BC Energy Step Code

ADVISORIES

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The Energy Step Code (ESC) paves the path to achieving a future of Net-Zero Energy ready buildings and homes.

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial set of standards to encourage the construction of energy-efficient and airtight buildings beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code. These compliance standards will ensure that the province will be Net-Zero Energy Ready by 2032.

Since January 1, 2019, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has been adopting the Energy Step Code for all its new Part 9 residential buildings (generally single family, duplex and smaller multi-family buildings).

Step 3 of the Energy Step Code will apply to all new Part 9 residential buildings.
Step 4 of the Energy Step Code will apply to all new Part 9 residential buildings on properties applying for rezoning to increase density or permit additional uses, and any new residential buildings that include construction of additional in-ground basement floor area excluded from gross floor area calculations.

Working towards the top level of BC's Step Code

In December 2020, Whistler Council adopted the Big Moves Climate Action Strategy, which includes the goal that by 2030, all new buildings in Whistler will achieve the top level of the BC Energy Step Code and use only low carbon heating systems.

Over the past year, RMOW staff have been diligently working on a phased approach and timelines to adopt progressively higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code. RMOW staff are now ready to workshop these plans with the Whistler building sector.

2021 Stakeholder workshop
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) invited all building industry stakeholders to participate in a virtual sector-specific workshop on plans to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings in Whistler:

Those who attended this workshop :

Received an overview of the RMOW’s climate targets related to the building sector.
Heard an update on the proposed approach and timelines for BC Energy Step Code implementation with a low carbon energy systems pathway.
Provided feedback on the proposed approach and key considerations for implementation and compliance.

Feedback from this session will inform the RMOW’s approach, which will be brought forward at a regular Council meeting in 2022 and implemented on January 1, 2023.

Ensuring broad representation from the building sector is important. Please share this information and feedback opportunity with your networks.

View here the participant summary outlining the proposed approach.

Comments and question can be submitted to climatechange@whistler.ca.

Incentives for builders

Know more about incentive funding opportunities provided by the RMOW and Efficiency BC.

Related forms

Compliance forms

A completed Energy Step Code Pre-Construction Compliance Report(link is external) is required to be submitted with new Part 9 residential building permit applications effective January 1, 2019.
A completed Energy Step Code As-Built Compliance Report(link is external) is required to be submitted prior to occupancy of a new Part 9 residential building applied for on or after January 1, 2019.

Refer to the BC Energy Compliance Report Manual and Part 9 Building Compliance Tools(link is external) for instructions and guidelines on how to complete the Energy Compliance Report.

Permit application forms

New Single Family or Duplex Building Application for Building Permit Applications made on or after January 1, 2019
New Multi-Family Building Application for Building Permit Applications made on or after January 1, 2019

Resources

Find a professional energy advisor near you

Find out more about the Energy Step Code program

Additional provincial information resources:

BC Housing Publications:

Background

Whistler’s building and plumbing regulation bylaw was amended on July 24, 2018 to enable the BC Energy Step Code (ESC) within Whistler. The Energy Step Code bylaw amendment was presented to council in an administrative report on July 10, 2018. The Energy Step Code is a tool that local governments can use to require a higher level of energy efficiency in new construction than the requirements of the base BC Building Code.

Municipal staff and the local building sector have been working with the provincial government and the Energy Step Code Council on the development of the ESC framework, and are supportive of the current opportunities and structure that it provides.

Past engagement

Past BC Energy Step Code: Public Training and Information Session

The RMOW Building Department hosted an open house public information and training session at the Whistler Public Library on November 14, 2018.

RMOW Building Officials were available to discuss the implementation of the BC Energy Step Code in Whistler, including permit application requirements, required documentation, and more.

Past BC Energy Step Code: consultation

The RMOW engaged the community and stakeholders on the integration of the BC Energy Step Code into Whistler’s Building Bylaw. Ongoing dialogue with a local stakeholder working group began in February 2018 and continued through a Public Information Session in April.

Find out more about the Public Information Session.

Read the Information Session presentation slides.

A community public opinion survey on this topic was hosted from April 27 to May 18.

Additional provincial information is available at BC Energy Step Code

Past BC Energy Step Code: workshop

A Building Better with the Energy Step Code workshop was held on May 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre in Squamish. Attendees learned how to build to the lower steps of the BC Energy Step Code and work with an Energy Advisor. In addition, learned about FortisBC’s New Home incentive program and engaged in a dialogue about Step Code implementation in the Sea to Sky region. The workshop also featured an airtightness test with time for discussion at a local home.

Workshop attendees are eligible for 6.5 CPD credits (Group A) from BC Housing and credits through the Building Officials Association of BC.