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.