BC ENERGY STEP CODE Changes Effective May 1, 2023
The Province has now amended the BC Building Code, and raised the base energy efficiency for new buildings by 20%. Based on these changes, for all applications received on or after May 1, 2023:
- All buildings regulated by Part 9 of the BC Building Code containing residential occupancies, as defined by the BC Building Code, shall be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 3 of the Energy Step Code.
- All buildings regulated by Part 3 of the BC Building Code containing residential, business and personal services, or mercantile occupancies, as defined by the BC Building Code, shall be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 2 of the Energy Step Code.
For more information regarding the BC Energy Step Code, go to: https://www.energystepcode.ca/
Resources for finding qualified Energy Advisors or Energy Modelers:
NRC Service Organization Database
Have questions about these changes? Contact the Building Department at building@gibsons.ca.
Related Bylaws:
One significant component of the Town’s Building Bylaw update is the implementation of the BC Energy Step Code, a provincial standard designed to help both local government and industry steadily move toward a future where all new buildings across BC are “net-zero energy-ready” by 2032.
On January 1, 2021, Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code for all new Part 3 (large and complex) and Part 9 (houses and small) buildings was implemented within the Town of Gibsons. The SCRD and the District of Sechelt have also passed similar legislation.
Helpful Resources
Get the basics on the BC Energy Step Code and its implementation on the Sunshine Coast here.
Please visit www.energystepcode.ca/all-resources/ for a wide selection of resources, updates, and webinars, as well as training courses and resources to teach building industry professionals how to build more energy-efficient buildings.
Additionally, the Community Energy Association has created some Energy Step Code resources and short videos through the “Building a Legacy” initiative.
Would you like to learn more about the BC Energy Step Code? Please visit www.energystepcode.ca for a wide selection of resources, updates, training publications and webinars.
Bookmark these pages for even more information about adopting the BC Energy Step Code:
CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program
Builders’ Webinar
On December 8, 2020, the local governments of the Sunshine Coast hosted a one-hour Zoom webinar to discuss the implementation of Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code on January 1, 2021. Presenters included representatives from: the Town of Gibsons; BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation; Fortis BC; Community Energy Association; and a Certified Energy Advisor.
To view a recorded version of the webinar, please click here.
To view a complete slide deck of the presentations, please click here.
