Keystone Environmental, with our subsidiary Sterling IAQ, provides indoor air quality (IAQ) testing for the City of Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning. Read below for the most common questions and answers about our IAQ testing services and learn how we can support you on your next Vancouver project.
Question: What is City of Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning and its purpose?
Answer: In July 2010, City of Vancouver’s Council approved the City of Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning, which is a sustainability initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the environmental performance of new buildings in the city. The policy applies to projects that require rezoning and has strict requirements to align with Vancouver’s climate goals and sustainable building practices.
This policy supports Vancouver’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2050.
Question: What services does Sterling IAQ provide for this policy?
Answer: Sterling IAQ provides testing to meet the requirements of the Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning. The contaminants that are required to be tested are:
- Formaldehyde
- Particulates (PM2.5 and PM 10)
- Ozone
- Total volatile organic compounds
- Carbon monoxide
These contaminants are commonly found in new building materials and construction, which can impact IAQ and potentially cause health issues. It is important to test these contaminants to ensure that their levels are within the guidelines set by the city.
Upon completion of the testing, Sterling IAQ will provide a final report to the client with the laboratory results and findings. This report is part of the submission requirements to the City of Vancouver.
Standard turnaround time for Sterling IAQ services is approximately two weeks – from site assessment to lab analysis, to writing and delivering the final report.
Question: When does testing take place?
Answer: Testing should occur after the completion of new construction, but before occupancy takes place.
Question: Is re-testing required if results are found to exceed the guidelines?
Answer: No, re-testing is not required if results exceed the guidelines. If test results are significantly above the targets (2x or more), a narrative describing the likely sources of contamination contributing to the above-target results is required.
Sterling IAQ can assist by providing discussion of site observations that may be potential sources of contamination contributing to the above-target results.
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Sterling IAQ has conducted this type of air quality testing for numerous Vancouver buildings in the last year. If you have a project that requires IAQ testing services, we have the staff and expertise to meet your needs. Connect with Monica Lam or Michael Glassco to learn more about Sterling IAQ’s testing services.
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Summary written by: Monica Lam, B.A., Dip. T., Project Manager
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Source & Related Links:
City of Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning
City of Vancouvers, Bulletin, Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning – Process and Requirements
City of Vancouver, Greenest City News