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 Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is engaging communities and industry professionals across the regional district in order to build knowledge and skills while minimizing the risk of non-compliance and the cost to consumers.
The RDOS is considering 3 options for implementation:
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.
Please review all the relevant materials to the right of this page, and then complete the survey. Requests for paper surveys can be submitted to Jeremy Dresner, Senior Energy Specialist, 250-490-4382.
Videos
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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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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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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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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.
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Building airtightness reduces energy consumption by minimizing heat loss via air leakage through the building enclosure. For this reason, many North American building codes have set airtightness targets as part of high-performance building standards. In addition to energy efficiency, airtight buildings experience benefits of improved moisture management, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and quality assurance.
