If they wish, local governments may use the BC Energy Step Code to increase the energy performance of new buildings in their communities. This page has resources to support those interested in doing so, including:

• Local government Step Code guides
• Peer network information
• Notification forms

Don’t forget to visit All resources to find everything available on this site, including builder guides and handbooks, code compliance tools, implementation tools, reports and more.

Step Code guides

Local Government Best Practices Guide (PDF, 6MB) (opens in a new tab)

• Delves into the nuts and bolts of the Step Code
• Offers guidance for developing a community-specific strategy for implementation

Building Officials’ Handbook (PDF, 6MB)

• Focussed on Part 9 residential buildings
• Provides an overview of the Step Code, explains new processes and roles, and describes key elements of energy-efficient buildings

Provincial Policy Guide for Local Governments (PDF, 903KB) 

• Explains the policy intent of the BC Energy Step Code and its use and application by local governments and other local authorities under the Building Act

Building a Legacy Toolkit

• Applicable to all communities, large and small, and to industry
• Contains an array of materials to help you understand and implement the Step Code in your community
• Developed by the Community Energy Association, resources include sample advertisements, checklists for education events, videos, building guides and more

Local government peer network

The Community Energy Association serves as the secretariat for a province-wide network designed to support local governments with BC Energy Step Code implementation. Join the network to:

• Learn what other local governments are doing
• Get advice
• Ask questions
• Share ideas and more

The network is open to any local government staff member. Thanks to support from BC Hydro, there’s no cost to join and you can be involved as much or as little as you wish. Learn more by contacting SSedlowsky@communityenergy.bc.ca.

Notification forms

For the next few years, the Energy Step Code Council will be closely following local government interest in the BC Energy Step Code. Our goal is to better direct and inform industry capacity-building efforts, and identify potential training shortfalls or capacity crunches.

Local governments are asked to signal their intentions to the Energy Step Code Council, through the Province’s Building and Safety Standards Branch, at two key points in the implementation process:

Page last updated: June 10, 2021.