Kevin Ernst (Alternate Chair) chaired the meeting to gather feedback on a draft memo from the ACHCC to the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) regarding the policy consultation on 2030 embodied GHG requirements.

CHBA and other members expressed concern that the memo suggested a consensus position supportive of the CBHCC’s policy direction. Members noted that the CBHCC had previously requested a range of views, not a unified stance. They also pointed out that initial feedback from members had been critical, citing a lack of data, unclear structural impacts, and broader code implications and potential unintended consequences.

Following discussion, ACHCC members agreed to revise the memo. Rather than endorsing the CBHCC’s draft policy, the updated language will state that “the ACHCC agreed on the need for a clear policy position.”
Additional concerns raised included the risk of internal trade barriers if embodied GHGs are regulated when factories producing building materials in high-intensity (dirty) electricity grid regions would be disadvantaged in favour of material producers in clean-grid provines (QC. MB, BC). Members also noted that regulating GHGs before the construction stage could extend the code’s scope beyond the influence of builders or officials. Administrative burdens were also highlighted—and the fact that they are not only for industry (as the memo stated), but also for authorities having jurisdiction, with costs ultimately borne by homeowners.

For more information please contact frank.lohmann@chba.ca