Energy Step Code requirements

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial set of standards to construct energy-efficient and airtight buildings.

Part 9 Building permit applications must include

• A completed Pre-Construction BC Energy Compliance Report (fillable Pre-Construction Report); and
• Energy Model Report

Before occupancy

• A completed As-Built BC Energy Compliance Report (fillable As-Built Construction Report)

Part 3 Building permit applications must include

• A completed Energy Intensity Report (fillable Part 3 Building Energy Intensity Report); and
• The Registered Professional will submit the letters of assurance, Schedule B, ensuring compliance with the BC Energy Step Code requirements.

Mid-construction reports

Mid Construction Reports are not required but highly recommended to avoid resolutions of failed blower floor tests prior to occupancy.

Before occupancy

The Registered Professional will submit the Schedule C-B, ensuring compliance with the BC Energy Step Code requirements.

Background

These compliance standards ensure that the province will be Net-Zero Energy Ready by 2032. To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, associated with heating space and water in buildings, the province has developed the Zero Carbon Step Code (formerly the Carbon Pollution Standard). These standards outline carbon performance tiers that can be adopted by local governments to achieve zero operational GHG emissions in by 2030.

Working toward 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.