What is the BC Energy Step Code?

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial standard enacted in April 2017 that provides an incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the base BC Building Code. This new standard is a vital measure to enable BC to meet the Provincial goal to construct net-zero energy ready buildings by 2032. It does so by establishing a series of measurable, performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for construction that communities may choose to adopt when ready. The BC Energy Step Code groups these energy-efficiency requirements into a series of “steps.”

Find out more about the Energy Step Code here.

City of Richmond Stakeholder Consultation Process on implementing the Energy Step Code

In April 2017, the BC Government incorporated the Energy Step Code into the BC Building Code.

In May 2017, Council directed staff to consult with stakeholders “for the purpose of gaining feedback on how the Energy Step Code can be implemented in Richmond.” View staff’s report to Council here [starting page 324 of 548].

Between June 2017 and the spring of 2018, staff conducted an extensive consultation process with local homebuilders (see below for more information).

In July 2018, Council adopted staff’s recommendations for implementation of the Energy Step Code in Richmond. View staff’s report to Council here.

The Energy Step Code applies to new Building Permits submitted on or after September 1, 2018 (excepting some projects subject to prior Development Permit conditions).

The City of Richmond has implemented an Airtightness Training Program to assist local homebuilders to build to the new Energy Step Code requirements. For more information on the Airtightness Training Program, click here here.

Stakeholder Consultation Process: City of Richmond Builders’ Breakfasts

Date Workshop Held	Workshop	Downloadable PDFs
March 28, 2018	Energy Step Code – Part 3 buildings stakeholder engagement session	Presentation (1 of 1)
November 16, 2017	City of Richmond Builders’ Breakfast: Draft recommendations for implementing the BC Energy Step Code in Richmond [Part 9 buildings]	Presentation (1 of 1)
October 26, 2017	Energy Step Code Implementation – Multi-stakeholder Workshop [Part 3 buildings]	Presentation (1 of 1)
October 10, 2017	Energy Advisor focus group re: Energy Step Code processes [Part 9 buildings]
September 27, 2017	Urban Development Institute Liaison Committee update [Part 3 buildings]
September 6, 2017	Implementing the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 buildings in Richmond	Presentation (1 of 1)
July 27, 2017	Implementing the BC Energy Step Code for Part 9 buildings in Richmond	Presentation (1 of 1)
June 29, 2017	Information session on the BC Energy Step Code for new construction	Context (1 of 5) Overview (2 of 5) Part 9 Details (3 of 5) Part 3 Details (4 of 5) Timelines and Process (5 of 5)