BC Energy Step Code & Zero Carbon Step Code

What is BC Energy Step Code?

Through the BC Energy Step Code, the Province has established a series of performance requirements through a set of incremental levels that will increase the energy efficiency of newly constructed buildings. The Province has created a goal that all new buildings will be net-zero energy-ready by 2032 through changes to the BC Building Code.

These changes at the provincial level align with View Royal’s commitment to reducing energy use and emissions, identified through the Town’s Official Community Plan, and the Climate Action Strategy.

Current requirements for new construction in View Royal

Building Type Energy Step Code Zero Carbon Step Code
Part 9 Houses, duplexes, multiplexes, and townhouses Step 3

Level 4

*performance
Part 3 Residential buildings of six-storeys
or less		 Step 2

Level 4

*performance
Part 3 Residential buildings greater than
six-storeys, and commercial buildings		 Step 2

Level 4

*performance

How will BC Energy Step Code be administered?

To comply with the BC Energy Step Code, Applicants for new buildings provide a report from an energy advisor with modelled calculations and on-site testing to demonstrate that both their design and the constructed building meet the requirements of the standard. 

Zero Carbon Step Code

The Town’s Community Climate Action Strategy and Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Plan prioritizes a low-carbon approach and a reduction in GHG emissions in new buildings. By achieving these policy objectives, the Town is accelerating the implementation of the Province’s Zero Carbon Step Code. 

What is Zero Carbon Step Code?

The BC Zero Carbon Step Code is a new regulation in the BC Building Code that came into effect May 1, 2023, to limit GHG emissions from new buildings. The Zero Carbon Step Code specifically sets a maximum annual amount of greenhouse gas emissions that each building is allowed to emit. The amount for each building is based on the proposed occupancy and the size of the building. The primary metric that is used is kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per square meter, per year (kg CO2e/m2/year). This differs from the BC Energy Step Code, which regulates the energy efficiency of new buildings.

How will Zero Carbon Step Code be administered?

The Zero Carbon Step Code is administered through the building permit process. Applicants for new buildings provide a report from an energy advisor with modelled calculations of GHG emissions based on the building design and its components. This information is in addition to energy modelling that is required for Energy Step Code.