BC Energy Step Code - Build Energy Smart

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The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has committed to implementing the BC Energy Step Code for new homes and buildings in RDKB electoral areas on January 1, 2021. Builders and homeowners can choose to follow the Energy Step Code’s performance path or the existing prescriptive path in the BC Building Code.

The Build Energy Smart Project is aimed at providing support and resources to the building industry to help you prepare for the Province mandating Energy Step Code in 2022.

Please take a look on this page at courses and conferences available, take our brief survey and join in the

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has committed to implementing the BC Energy Step Code for new homes and buildings in RDKB electoral areas on January 1, 2021. Builders and homeowners can choose to follow the Energy Step Code’s performance path or the existing prescriptive path in the BC Building Code.

The Build Energy Smart Project is aimed at providing support and resources to the building industry to help you prepare for the Province mandating Energy Step Code in 2022.

Please take a look on this page at courses and conferences available, take our brief survey and join in the conversation with your building industry colleagues on our forum.

BC Energy Step Code

The Province of BC has committed to taking incremental steps to increase energy-efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code to make new buildings net-zero energy ready by 2032. The Province's first step is to require all new buildings to be 20% better than current building code by 2022.

The Energy Step Code's performance path establishes a desired outcome, and leaves it to the design and building team to decide how to achieve it. The current BC Building Code’s prescriptive path means buildings must meet specific requirements for insulation, windows, furnaces, water heaters, lighting and other equipment and systems.

To comply with the Energy Step Code, builders engage an energy advisor who uses energy modelling software and on-site testing to demonstrate that both their design and the constructed building meet the requirements of the Energy Step Code.

  • CHBA SO Reducing Cost for Step Code Homes

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    25 Jan 2021

    On Thursday, February 11, 9 - 11 am with Mark Bernhardt, Bernhardt Contracting and Joe Hart, Icon Homes and President of CHBA BC

    This is a dive into the BC Energy Step Code metrics and how to achieve them through design and building techniques to minimize extra cost. Using real world examples from local climates, we will examine why some designs fail where others exceed.

    Approved for 2 CPD's

    To register email the CHBC South Okanagan on info@chbaso.org

    • Members attend for FREE
    • Non-Members are welcome to attend for $50


  • Unvented Roofs Without Spray Foam: A New Free Online Course

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    18 Dec 2020
    This course is based on the outcomes of a 3 year experiment on unvented roofs without spray foam or exterior rigid insulation. The experiment examined cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation, interior vapor control membranes, diffusion vents at the ridge, interior humidification, inward vapor drive issues, and the effect of air barrier imperfections. This free course taught by Kohta Ueno and offered in partnership with the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and Building Science Corporation.

    Learning Objectives
    • Explain the moisture risks inherent in unvented/compact roof assemblies with fibrous (air‐permeable) insulation
    • Define the roles that vapor diffusion and air leakage have on moisture levels in roofs
    • Explain the role that a vapor diffusion vent can have in ameliorating roof moisture risks
    • Describe the risks of inward vapor drive in unvented roof assemblies

  • Pattern Language from Passive House

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    14 Dec 2020
    "A Pattern Language from Passive House" is an interactive workshop that teaches cost-effective planning and design of affordable, low-emission, mid-rise, multi-unit, wood-framed housing.


    This four-part workshop presents design problems common to multi-unit buildings, followed by solutions that have worked in previous high-performance projects. These solutions are organized into "patterns" using a format adapted from A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander (et al).

    Course Dates and Times

    Dates: January 5, 12, 19, 26

    Times: 12:30pm - 3:30pm PST

    To register - Click here

    Flash sale starts: Wednesday, December 16 at 5:00am PST
    Flash sale ends: Friday, December 18 at 11:59pm PST
    Use access code flashsale to receive your discount.

  • HVAC & Refrigeration Training - Online (80% off)

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    26 Nov 2020
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    Take advantage of residential & small commercial courses focused on heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration at an 80% reduction in price! Register here!

    FortisBC has been working with Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) to offer some of their online courses at a highly subsidized rate. This offer is open to anyone in BC thanks to FortisBC’s BUILTbetter program.

  • BCIT Energy Step Code Training - Online

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    26 Nov 2020
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    The BCIT Zero Energy Buildings courses are tailored to busy construction professionals allowing you to enhance your toolbox with the knowledge and skills to build to the BC Energy Step Code. Their new courses focus on hands on demos and construction problem-solving ensuring your learning occurs using real life mockups. Check them out here!

    OPTION #1: CESA 1505 Zero Energy Buildings (All-in-one) - Tuesday afternoon from January 19th to March 23rd, 2021

    OPTION #2: CESA 1501 Passive House Tradesperson - Thursday afternoon from January 21st to March 18th, 2021.

  • RDKB Energy Step Code Information Session - December 10, 2020

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    25 Jan 2021
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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    You are invited to a virtual Builder's Breakfast to discuss the new Building Bylaw and BC Energy Step Code. The RDKB is updating their Building Bylaw and is implementing voluntary compliance with BC Energy Step Code.



    Agenda:

    • Introduction
    • Key changes in the RDKB Building Bylaw
    • Building to Energy Step Code
    • Working with an Energy Advisor
    • FortisBC enhanced rebates - new home program
    • RDKB Processes

    Builders / designers / trades and anyone involved in the building industry in the region is welcome to attend. Please register so we know to expect you https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MuY3I-bfRT234HHefaQuHQ.

    More Information: Freya Phillips | Senior Energy Specialist | fphillips@rdkb.com | 250.368.0280 | Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

    THIS EVENT IS FUNDED BY FORTISBC.