Sign the Open Letter
for ZCSC in Penticton
FTFO is asking residents to reach out to businesses, builders, architects, and anyone in the community to sign an open letter to Mayor and Council to adopt the ZCSC.
Adopting a Zero Carbon Step Code bylaw at a high level would reduce emissions by 99% in all new buildings. Requiring air heating and cooling and hot water to be electric instead of gas is an easy way for a builder to make Penticton's air cleaner and the interior of the home more comfortable and healthier.
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Installing a gas system in a new home can often increase the building cost by $10,000 or more.
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Having a gas system means the home will be an air polluter for decades.
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Removing a system to install heat pumps later is expensive.
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Heat pumps both heat and cool the air.
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Running an electric heat and hot water system can save the homeowner money in utility costs.
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Penticton can handle the transition to electric buildings.
In 2023, the BC Government introduced the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) to encourage municipalities and builders to transition to electricity. Over 30 BC communities (approximately 45% of the population of B.C) have already moved forward.
You can help staff and council to recognize the benefits and affordability of changing the bylaw now for all new buildings.
Please forward this open letter to Mayor and Council to builders, contractors, architects or any business in the city. Ask them to tell the administration that we want Penticton to be a leader on Climate Action and keep our city and children safe.
Here is a sample email that you can copy for you email to businesses.
Hi,
There is an important vote coming that you can participate in to move Penticton forward.
In the new year, Penticton City Council will be voting on changing the building bylaw to reduce emissions by adopting a higher level of efficiency.
First Things First Okanagan is encouraging the Mayor and Councillors to vote on the highest level of the Zero Carbon Step Code for new buildings, reducing harmful emissions by 99% and saving builders, residents and landlords money.
We hope you will read this open letter and agree that Penticton could be a leader by honouring its commitment to a sustainable city for residents, their children, visitors, and future homeowners.
We ask you to read the letter to council and sign your name.
The letter will go into the agenda before staff bring it to Council and your voice will be heard to recommend a cleaner city, stronger economy, safer air quality and climate resilience.
It will be published and be visible to the public.
If you know any other business that would sign, forward this email to them.
Please reach out to FTFO you have any questions. info@firstthingsfirstokanagan.com