BC Energy Step Code

Building more energy efficient homes reduces the energy needed for space heating, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reduces your utility bills. The Province of British Columbia has developed the BC Energy Step Code as a set of steps with increasing energy efficiency for new buildings.

Currently, the BC Energy Step Code is a voluntary, performance-based standard that builders can choose to use. The lower steps are relatively straightforward to achieve, while the upper steps are more ambitious. The Province has set a target for all new buildings to be net-zero energy ready by 2032.

The BC Energy Step Code will become part of the BC Building Code in December 2022. Municipalities also have the option to adopt higher Step Code requirements before they are imposed by provincial law. At this time, the City of Delta is focused on builder education, but we are also seeking feedback from industry and the public as to whether early adoption of higher step requirements prior to 2027 is desired in our community.

Beginning in December 2022, all new buildings constructed in BC will be required to be 20% more energy efficient than the current energy efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code. To meet this increased energy efficiency new buildings must be constructed using the BC Energy Step Code:

• Part 9 buildings (houses and small buildings less than 600 square metres) will need to be constructed to Step 3
• Part 3 buildings (large residential and commercial buildings greater than 600 square meters) will need to be constructed to Step 2

Financial incentives are currently available to build to Step 2 or higher of the Energy Step Code.

Incentive and rebate programs for Part 9 buildings can be found at:

• FortisBC New Home Program
• CleanBC Better Homes

Incentive and rebate programs for Part 3 buildings can be found at:

• FortisBC Commercial New Construction Performance Program
• CleanBC Commercial New Construction Program

What does this mean for builders in Delta? The City of Delta is gathering information from the building community to better understand your needs and to develop Energy Step Code training and information sessions. The information gathered will also assist in developing a BC Energy Step Code Implementation Strategy to support constructing more energy efficient buildings in Delta in the future.

We want to hear from you! Please complete the below survey by Friday, March 25.