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.
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.
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JD
Phone 250-490-4382 Email jdresner@rdos.bc.ca
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Lifecycle
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Education and Awareness
BC Energy Step Code has finished this stage -
Consultation and Feedback
BC Energy Step Code has finished this stageThis consultation is open for contributions.
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Under Review
BC Energy Step Code is currently at this stageContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The project team will report back on key outcomes.
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Final report
this is an upcoming stage for BC Energy Step CodeThe final outcomes of the consultation are documented here. This may include a summary of all contributions collected as well as recommendations for future action.
Key Dates
FAQs
- What is the BC Energy Step Code?
- What is the Provincial Government’s timeline for implementing Energy Step Code - residential?
- What is new with introducing the Energy Step Code ?
- What are the benefits of Energy Step Code?
- What is the impact on construction costs?
- What is the cost of an Energy Advisor?
- Do we have any Energy Advisors serving our region?
- Does increased air-tightness cause problems?
- How will this impact the building permit process and requirements?
- What is the FortisBC Energy Advisor Support Incentive?
- What is the FortisBC New Home Program enhanced incentive?
- What is the FortisBC Design Offer incentive?
Videos
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Click here to play video Guide to Step Code Compliance - RDOS & Fortis BC BC Energy Step Code guide from RDOS and FortisBC. This video show specific techniques and strategies on how to build to the higher steps of the Step Code, how to run a blower door test, and tips and advice from senior building officials. This video also shows useful techniques on how to build energy-efficient but beautiful homes in the Okanagan region. Check out the start times listed below for each chapter in the video. Thank you: Evan Phillips, E. Phillips Contracting: https://ephillipscontracting.com Gerry Sawkins, 3West Building Energy Consultants: https://3westbec.com FortisBC for their generous support of this video project: https://www.fortisbc.com 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - Table of Contents 01:39 - Six Basic Strategies 02:26 - Boost Insulation 05:39 - Managing Thermal Bridges 08:24 - Ventilate Smartly 10:35 - Air Barriers & Blower Door Tests 15:22 - Mid-Point Blower Door Test 20:00 - Final Blower Door Test 22:53 - Minding Your Machines 26:18 - Climate Zones 27:43 - Doors & Windows 29:32 - Compliance Timeline 30:33 - Outro
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Click here to play video Webinar: Best Practices for Working with an Energy Advisor On September 16, 2021 the RDOS in partnership with the Community Energy Association hosted the online webinar, Best Practices for Working with an Energy Advisor. Description: BC building codes are evolving, and we want you know how to benefit. This webinar will help the building industry better understand the “performance pathway” of the BC Energy Step Code and how to get results from working with an energy advisor. Delivered by the RDOS in association with Community Energy Association, recorded video instruction from Mark Bernhardt, Bernhardt Contracting and Meredith Hamstead, thinkBright Homes, with a panel discussion and Q&A at the end. Topics discussed: • Introduction to the BC Energy Step Code • How EAs work within Step Code and what services they provide. • Modelling timelines and pre-design information requirements • Post-modelling changes in the design or mechanical systems • Achieving as-built compliance and occupancy permits • Introduction to the concept of integrated design process (IDP) • How can an EA save you money? (i.e. design optimization)
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Click here to play video What is the BC Energy Step Code? Watch this 5 minute video to learn what the BC Energy Step Code is, and how the Province of BC is supporting the transition to net zero ready new building construction.
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Click here to play video Step Code Implementation Support Building a Legacy: Step Code Implementation Support This video is provided by the Community Energy Association and BC Hydro. Topics discussed include: BC Energy Step Code in 5 minutes Airtightness demo and discussion Thermal insulation demo and discussion House tour and blower door test demo Other things you should know...
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Click here to play video Case study discussion: Implementing Step Code in Northern BC This recorded webinar examines the current industry challenges and solutions to help ensure that new homes follow the Performance Pathway and meet the energy efficiency requirements of the BC Energy Step Code. Northern case studies and panel discussions with northern BC builders, energy advisors, and utilities providers. Facilitated, audience-led discussion on the topics of greatest interest.
BCIT Courses - School of Construction and the Environment
CESA 1505 - Zero Energy Buildings All-in-1
This 48-hour course will provide a comprehensive study of single family and low-rise wood frame residential Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB’s) to ensure that that builders, designers, consultants and tradespeople have the applied knowledge to build to the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code, Net-Zero Energy or the Passive House standard. Students will learn from industry experts and develop an applied understanding of the Energy Step Code and Passive House Standard, building science, ultra-airtight design and construction, thermal-bridge free and highly insulated assembly details, window and door installation practices, and an introduction to ventilation and mechanical systems for Passive House homes. Parts 2 and 3 of the course will focus on enclosure design details and construction solutions, while Part 4 will advance understanding of the design, installation, and verification practices needed to realize performance of mechanical systems in energy efficient residential buildings. Self-directed online learning modules contain reference materials, applied exercises, take-away job-aids, and knowledge checks.
AIBC – 48 LU’s
BC HOUSING – 96 CPD’s
BCIT – 4.0 Credits
CESA 1501 - Passive House Tradesperson - Envelope Specialization
This 48-hour course will provide a comprehensive study of residential Passive House construction to ensure that that builders, site supervisors, general contractors, tradespeople, and designers or consultants have the applied knowledge to build to the Passive House standard. Students will learn from industry experts and develop an applied understanding of the Passive House Standard, building science, ultra-airtight design and construction, thermal-bridge free and highly insulated assembly details, PH window and door installation practices, and an introduction to ventilation and mechanical systems for Passive House homes. Students will develop a solid understanding of Passive House planning principles, standard metrics, certification requirements, processes, and quality control best practices. Course includes an exam preparation session to ensure students are prepared to earn their certification as an International Passive House Tradesperson by completing the Certified Passive House Tradesperson Exam (standard international exam set by the Passive House Institute and offered in Canada by Passive House Canada). This course is offered fully online with industry expert instructors providing online lectures and live construction demonstrations in the BCIT High Performance Building Lab. Self-directed online learning modules contain reference materials, applied exercises, take-away job-aids, knowledge checks, and Passive House Tradesperson exam preparation.
AIBC – 48 LU’s
BC HOUSING – 96 CPD’s
BCIT – 4.0 Credits