FGIA to Host Webinar about Changes to BC Building and Energy Codes

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) will host a webinar titled “BC Building and Energy Codes | What to Expect” on Wednesday, March 15 at 9:30 a.m. Pacific. Sponsored by the FGIA FENBC Region, the webinar will be led by Jun’ichi Jensen, director, Codes and Standards at the Building and Safety Standards Branch of the Ministry of Housing. This webinar is complimentary and open to the public. Register now.

The FGIA FENBC Region’s Government Relations Committee operates as an open discussion forum for industry stakeholders and BC government officials to collaborate on topics impacting the BC market. There are a few items being considered for the next BC Building Code that will be discussed during this session. All interested parties are invited to join this one-hour presentation and discussion focusing on:

1. Upcoming proposed changes to further harmonize Part 5 of the BC Building Code with the National Building Code.
2. The BC Energy Step Code proposed change to require Step 3 across the province, most specifically U-value changes that are part of that package, in particular when a building uses the prescriptive path to compliance.
3. Potentially requiring wider entrance doors to some residential buildings, as well as requiring more accessible hotel and motel rooms which could affect the demand for sliding doors to balconies in hotels and motels.

“This information is important to stakeholders in British Columbia, given the code is proposed to be released this summer and effective in winter 2023,” says Janice Yglesias, FGIA executive director. “Jun’ichi will cover what these code-related items include and the potential impact for those in the region.”

Also on the docket for discussion is the joint letter from FGIA and its FENBC Region, Fenestration Canada and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association regarding adopting references to ASTM F2090 and F2006 for window fall prevention devices within the BC Building Code in place of the language currently included in the 2020 National Building Code of Canada.