Anyone tackling a heritage rehabilitation project these days has to answer to a lot of bosses. First there are the needs of the owner/developer.  The project has to make economic sense and meet the program needs of the users. Then there are the regulations:  building code, bylaws, and other legislation. 

Many jurisdictions now apply the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. And there is also LEED (Leadership in Environment and Energy Design) which is a rating system, not a regulation, but a growing influence on both new construction and rehabilitation. Can these various demands and desires be balanced?  Can good project design satisfy the codes and regulations, stay on budget, and still retain heritage character?

A series of three forums this winter sponsored by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council tackled these questions in Victoria, Kelowna and Vancouver.  Bringing together practitioners such as architects, engineers, contractors and trades, building officials, heritage professionals, and provincial government staff, the two-day forums looked at the current regulatory environment as it applies to existing buildings.  Presentations and panel discussions were complemented by tours of actual projects underway.

The outcome of these sessions will be summarized in a Cascadia report that should be available in a couple of months. The forums, financially assisted by the Heritage Branch and promoted by Heritage BC, were a first. The most important outcome may be the link forged between the worlds of heritage conservation and sustainable development.  We have a lot in common. This link needs to be strengthened as we move toward a sustainable future.

There will be a session at the 2009 Heritage BC Annual Conference in Kelowna, June 4-6.

More about the Cascadia Region Green Building Council
» www.cascadiagbc.org

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