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].

Following consultation, staff will bring forward proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan and any other bylaws to implement the Energy Step Code policy regime for consideration by Council. This is expected to occur in Fall 2017.

Stakeholder Consultation Process: City of Richmond Builders’ Breakfasts

Date Workshop Held	Workshop	Downloadable PDFs
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)
July 27, 2017	Implementing the BC Energy Step Code for Part 9 buildings in Richmond	Presentation (1 of 1)

For more information on the Airtightness Training Program click here