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
- Visit the Province of BC online or energystepcode.ca for additional provincial information.
- Energy Step Code Technical Training Series: Session 1: Introduction to the Energy Step Code (video)
- Energy Step Code Technical Training Series: Session 2: The Energy Step Code for Part 9 Buildings (video)
- Coming 2018… BC Housing energy step code illustrated guide – Part 9
Public Information and Training sessions hosted by the RMOW
- Coming November 2018… Keep up to date at whistler.ca/stepcode
Required permit application forms and documents
- A completed Pre-Construction BC Energy Compliance Report is required to be submutted 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
- Access thousands of dollars in energy rebates: Power Down to Save Up program
- Coming soon… Retrofit Partnership Program
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.
