What is the BC Energy Step Code?
The BC Energy Step Code provides an incremental approach to obtaining energy efficient buildings that go above the base requirements of the BC Building Code and a pathway to ensuring all buildings province-wide are Net-Zero Energy Ready by 2032.
“Net-Zero Energy Ready” means a building that is designed to be ultra-efficient, with the goal of being net-zero at some point in the future when it makes sense financially to add renewable energy sources.
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Why is it Important?
What Does This Mean?
Builders can work with a certified energy advisor to ensure building designs meet all applicable energy performance requirements. Energy advisors employ specialized software to analyze construction plans and determine how well a building performs once it is built.
How does the Step Code apply to new construction?
The BC Building Code separately regulates what are known as “Part 9” and “Part 3” buildings, defined as follows:.
Through review of a provincial costing study on the Step Code, the BC Energy Step Code Council has identified each step as either a “Lower Step” or a “Higher Step” of the Step Code. From the BC Energy Step Code Best Practices Guide for Local Governments:
What are the District’s Requirements and when will they come into effect?
The BC Energy Step Code went into effect in the District of Squamish on July 1, 2018. All new residential and commercial buildings must be constructed to the following steps of the BC Energy Step Code:
Part 9 Buildings | Phase 1 July 1, 2018 |
Phase 2 Jan 1, 2019 |
Phase 3 Jan 1, 2021 |
Part 9 Small Residential Buildings (1,000 sq. ft. and under in gross floor area, essential Carriage Homes) | Step 1 | ||
Part 9 Residential Buildings (over 1,000 sq. ft. in gross floor area) | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 |
Part 9 Commercial Buildings | Step 2 | Step 3 |
Part 3 Buildings | Phase 1 July 1, 2018 |
Phase 2 Jan 1, 2019 |
Phase 3 Jan 1, 2021 |
Part 3 Residential Buildings Wood Frame | Step 3 | Step 4 | |
Part 3 Commercial Buildings | Step 2 | Step 3 |
Part 9 Building Permit Applications must include:
Before Occupancy:
Part 3 Building Permit Applications must include:
Before Occupancy:
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