New Construction

BC Step Code

The BC Energy Step Code, introduced in April 2017, is a provincial standard aimed at promoting increasingly energy-efficient buildings beyond the minimum requirements of the base BC Building Code (BCBC). This code adopts a progressive and uniform strategy by setting measurable, performance-based energy efficiency criteria for construction, allowing builders to opt for higher levels of efficiency

As of May 1, 2023, the BC Building Code stipulates that most new buildings in B.C. must achieve a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. This level of energy efficiency is equivalent to meeting the standards set in Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code for Part 9 buildings.

How Does It Work?

The BC Step Code is divided into 3 metrics in which a new house must achieve the required targets in all 3 areas.

Each step code has different targets to hit for each metric.

MEUI or %LTRH

Mechanical Energy Use Intensity (MEUI): This describes the mechanical energy use over a year, normalized by per square meter of heated floor area. It takes into account energy used by space heating, space cooling, service water heating and ventilation. The more efficient the mechanical equipment, the lower the MEUI. OR % Lower Than ERS Reference House (%LTRH): This compares the energy consumption of a Reference House to the Proposed House. For example, Step 3 requires the Proposed house to be 20% more energy efficient than the Reference

TEDI

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI): This describes the efficiency of the building envelope and is normalized by per square meter of heated floor area. It takes into account the thermal transmittance of windows, doors, insulation assemblies, air leakage and internal heat gains. The more efficient the building envelope, the lower the TEDI.

ACH50

Air Changes per Hour: (ACH50): This describes how air tight a house is. It measures how many times the total volume of air is replaced throughout the home in one hour when it is exposed to a pressure difference of 50 pascals. It is measured by a blower door test which either pressurizes or depressurizes the home. For example, a Step 3 home must achieve a ACH50 reading of 2.5 or lower.

What Does a Step 3 House Look Like?

Step 3 House Example

This is example of the proposed assemblies that go into a step 3 house. These assemblies are flexible and can be manipulated based on the builders preference and cost.

Wall Assembly

Wood Frame: 2"x 6" - 16" O.C. with R24 Batt Insulation

Heating/Cooling

Natural Gas Condensing Furnace
AFUE = 96%
Air Conditioning
SEER = 16

Roof Assembly

Wood Truss: 2"x 4" - 24" O.C. with R50 Cellulose Insulation

Ventilation

Heat Recovery Ventilation

SRE @ 0 degrees Celsius = 66% Eff

Windows

Vinyl Frame: Double Glazed, Low-E, Argon Gas, Insulated Spacers
U- Value = 1.40, SHGC = 0.32

Air Tightness

Air Changes Per House @ 50 Pascals

2.5 ACH

Below is an example of the BC Step Code Compliance Calculator used for the submission of the proposed step code 3 house during the permit application stage for the city.

What's The Process?

01 BUILDING PERMIT

Once your architectural plans are finished, you may send them off to one our Energy Advisors who will model them in their software. Using the homeowners/builders input, we will be able to incorporate materials and equipment that work best to their needs while also taking expenses into account. We will provide you with a BC Energy Compliance Report, Homeowner Information Sheet and HOT2000 reports which you can all submit with your building application.

02 MID-CONSTRUCTION

After the installation of the air barrier, were able to come in and inspect it for any air leaks. To do this, we conduct a blower door test and use other equipment to identify where the leaks are so the builder may have them patched. In most cases, we see interior polyethylene used as the air barrier after the installation of the insulation. In this case, we pressurize the home to avoid altering the air barrier. During this stage, we will let you know if you are on track to hitting your Air Changes Per House target. At the end, we'll provide you with a Mid-Construction Report that you can submit to the city.

03 FINAL OCCUPANCY

Nearing the completion of your project, we will come back to assess the mechanical equipment, windows, doors, insulation levels in the attic and the airtightness level of the home. We will fully assess the home, and take any photo requirements that we need. We will finish it off with a blower door test to check the final airtightness of the home and see if it hits the required ACH target. We will use all of the information we have gathered on site to produce a As Built Report, Homeowner Information Sheet and an Energuide Label which you can all submit to the city during your Final Occupancy Inspection.

04 REBATES

Fortis BC and Clean BC both have programs where they offer rebates for new construction homes. Our Energy Advisors will let you know which rebates you are eligible for depending on the airtightness level and mechanical equipment installed in the home. If eligible, we will then apply for these rebates for you so you don't have anything else to worry about other than enjoying your new home. Once everything is approved, the rebate provider will send you a cheque in the mail.

BC Step Code Pathway

Below is an example of the pathway that is taken by builders, energy advisors and city officials. Although this if for the City of Coquitlam, most cities follow the same process when it comes to the BC Step Code.

Rebates

Learn More

Fortis BC New Home Program

The New Home Program aligns with the BC Energy Step Code, providing builders with a choice between two rebate options when building high-performance homes using a FortisBC energy source. Rebates available up to $10,000.

Incentives

Step Code 2: $3000

Step Code 3: $4000

Step Code 4: $6000

Step Code 5: $10,000

CleanBC Better Homes Program

The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates up to $15,000 for the construction of new, high-performance, electric homes. Through the CleanBC plan, the Province is supporting the adoption of the BC Energy Step Code and making energy efficient, climate-friendly homes more affordable and accessible for British Columbians.