Written for Daily Hive Urbanized by New/Mode co-founder and CEO Steve Anderson on behalf of over 100 business leaders in Vancouver.
We are watching our city regress. Where once we could hold Vancouver up as the high standard of a city leading the globe in effective environmental policy and good governance, a single decision could change all that.
A few months ago, on July 23, 2024, an unexpected about-face was made to undo the city’s long-standing policy that significantly reduced emissions from new buildings. This decision — made after a last-minute intervention by a gas lobbyist — triggered Vancouver’s City Council to allow newly built homes to heat with gas instead of electricity, threatening to reverse critical climate progress and regulatory stability in our city.
Burning gas in buildings drives nearly 60% of Vancouver’s climate pollution. In contrast, switching to electric heating solutions, such as heat pumps, can reduce pollution by up to 16 times. These electric alternatives are not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective in the long run.
As business leaders, we understand the importance of maintaining clear and consistent policies that provide a stable environment for economic growth and innovation. The sudden reversal of Vancouver’s climate bylaw creates confusion and uncertainty, not only for businesses but also for the residents who trust that their city government is working in their best interests.
Businesses have thrived in a city that is recognized globally for its commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking policies. We have collectively invested in building a future that aligns with these values, understanding that sustainability is not only good for the planet but also for the economy. Vancouver’s building bylaws, based on sound climate science, have been a cornerstone of this progress, helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint significantly. The sudden reversal, no doubt influenced by pressure from the gas industry, undermines decades of efforts to build a sustainable, resilient economy and a strong reputation as a globally recognized, climate-leading city.
This rollback threatens to halt our progress and place us at odds with the rest of the region. Currently, more than a dozen communities in the Lower Mainland have adopted zero-carbon building policies inspired by Vancouver’s example. If Vancouver, the beacon of climate leadership, begins to backtrack, it will send a negative message to these communities and slow the overall momentum toward a zero-carbon future.
The arguments presented by the fossil fuel industry and its PR firms about renewable natural gas (RNG), hydrogen and other lower-carbon fuels are deeply flawed and misleading. These alternative fuels are expensive and only available in limited quantities, which means they’ll only ever represent a small fraction of the gas supply. In addition, both RNG and hydrogen have environmental drawbacks.
It is essential that the city remains committed to its long-term climate goals and does not allow short-term pressure from one out-of-touch industry to derail the progress we have made together. Over 100 businesses have signed this open letter representing local businesses to call on you to restore Vancouver’s building bylaw to its original, scientifically backed standards and to reaffirm Vancouver’s role as a leader in climate action.
We urge Vancouver City Council to reconsider this decision and to uphold the bylaw that requires new buildings to be heated by sources free of harmful fossil fuels. This is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective actions we can take to reduce emissions and protect our community from the clear and present dangers of climate change.