BC Energy Step Code - Build Energy Smart

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From May 1, 2023, The Province of BC has mandated an increase in the base energy efficiency requirement for new buildings by 20 per cent. This is equivalent to:

  • Step 3 for Part 9 (Simple) buildings, and
  • Step 2 for Part 3 (Complex) buildings.

When you apply for a building permit from the RDKB building inspection services after May 1, 2023, you need to comply with this 20% better requirement.

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.

Please take a

From May 1, 2023, The Province of BC has mandated an increase in the base energy efficiency requirement for new buildings by 20 per cent. This is equivalent to:

  • Step 3 for Part 9 (Simple) buildings, and
  • Step 2 for Part 3 (Complex) buildings.

When you apply for a building permit from the RDKB building inspection services after May 1, 2023, you need to comply with this 20% better requirement.

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.

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

BC Energy Step Code is a performance-based compliance path in the BC Building Code. It sets out energy and airtightness performance targets for new buildings. Designers or builders decide how to meet these required targets.

Builders work with a certified energy advisor or a registered professional. They use energy modelling software and on-site testing to demonstrate that both the building design and the construction meet Step Code requirements.

The Step Code provides an incremental approach to make new buildings more energy efficient now and net zero energy ready by 2032. A net zero energy ready building is designed and built to achieve net zero energy performance by adding renewable energy technologies.

What are potential future requirements?

BC has committed to taking these incremental steps to increase energy efficiency requirement in the BC Building Code for new buildings:

  • 40% better, by 2027
  • Net zero energy ready by 2032

In addition, local governments have the option to opt-in to the new Zero Carbon Step Code for new buildings. It is proposed this province-wide carbon emissions requirement will take effect in 2024, with zero carbon new buildings in 2030.

Builders, developers, and designers are encouraged to consider these potential future requirements when planning new buildings.

  • CHBA SO - Builders Spring Seminar in Nelson

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    This one-day training is designed for both new and seasoned Part 9 Residential builders for gaining hands-on experience with high-performance air and water barrier membrane installation and building the fundamental knowledge required to be successful in evaluating and implementing high-performance enclosure design demanded by current and future code requirements.


    To register, click here

    Date: May 11, 2023

    Time: 8:00am-5:00pm

    Location: Prestige Lakeside Resort

    CPD: 7 CPD points

    Price: $299

    As part of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition, those joining from the Kootenay and Boundary Regions are eligible to receive $99 off the cost of the session.

    • 1 registration: $199 (please use discount code CEA!2023May11)
    • 2 registrations: $149 per person (please contact education@chbabc.org to register)
    • 3+ registrations: $99 per person (please contact education@chbabc.org to register)

  • Mechanical and Ventilation Systems Webinar Series

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Interested in learning more about current topics in energy efficiency and mechanical systems? As part of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition (KCET) initiative, the Community Energy Association (CEA) is delivering a series of free webinars for those working in the home building and renovation sector in the Kootenay and Boundary regions.

    The Mechanical and Ventilation Systems webinar series includes the following hour-long sessions:


    The webinar series will be presented by Rob Pope, an expert in energy-efficient systems and senior consultant with Ecolighten Energy Services.

  • BCIT Zero Energy/ Emissions building Learning Centre

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    New – Microcredentials!

    The BCIT ZEBLC is now offering three new microcredentials. To learn more:


    Other Course

    You can gain CPD credits, or learn without the need of a credential? Take an individual course.

  • BC Building Code 2018 Code Changes - Information Session

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    From May 1, 2023, BC has mandated an increase in the base energy efficiency requirement for new buildings by 20 per cent. This is equivalent to Step 3 for Part 9 (Simple) buildings, and Step 2 for Part 3 (Complex) buildings.

    The RDKB, RDCK and our regional municipalities are inviting members of our local home building industry to an information session on these BC Building Code changes.

    The session will consist of a presentation from Building and Safety Standards Branch on the code changes, an overview of regional requirements and an opportunity to questions.

    Date: April 13, 2023

    Time: 8 - 9 am

    To register for the Information Session

Page last updated: 09 Aug 2023, 09:07 AM