Implementation updates

Communities can use a wide variety of policy tools to incentivize or require the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code. On this page, we’re outlining how local governments are putting the standard to work.

Local adoption of the Zero Carbon Step Code

So far, 33 local governments and First Nations reference the Zero Carbon Step Code for new construction. These jurisdictions represent a wide range of climate zones and population sizes throughout B.C.

These include:

  1. Burnaby
  2. Capital Regional District
  3. Cowichan Valley Regional District
  4. Central Saanich
  5. City of North Vancouver
  6. Colwood
  7. Courtenay
  8. District of North Vancouver
  9. District of West Vancouver
  10. Duncan
  11. Esquimalt
  12. Maple Ridge
  13. Metchosin
  14. Nanaimo
  15. Nelson
  16. City of New Westminster
  17. North Cowichan
  18. Oak Bay
  19. Penticton
  20. Port Moody
  21. Qualicum Beach
  22. Rossland
  23. Richmond
  24. Saanich
  25. Squamish
  26. Township of Langley
  27. Vernon
  28. Victoria
  29. View Royal
  30. Whistler
  31. Tsleil-Waututh Nation
  32. UBC campus and neighbourhood (Residential Environmental Assessment Program)
  33. University Endowment Lands (UEL) for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings

As of January 2024, it is estimated that 44 per cent of all new residential units in large multi-family buildings (e.g., mid-rise and high-rise) and 30 per cent of all new units in small residential buildings (e.g., low-rise and ground-oriented dwellings) will be built in municipalities that have already adopted the ZCSC or equivalent regulations.

Note: The above list is for convenience only and may not be up to date. Please visit the website of your Authority Having Jurisdiction for up-to-date requirements for the BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code. 

Local governments who wish to be added to this list may email building.safety@gov.bc.ca.

City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver has its own Building By-Law and associated requirements, but its energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions have a similar technical framework as the Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes.

Early adopters of the BC Energy Step Code (archive)

After a six-year transition period, most buildings in B.C. must meet a Step of the BC Energy Step Code as of May 1, 2023. During that transition period, many local governments took initiative by referencing the BC Energy Step Code in program, policy, or bylaw. Read the archived list of early adopters in PDF.

Some local governments still incentivize the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code to continue transforming their construction sector. Refer to your Authority Having Jurisdiction for more details.

Page last updated: Mar. 6, 2025