BC Energy Step Code

BC Building Code 2018 Revision 5

• Code Requirements

  • Ministerial Order No. M40, amending the Building Act General Regulation effective May 1, 2023
  • Ministerial Order BA 2023 08, amending the BC Building Code effective May 1, 2023
  • Read the BC Building Code changes (pdf convenience copy, for information only). 

  The Building and Safety Standards Branch (Government of BC) has released three technical bulletins which provide further information:

  • Technical Bulletin B23-01 for a plain-language description of the building code changes 
  • Technical Bulletin B23-02 for technical information about available compliance paths for different Part 9 buildings 
  • Technical Bulletin B23-03 for technical information about the Zero Carbon Step Code 
  • Please email building.safety@gov.bc.ca with questions about the changes.

  Learn more about the BC Energy Step Code

• Changes to the Building Process

  Meeting Energy Step Code

  Developers, Registered Professionals, Contractors, Builders and Designers are required to submit building permits for new residential, multi-family and commercial buildings that meet the Energy Step Code.

  For Part 3 Residential, Multi-Family, and Commercial Buildings

  The City is relying on the Registered Professionals (RPs) who are submitting the Letters of Assurance (LOAs) for compliance to Step Code for Part 3 buildings. Applications must have the Energy Model completed by a Registered Professional and the City will be requesting a copy of the Provincial Part 3 Compliance Form for Energy Step Code as part of the permit intake.

  For Part 9 Dwelling Units

  The Energy Step Code Step involves the following:

  • Engaging a Certified Energy Advisor (CEA) early in the design so that the CEA can perform an energy assessment using one of the approved softwares, most likely “Hot2000”;
  • Submission of the Provincial Part 9 Compliance Form as part of the permit intake package;
  • Performing a mid-construction blower door test for airtightness, unless air-tight drywall is used;
  • Performing a post construction blower door test to get an air-exchange rate reading of the airtightness of the building; the air-exchange rate is fed back into the energy model program to confirm compliance and to obtain an Energuide rating;
  • Submit the Energuide rating to NRCan.

  For specific information on changes to the permitting, review and inspections processes, please review the Building Division Bulletins on the Part 9 Buildings and Bulletins for Part 3 Buildings.

• Airtightness Testing

  Airtightness testing at building completion is a key part of Step Code performance requirements. The Province requires all Step Code buildings to conduct a final airtightness test to receive an occupancy permit. At Step 1, airtightness must be good enough for overall building energy performance to equal the BC Building Code reference building. View the Provincial Bulletins B19-02 and B19-03 on airtightness.

• Mid-Construction Airtightness Testing

  Airtightness is the most cost-effective way to improve building energy performance, and an airtight building is easiest and least costly to achieve prior to drywall installation. The City of Abbotsford is strongly encouraging all Part 9 buildings to conduct a mid-construction blower door test before a building can proceed to insulation inspection.

  As this is intended to be a capacity building requirement, the City is currently determining how the requirement may be waived for applicants that can demonstrate success constructing multiple airtight buildings, and the City will update the bulletins when this is determined.

  Your Certified Energy Advisor will help with these tests and will suggest ways you can improve your building’s energy performance. The City encourages building teams to involve as many staff and trades as possible during the first few mid-construction blower door tests.

• Training Opportunities

  • BC Green Building Event Calendar - Events and training related to green buildings, including:  carbon emissions, energy efficiency, resiliency, high-performance design, and more
  • BC Step Code Newsletter for Stakeholders
• Key Resources

  Compliance Reports

  • Part 9 Compliance Forms/Reports
  • Part 3 Compliance Forms/Reports 

  Guides & Resources

  • BC Energy Code Incentives
  • BC Energy Step Code Builder Guide
  • BC Energy Step Code Design Guide
  • BC Energy Step Code Resources for Homeowners
  • BC Energy Step Code Resources for Industry
  • BC Energy Step Code Website
  • Certified Energy Advisors
  • Fortis BC New Home Program Incentives

  Bulletins

  • Bulletin for Part 9 Buildings
  • Bulletins for Part 3 Buildings
  • Electric Vehicle Readiness

  Visit the BC Energy Step Code website for more information on each of the Step Code requirements.

• For New Construction

  FortisBC rebates

  New Part 9 constructions following Step Code are eligible for $1000 up to $10,000 rebate through FortisBC’s New Home Program.

• For Home Renovation

  FortisBC rebates

  See Fortis BC's Rebates and Offers webpage.

  CleanBC rebates 

  Rebates of up to $8000 are available from CleanBC for switching primary heating from natural gas, propane or oil heating to electricity. Visit the CleanBC website for more information.  

  Key Resources

  • Local builders, architect/designer or homeowners are encouraged to use the rebate search tool to find rebates specific to their needs.
  • The Better Homes BC Rebate Chart is a quick-glance chart summarizing all of the rebates currently available for home renovations.  

• May - June 2024 Workshop Series: Fraser Valley Energy Step Code Super Series

  This BC Energy Step Code workshop included hands-on workshops that blended theory, demonstration and interactive activities.

  View Workshop Series Flyer 

• April - August 2021 Webinar Series: Building for the Future

  A 5-part webinar series was held from April - August 2021 which gave participants an overview of how the Step Code will shape the buildings of tomorrow through the insights of BCIT professionals and industry experts.

  View Webinar Series Flyer

• February 23, 2021 - Step Code Cafe Webinar

  The City of Abbotsford and the Canadian Homebuilders' Association hosted a Step Code webinar on February 23, 2021. View the Step Code Webinar presentation slides or view the presentation video below.

• January 2025 - Get to Know the Zero Carbon Step Code Workshop Series

  The City of Abbotsford is offering a series of three Zero Carbon Step Code workshops in January 2025. Theses 4-hour sessions are delivered through a blend of lectures and workshop activities to ensure participants stay engaged and maximize their understanding of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code. 

  Sessions are suitable for builders, architects, designers, building inspectors, energy advisors, contractors, trades, real estate agents, and those interested in high performance building systems, processes and best practices. 4 CPD credits are available for each session. In partnership with BCIT, Canadian Homebuilder’s Association Fraser Valley, Community Futures South Fraser, City of Chilliwack and City of Mission, and funded by BC Hydro.

  • January 14 - Introduction to the Zero Carbon Step Code.
  • January 21 - Zero Carbon Step Code in Practice
  • January 29 - Zero Carbon Step Code Applied to Your Practice

  All sessions take place at the Legacy Banquet Hall (Abbotsford Exhibition Park) 3270 Trethewey St., Abbotsford from 8am – 12pm, and include breakfast at 7:30 am. $25 registration fee.

  View Workshop Series Flyer