Commercial energy audits in Vancouver

• Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law No. 13472 (in force - enforcement paused since May 21, 2026): Reporting: commercial or multi-family residential buildings 4,645 m2 (50,000 sq ft) or larger, phased in by occupancy and size (assembly/business/mercantile/industrial occupancies 9,290 m2+ reported 2023 data by June 1, 2024 and 4,645-9,290 m2 reported 2024 data by June 1, 2025; care and residential occupancies 9,290 m2+ reported 2024 data by June 1, 2025 and 4,645-9,290 m2 reported 2025 data by June 1, 2026). GHGI limits: office (Group D) buildings 9,290 m2+ 25 kg CO2e/m2 and retail (Group E) buildings 9,290 m2+ 14 kg CO2e/m2 from 2026, falling to 0 by 2040; heat energy intensity limit 0.09 GJ/m2 from Jan 1, 2040. Source

• Integrated energy audit (BC Hydro): Up to 100% funding for an energy expert (Alliance of Energy Professionals member) to audit a whole facility or selected systems; payment usually goes directly to the energy expert. Details
• Feasibility study (BC Hydro): Study 100% funded when the opportunity exceeds 200,000 kWh/yr or 100 kW; 50% funded for 25,000-200,000 kWh/yr or 25-100 kW (efficiency, efficient electrification or demand response). Details
• Continuous Optimization (C-Op) program (BC Hydro in partnership with FortisBC): Funding of up to $0.15 per sq ft for an approved service provider to retro-commission or recommission HVAC and other systems; 75% is paid after the investigation stage and 25% on completion. Details
• Commercial Energy Assessment Program (FortisBC): Free walkthrough energy assessment by a FortisBC-authorized consultant, with a report within 60 days listing low/no-cost measures, possible upgrades and applicable FortisBC rebates. Details
• Custom Efficiency Program - energy study funding (FortisBC): Up to 50% of an energy study by a FortisBC-approved consultant (max $20,000 for commercial buildings), plus an implementation bonus of up to another 50% of the study cost (max $20,000) once approved measures are installed. Implementation incentives: the lesser of $6/GJ (gas) or $0.03/kWh (electric) over measure life, 75% of invoiced costs, or $500,000 for commercial buildings. Details
• Energy efficiency for rental apartments and accommodations program (FortisBC): Free building energy assessment by FortisBC engineering consultants plus free in-suite showerheads, aerators, pipe insulation and hot-water recirculation controls, with ongoing support for larger upgrades. Details
• Energy-saving support for small businesses program (FortisBC with GreenStep Solutions): Free customized energy advice (15-30 minute consultation by phone, video or in person), which may include a basic energy assessment and rebate information, with a follow-up email. Details

• Level 1, walk-through: a site visit and bill review that benchmarks the building and lists low-cost measures.
• Level 2, energy survey and analysis: where the energy goes, with savings and cost estimates per measure. Most incentive applications use this level.
• Level 3, detailed analysis: monitoring and modelling for capital-intensive projects.

Ask which level a quote covers. Audits are done by engineering firms and energy consultants; look for a P.Eng. and credentials such as the Certified Energy Manager (CEM). How commercial energy audits work.