Annual Reporting Requirements for Multi-Family Building Owners: Vancouver’s Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-Law

Vancouver’s Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-Law impacts landlords and property owners managing multi‐family buildings and hotels across the city. It aims to ensure transparency and accountability in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Landlords and property owners of large multi‐family residences need to understand the reporting requirements and deadlines, not only to avoid penalties but also to take advantage of potential support programs.

Who Needs to Report?

For multi-family buildings 100,000 square feet (9,290 m²) or greater, the first report, covering 2024 data, is due by June 1, 2025. Multi-family buildings between 50,000 and 100,000 square feet will submit their first report by June 1, 2026.

Notably, while multi-family buildings must provide detailed data on their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, existing ones are exempt from meeting the specific greenhouse gas intensity and heat energy limits that apply to other categories under the Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law.

Types of Buildings Covered

The bylaw distinguishes between different types of multi-family buildings based on categories outlined in ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. This categorization includes:

Care Occupancies (Group B3 under the Vancouver Building By-law)

These include healthcare-related facilities such as ambulatory surgical centres and outpatient rehabilitation/physical therapy clinics, as well as residential care facilities.

Residential Occupancies (Group C under the Vancouver Building By-law)

This category encompasses hotels, multi-family housing units, residence halls or dormitories, and senior living communities.

The classifications are intended to clarify reporting obligations based on the building’s primary function. By ensuring that each building is categorized correctly, property owners can determine their specific reporting requirements more accurately.

Steps to Comply with the Bylaw

Property owners should be familiar with the necessary steps to report energy and greenhouse gas emissions. The reporting process is consistent for both commercial and multi-family buildings.

Review the Official Guidelines

Begin by reading the Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law documentation and the Energy and Carbon Reporting How-to Guide. These documents provide comprehensive instructions and detailed guidance on how to prepare your report.

Set Up Your ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager Account

Establish an account with ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. It is essential to share a complete profile with the City’s ESPM account to ensure your building is correctly represented in the system.

Claim Your Building in the City’s BPRS

Next, use the Building Performance Reporting System (BPRS) to claim your building. This step links your energy and carbon reporting directly with the city’s records.

Prepare and Submit Your Report

With your account set up and your building claimed in the system, compile your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions data for the reporting period. Make sure your report is complete and submitted by the appropriate deadline to avoid any penalties.

Resources and Support

The City of Vancouver offers various support programs and incentives for existing multi-family buildings to ease the transition to regular reporting. It also provides guides and other resources, designed to help property owners navigate the reporting process effectively.

For more detailed information and access to the official bylaw document, visit the City of Vancouver’s website.