Energy Step Code Requirements
BC has set a target to reduce emissions in buildings and communities by more than half by 2023.
The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 sets the course to fulfill our net-zero commitment by 2050. BC will add a new carbon pollution standard to the BC Building Code, to transition all new buildings to zero carbon by 2030.
All new space and hot water equipment will be minimum of 100% efficient, significantly reducing emissions compared to current combustion technology.
Climate Change will result in more extreme weather events like heat waves, fires, flooding, and the resultant outcomes of such events.
Home Designs will need to be designed and built to withstand extreme weather events, while utilizing energy efficient designs to decrease the impact of energy use.
Risk Reduction, severe weather is causing millions of dollars of lost business revenue and billions of dollars in insured damage claims across BC and Canada, and every dollar invested in risk reduction reduces future recovery costs.
Airtightness, step 3 + homes have specific airtightness requirements, unlike some prescriptive based approaches. Airtight homes have less air leakage and moving air which provides benefits like, requiring less energy to heat and cool the home, providing a more comfortable indoor climate, making it easier to control inside air quality, and increased building durability.
Optional provincial regulation municipal governments use to incentivise or require energy efficiency requirements for new construction that goes above BC Building Code requirements.
BC Energy Step Code is policy that supports the BC goal of all new homes being net-zero energy ready by 2032. Step 3 targets were implemented in 2022 and consists of a series of steps representing increasing levels of energy-efficiency performance, step 4 is to come in 2027.
Municipal governments determine when to implement the step code, and when to increase steps.
Is your builder up to date on his code requirements? At Rely Construction, our builders are fully certified in BC Step Code and their continuing studies with BC Housing.
Contact us at info@relyconstruction.ca or 778-231-8188 to obtain a free estimate with one of our team members. Visit www.lanewayhousing.ca for more information.
