How RJC Supports CleanBC's MURB Retrofit Program for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

The CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB) Retrofit Program is driving a significant shift in British Columbia's approach to building energy efficiency. The initiative, backed by $61 million in funding, offers substantial rebates for a sector that has historically faced challenges in implementing energy-saving measures.

RJC Engineers, a leader in building performance and sustainable retrofits, is well-positioned to assist property owners in navigating this program. To explain how, this article will cover:

1. An Overview of CleanBC's MURB Retrofit Program
2. RJC Engineers' Answer to the Call for Better Building Efficiency
3. RJC's Strengths in Retrofit Project Execution
4. Our Recent Retrofit Success Portfolio

CleanBC's MURB Retrofit Program Overview

The CleanBC MURB Retrofit Program is a partnership between BC Hydro and the BC Government. The goal of the program is to provide rebates and funding to help multi-unit residential buildings reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions.

The program covers a wide range of retrofits, including heat pump installations, LED lighting upgrades, and improvements to windows and ventilation systems. It also provides funding for electrical upgrades necessary to transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity.

This program targets existing condos, low- and high-rise apartments and stacked townhomes across BC Hydro's service area. It offers funding for three key retrofit phases:

1. Opportunity Assessments: Funded up to $5,000 to identify immediate and long-term efficiency upgrades.
2. Feasibility Studies: Supported up to $30,000 to analyze and plan actionable upgrades.
3. Whole-Building Retrofits: Rebates cover extensive system improvements, from HVAC upgrades to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

How RJC Engineers is Meeting CleanBC's MURB Retrofit Goals

As a BC Hydro Alliance of Energy Professionals member, RJC Engineers is equipped to deliver the engineering expertise and project management essential for CleanBC MURB retrofits. Our approach aligns with CleanBC's energy efficiency standards while addressing each building's unique demands.

Step-by-Step Retrofit Services:

1. Opportunity Assessment
   RJC provides a high-level assessment of a building's current energy profile, identifying short- and long-term projects for energy efficiency and decarbonization.
   
   • Funding: Covered 100% up to $5,000, enabling RJC to create a detailed "retrofit opportunity register" as a foundation for planning.
2. Feasibility Study
   For property owners ready to take actionable steps, RJC offers a feasibility study that explores specific upgrade options with a detailed cost-benefit analysis.
   
   • Funding: 100% coverage up to $30,000, providing property owners with a full business case for making impactful energy decisions.
3. Whole-Building Retrofits
   RJC acts as the prime consultant, coordinating all aspects of whole-building retrofits, including high-efficiency HVAC, lighting upgrades, and more.
   
   • This turnkey service includes rebate facilitation for HVAC systems, solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and other infrastructure enhancements.

With experience in managing complex retrofit projects, RJC can help clients maximize the benefits of the CleanBC MURB Retrofit Program, which offers up to $500,000 per project for various energy-efficient upgrades.

4 Benefits of Choosing RJC for MURB Retrofits

With a clear focus on meeting CleanBC's rigorous standards, RJC Engineers brings the following essential benefits to every retrofit project:

1. Expertise in Sustainable Building Design

   RJC's sustainable engineering expertise spans the full spectrum of building design, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.

2. Proven Success in Retrofits and Energy Upgrades

   With a portfolio of successful retrofit projects (see below), RJC has demonstrated a unique capability to elevate building performance across multiple metrics, including thermal efficiency, greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and resilience to climate change impacts.

3. Partnership with BC Hydro's Alliance of Energy Professionals

   As a trusted partner within BC Hydro's Alliance of Energy Professionals, RJC collaborates with industry leaders to align retrofit strategies with the latest energy guidelines. This, in turn, offers rebate opportunities that maximize client savings.

4. Adaptability and Custom Solutions

   Each building presents unique challenges and RJC's engineers are skilled at adapting solutions to fit specific building types, ages, and configurations. This allows us to provide custom retrofits without disrupting a building's aesthetics or structural integrity.

Retrofit Project Highlights

To further showcase RJC's qualifications for CleanBC's MURB Program, here is an overview of recent residential and non-residential retrofit projects.

Residential Retrofits

Riverview Court Building Enclosure Renewal
A full retrofit of three cooperative housing buildings in Castlegar, BC, this project utilized Passive House principles, enhancing airtightness with high-performance windows, exterior insulation, and energy-efficient LED lighting. The retrofit also replaced gas heating with electric baseboards.

950 Edge Place Renewal
Located in Victoria, BC, this $5M revitalization project upgraded five townhouse units. Key improvements included a rainscreen wall system, heat recovery ventilators, heat pumps, new domestic hot water tanks, and accessibility modifications, making these homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.

The Hudson Redevelopment
In a significant redevelopment, RJC transformed a historic Victoria building into a mixed-use facility featuring residential, office, and retail spaces. Seismic upgrades, rooftop gardens, and innovative shotcrete applications illustrate RJC's ability to integrate structural and aesthetic considerations in energy retrofits.

Non-Residential Retrofits

Oceanic Plaza Curtain Renewal Study
RJC provided consulting services for this 26-storey office tower in Vancouver, conducting energy modelling and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to assess double-glazed, triple-glazed, and double-skin façade options. This study advanced energy efficiency strategies aligned with the building's operational goals.

Prince Rupert Courthouse Envelope Renewal
RJC oversaw the restoration of the Prince Rupert Courthouse's historic exterior, enhancing thermal performance while preserving the building's architectural integrity. Brick and stone façade refurbishments, wood window replacements, and roof assembly renewals highlighted RJC's expertise in heritage preservation with modern needs.

University of the Fraser Valley Building A-East Renewal
As the prime consultant for energy upgrades, RJC improved durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics with curtain wall glazing, metal cladding, and insulation enhancements. Structural deficiencies were addressed during construction, supporting the university's overall sustainability goals.

University of the Fraser Valley Building D Renewal
RJC implemented enclosure upgrades to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort at the university's Building D. The enhanced facility supports environmental responsibility and provides a modernized, productive learning environment.

Douglas College Coquitlam Campus Building Enclosure Renewal
RJC's renewal of the Douglas College Coquitlam Campus involved comprehensive energy-saving improvements. The project focused on envelope upgrades that minimized greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring continuous campus operations with minimal disruption.

Beban Park Recreation Centre Energy Study
Acting as the energy consultant, RJC analyzed energy performance options for Nanaimo's Beban Park Recreation Centre. The study provided cost-effective solutions by evaluating building code compliance in moderate and high-performance scenarios, focusing on sustainable enclosure, mechanical, and lighting systems.

Trust RJC Engineers for CleanBC MURB Retrofits

With the CleanBC MURB Retrofit Program, multi-unit residential building owners in BC have an unprecedented opportunity to reduce energy costs and improve building performance through targeted retrofits. RJC Engineers brings unmatched expertise in sustainable retrofits, extensive experience in multi-unit building upgrades, and a strategic approach that aligns with CleanBC's mission to reduce emissions and build resilience.

Contact RJC Engineers today to transform your building into a sustainable asset for the future.