BC Energy Step Code

In general terms, the Energy Step Code (ESC) is a new, incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient new buildings.

Developed over a number of years by a provincial working group that included builders, developers, trades and professionals, utilities, local governments, as well as NGO representatives, the ESC establishes a series of measurable, performance-based energy efficiency requirements for construction that builders can choose to build to, and communities can choose to adopt in local bylaws and policies.

BC Energy Step Code: implementation in Whistler

Effective January 1, 2019 the Energy Step Code will apply to all new Part 9 residential buildings in Whistler (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.

BC Energy Step Code: ensuring successful integration in Whistler

Find out more about the Energy Step Code program

Additional provincial information resources:

• Province of BC  
• energystepcode.ca

Energy Step Code Technical Training Series Videos:

• Session 1: Introduction to the Energy Step Code (video)
• Session 2: The Energy Step Code for Part 9 Buildings (video)

BC Housing Publications:

• BC Energy Step Code Builder Guide
• BC Energy Step Code Design Guide
• An Illustrated Guide to Achieving Airtight Buildings

Public Information and Training sessions hosted by the RMOW

• Wednesday November 14, 1 to 4 p.m. in the Whistler Public Library Community Room

Required permit application forms and documents

• A completed Pre-Construction BC Energy Compliance Report is required to be submitted with new Part 9 residential building permit applications effective January 1, 2019
• A completed As-Built BC Energy Compliance Report is required to be submitted prior to occupancy of a new Part 9 residential building applied for after January 1, 2019
• Coming November 2018... Example Pre-Construction and As-Built BC Energy Compliance Report
• Coming November 2018... Revised: New Single Family House or Duplex Application
• Coming November 2018... Revised: New Multi-Family Building Application

Incentive funding opportunities provided by the RMOW and Efficiency BC

Access thousands of dollars in energy rebates for residential and commercial projects:

• RMOW Incentives
• Efficiency BC Incentives

Find a professional energy advisor near you:

• Canadian Association of Certified Energy Advisors - Sea to Sky
• NRCan tool to find local Energy Advisor Service Organizations

BC Energy Step Code: adopted in Whistler

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.

BC Energy Step Code: past events

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.