B.C. builders brace for mandatory Energy Step Code
April 27 2023
The mandatory Energy Step Code comes into effect across British Columbia on May 1, 2023, after being introduced in a patchwork way through a number of municipalities over the past few years.
The building code changes enable 20 per cent better energy efficiency, and there is an opt-in Zero Carbon Step Code available for local governments to reference.
“Many municipalities are already requiring Step 3 or higher but everyone is still navigating to find the most effective and efficient pathway forward—one that produces a home that addresses the mandated metrics including embodied carbon requirements, is financially viable, and meets homeowners' expectations,” according to a statement from the Homebuilders Association of Vancouver (HAVAN).
There has been some push back on the Code changes, with home builders from both Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island complaining it is complicated to introduce from Step 3 onward and it can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of a new house.
HAVAN has been providing courses on the Energy Step Code. The next is held April 27 at 1827 Boundary Road, Vancouver.
Several videos showing how B.C. builders are implementing the code are also available, free of charge:
Site Tour: Energy Step Code 3 Production Build with Qualico & Capital Home Energy
Step Code 3 Duplex House: Common Air Barrier Leaks and Mid-Construction Blower Door Test with Davenport Homes and JRG Building Engineering
Step 5 NetZero Ready Home with JDL Homes (Site Tour)
Some may require a discount code. Each course will have instructions.