BC Energy Step Code

The Province of BC has committed to taking incremental steps to increase energy-efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code to make new buildings net-zero energy ready by 2032 and has committed to requiring all new buildings be 20% better than current building code by December 2022.

The BC Energy Step Code is currently an optional performance-based compliance path in the BC Building Code. The Energy Step Code does not specify how to construct a building, instead it identifies energy-efficiency targets that must be met and allows the designer/builder decide how to meet them. To comply with Energy Step Code, builders engage an energy advisor who uses modelling software and on-site testing to demonstrate that both the building design and construction meet the requirements of the Energy Step Code.

The RDOS engaged communities and industry professionals across the regional district to build knowledge and skills for compliance while minimizing the risk of non-compliance and the cost to consumers. Communities were asked to consider the three options below for implementation, for which consultation has now closed.

1. Early Mandatory Compliance with Energy Step Code (lower steps) before it becomes BC Building Code
2. Voluntary Compliance with Energy Step Code with potential incentives before it becomes BC Building Code
3. Wait for the Province to adopt through Building Code in December 2022.

Thank you to those that took part in the 2021 Step Code consultation. A RDOS Step Code Policy is currently being drafted to reflect the feedback received.

Questions or comments may be submitted to Jeremy Dresner, Senior Energy Specialist, 250-490-4382.