July 12, 2019
What is BC Energy Step Code
What is BC Energy Step Code?
The BC Energy Step Code is a voluntary provincial standard enacted in April 2017 that provides an incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the base BC Building Code.
It does so by establishing a series of measurable, performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for construction that builders can choose to build to, and communities may voluntarily choose to adopt in bylaws and policies.
BC Energy STEP CODE Steps
How does it work?
The Step Code takes a new, performance-based approach rather than the traditional prescriptive approach. The BC Energy Step Code does not specify how to construct a building, but identifies an energy-efficiency target that must be met and lets the designer/builder decide how to meet it.
To comply with the Step Code, builders must use energy modelling software and on-site testing to demonstrate that both their design and the constructed building meet the requirements of the Step Code. The new standard empowers builders to pursue innovative, creative, cost-effective solutions, and allows them to incorporate leading-edge technologies as they come available.
The Step Code also supports consumer choice, by allowing designers and builders to use natural gas, electricity, or other energy sources for their project without imposing a penalty on this decision. This fuel-neutral approach provides builders with the flexibility to make energy-efficient buildings using all available technologies. This was taken from the Government of BC Energy Step Code page.
Click HERE for the official Energy Step Code website.
Which jurisdictions have implemented the BC Energy Step Code?
(last updated July 9th, 2019)
| Municipalities | Level of Step Code | Comes into effect |
|---|---|---|
| Burnaby | Step 1 | September 1st, 2019 |
| New Westminster | Step 1 | March 1st, 2019 |
| North Vancouver | Step 3 for buildings over 1,200 sqft Step 1 Under 1,200 sq ft | July 1st, 2018 |
| Richmond | Step1 for single family and duplexes Step 3 for low-rise townhomes under 6,000 sq ft | September 1st, 2018 |
| Surrey | Step 1 | April 1st, 2019 |
| Vancouver | Own Bylaw | |
| Victoria | Step 1 | November 1st, 2018 |
| North Vancouver | Step 3 | July 1st, 2018 |
| West Vancouver | Step 1 for under 1,200 sq ft Step 3 for over 1,200 sq ft | July 1st, 2018 |
| Burnaby | Step 1 | September 1st, 2019 |
| Langley | Step 1 or 2 depending if it is a Development Permit Area | January 1st, 2019 |
| Abbotsford | Step 1 | September 1st, 2019 |
How can Pacific AeroBarrier help?
We understand when it comes to blower door test, things can be a headache. The frustration Vancouver builders face when relying on guesswork to find air leakage at final stage. This is where Pacific AeroBarrier can help. With our specialized application, your home project will not only meet, but exceed municipal requirements. And we do all of this in one day.
Give us a shout now!
We would love to work with you! info@pacificaerobarrier.com | 604-222-2100