for amplified impact.
*membership in peer networks is reserved for staff in a BC local government or Indigenous community. This creates an environment that is specifically oriented to the unique context of staff, and keeps conversations focused on shared opportunities, challenges and barriers. The only network that is open to other stakeholders is NorthCan.
Topical Networks:
Regional Networks:
Step Code Peer Network (SCPN)
Who can join this network? Local Government Staff (current membership includes Planners, Building officials, Climate/sustainability Staff, Sr. staff, etc.) and Associate Members (may be representatives from utilities, industry, energy advisors, or other) by invitation
Purpose of this Network:
- Accelerate understanding and adoption of the BC Energy Step Code
- Prepare local governments to successfully implementthe BC Energy Step Code
- Provide a communication channel between local governments and the Energy Step Code Council
Current Topics of Interest:
- Building Code Update
- Zero Carbon Stepcode
- Capacity Building in Northern and Rural BC
Past Network Outcomes:
- Replicate bylaws from other communities
- Participate in collaborative efforts to build industry capacity
- Engage with BSSB on proposed Building Code updates
- Adopt a Low Cabron Energy System option as part of Energy Step Code implementation
BC Hydro Low Carbon Building Policy Toolkit
2021-03-19_BCH_LCB_Toolkit_Final-1.pdf
Retrofit Peer Network (RPN)
Who can join this network? Local Government Staff (current membership includes Planners, Building officials, Climate/sustainability Staff, Sr. staff, etc) and Associate Members (may be representatives from utilities, industry, energy advisors, or other) by invitation
Purpose of this Network:
- Accelerate BC’s transition toward zero emissions in existing buildings
- Accelerate local government understanding on policy and program innovations
- Align community-scale efforts for improved co-ordination and results
- Provide a communication channel between local governments, indigenous communities and organisations, to coordinate input and ideas back to the Province
Current Topics of Interest:
- Alterations Code
- Industry Capacity Building
- Heat pumps
- Financing & incentives
Past Network Outcomes:
- Communications materials and resources to increase awareness and education for homeowners
Resources:
- Power Point template with additional information: Low-Carbon-Building-Retrofit-Strategies-and-Policies-Sept23.pptx
Useful Websites:
- NRCan - existing building
- USA - Advanced Energy Retrofit Guides
- The Climate Leaders Playbook - Retrofit Existing Buildings
- BC Non-Profit Housing Association - Retrofit Coaching
- BC Climate Action Toolkit - Civic Building Retrofit
Report Links:
- Green Homes Focus Group Report Draft (09.21): https://docs.communityenergy.ca/wp-content/uploads/Green-Homes-Focus-Group-Report-Draft-September-15.pdf
- Make The Switch - Literature Review DRAFT (07.21): https://docs.communityenergy.ca/wp-content/uploads/Make-The-Switch-Literature-Review-DRAFT-July-8-2021.pptx.pdf
- ACEEE and CUSP: A New Lease on Energy: Guidance for Improving Rental Housing Efficiency at the Local Level (08.21) https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/u2102.pdf
- Pembina: Canada's Renovation Wave: A plan for jobs and climate (07.21) https://www.pembina.org/reports/canadas-renovation-wave-summary.pdf
- Accelerating Home Energy Efficiency Retrofits Through Local Improvement Charge Programs: A Toolkit for Municipalities (05.20)
https://www.cleanairpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/FINAL-LIC-TOOLKIT-Accelerating-Home-Energy-Efficiency-Retrofits-Through-LIC-Programs-2020-1.pdf - BC Hydro Low Carbon Building Policy Toolkit (03.21)
2021-03-19_BCH_LCB_Toolkit_Final-1.pdf - Canada's Climate Retrofit Mission: Why the climate emergency demands an innovation-oriented policy for building retrofits (06.21)
https://www.efficiencycanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Retrofit-Mission-FINAL-2021-06-16.pdf - Province of BC: Existing buildings renewal strategy
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/building-codes-standards/existing-buildings - Help Cities Lead: https://www.helpcitieslead.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/HCL_Briefing_Summary-1.pdf (01.21)
- Pembina: Accelerating B.C.'s economic recovery through building retrofits: submission to the Government of BC, July 2020 (07.20)
Electric Vehicle Peer Network (EVPN)
Who can join this network? Local Government Staff (current membership includes Transportation Planners, Climate/sustainability Staff, Sr. staff, etc) and Associate Members (may be representatives from utilities, industry, or other) by invitation
Purpose of this Network:
- Facilitate rapid transition to electric transportation through peer learning
- Provide a communication channel between local government, provincial government, BC Hydro, Fortis BC to share best practices and advice
- Collaborate on shared initiatives such as future policy
Current Topics of Interest:
- Low Carbon Fuel Standard
- EV Infrastructure Siting
- Regional EV Network Development
- Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Awareness Initiatives
Past Network Outcomes:
Useful Websites:
- EV Incentive: Plug In BC
Embodied Emissions Peer Network (EEPN)
Who can join this network? Local Government Staff (current membership includes Planners, Building officials, Climate/sustainability Staff, Sr. staff, etc), invited guests
Purpose of this Network:
- Explores policy tools and opportunities to leverage local government impact over embodied emissions reductions
- As an emerging area-discuss strategic direction for the network going forward
Current Topics of Interest:
- Mass Timber Construction
- Low-Carbon Building Materials
- Green Building Policy
Past Network Outcomes:
- Embodied Emissions Guide - Policies, Programs and Incentives to Reduce Embodied Emissions in the Built Environment.
Resources:
- BEAM (Building Emissions Accounting for Materials) Estimator - Estimator to calculate A1-A3 (upfront) Embodied Carbon for Part 9 Residential buildings only
- Lighter Footprint App - Great at estimating lifecycle emissions in BC's local jurisdictions
- Perkins & Will has a good primer focused more on process than specific guidance
- The Carbon Leadership Forum has created a webinar series
- Embodied Carbon Policies - Global report on Policies to reduce embodied carbon
- Girl Scout video (US) explaining what embodied carbon is
Useful Websites:
Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Climate Action Network (VICCAN)
Who can join this network? Local Government Staff and Indigenous Government staff from the region, invited guests
Purpose of this Network:
- Focus primarily on regionally relevant topics and issues
- Promote the sharing of climate action-related knowledge
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and implementation
- Provide opportunities for staff to give and receive feedback to various levels of government
Current Topics of Interest:
Resources Coming Soon!
Thompson-Okanagan Climate Action Network (TOCAN)
Who can join this network? Local government staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous governments in the Thompson-Okanagan region, and invited guests
Purpose of this Network:
- Sharing knowledge, experience, and resources
- Discuss and implement opportunities to collaborate on climate action
- Leverage capacity and expose participants to new funding opportunities
- Cover regionally-relevant topics and issues both in climate mitigation and adaptation
Current topics of interest:
- Regional public EV charging network
- Building sector knowledge and skills development
- Coordinated approach to adaptation & resilience
Who can join this network? The Network exists “in and for the North” and brings together individuals from local governments (staff and elected officials from municipalities, and regional districts), Indigenous governments, health and education, business and industry, and NGOs; these individuals have climate-related interest and expertise in the areas of buildings, transportation, energy systems/security, waste, and/or land use
Purpose of this Network
- Accelerate implementation of low-carbon solutions that foster and support community well-being and preparedness for local climate impacts
- Encourage local/regional innovation, research, and bold decision-making
- Expose participants to new funding, contacts, and opportunities
Current Topics of Interest:
Resources Coming Soon!
