Summary
Details
- Saanich
Bylaw No. 10147 applies to owners of buildings measuring 929 m² (10,000 ft²) or larger located within the District of Saanich. Reporting is phased in:
- From 2026: buildings larger than 2,787 m² (30,000 ft²) report their 2025 energy data.
- From 2027: buildings larger than 929 m² (10,000 ft²) report their 2026 energy data.
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Background
Buildings account for a substantial proportion of Saanich's community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. To better understand building performance and support emissions reductions, Saanich adopted Bylaw No. 10147 in 2025. The bylaw establishes mandatory annual energy and carbon emissions reporting for large buildings. Owners are required to benchmark their buildings using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM) and submit their data through the CRD Building Benchmarking Program, which is administered by the Capital Regional District in partnership with the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria. The information collected will help local governments identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and inform future climate and building policies.
Reporting and Compliance Requirements
Affected building owners must:
Benchmark their building using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
Submit annual energy use and carbon emissions data through the CRD Building Benchmarking Program.
Meet the annual reporting deadline (currently 1 June, with the 2026 reporting year extended to 1 August 2026 without penalty).
Maintain accurate reporting records and provide information requested by the District.
Comply with public disclosure requirements, subject to applicable privacy provisions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The District of Saanich may take enforcement action where a building owner fails to meet the bylaw's requirements or knowingly provides inaccurate information. Offenders may be fined between C$100 and C$50,000 for each offence, with continuing violations subject to additional penalties for each day they remain unresolved. For certain violations, the District may issue municipal tickets under its Ticket Bylaw. The prescribed fine is C$200 if paid within 30 days, increasing to C$250 thereafter, for either failing to submit a required report or submitting false or misleading information.
Current Status and Outlook
Bylaw No. 10147 is now in force, with the first mandatory reporting requirements beginning in 2026. Saanich is implementing the programme alongside the City of Victoria through the regional CRD Building Benchmarking Program, creating a consistent reporting framework across the Capital Region. As additional benchmarking data becomes available, the District intends to use it to support energy efficiency initiatives, building decarbonisation, and future climate policy development.
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