Implementation updates

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

Let us know how you’re referencing the BC Energy Step Code by emailing the Building and Safety Standards Branch and we’ll share your story here.

Consulting on the BC Energy Step Code

These local governments have submitted their initial notification, indicating they have started to consult on the BC Energy Step Code (listed by date of submission).

The * symbol in this list means the local government now references the BC Energy Step Code in a policy, program or bylaw – see  how below.

  1. City of Richmond – June 16, 2017*
  2. City of North Vancouver – July 4, 2017*
  3. City of Campbell River – July 10, 2017*
  4. City of Duncan – August 24, 2017*
  5. District of North Vancouver – September 1, 2017*
  6. City of Victoria – September 27, 2017*
  7. District of Saanich – September 27, 2017*
  8. Comox Valley Regional District – October 3, 2017*
  9. District of North Saanich – October 4, 2017*
  10. Resort Municipality of Whistler – October 5, 2017*
  11. District of West Vancouver – October 24, 2017 *
  12. Township of Langley – November 7, 2017*
  13. District of Squamish – November 9, 2017*
  14. City of New Westminster – November 28, 2017*
  15. City of Surrey – December 7, 2017*
  16. City of Kelowna – January 22, 2018*
  17. City of Penticton – January 27, 2018*
  18. City of Burnaby – March 1, 2018* (resubmitted April 10, 2019 to add Part 9 consultation)
  19. City of Kimberley – March 12, 2018*
  20. City of Vernon – March 19, 2018
  21. Village of Belcarra – March 27, 2018*
  22. District of Peachland – March 28, 2018*
  23. District of Oak Bay – April 11, 2018*
  24. City of West Kelowna – April 12, 2018
  25. District of Sparwood – April 23, 2018*
  26. District of Summerland – June 5, 2018
  27. District of Lake Country – June 7, 2018*
  28. City of Nanaimo – June 25, 2018*
  29. City of Kamloops – July 17, 2018*
  30. District of Central Saanich – July 17, 2018*
  31. City of Port Moody – September 24, 2018*
  32. City of Nelson – October 9, 2018*
  33. Village of Anmore – October 22, 2018*
  34. District of Elkford – November 6, 2018
  35. City of Abbotsford – January 28, 2019*
  36. City of Rossland – February 8, 2019*
  37. Town of Creston – February 22, 2019
  38. Village of New Denver – February 28, 2019
  39. Bowen Island Municipality – March 4, 2019*
  40. Regional District of East Kootenay – March 12, 2019*
  41. Village of Kaslo – March 25, 2019
  42. City of Port Coquitlam – April 23, 2019
  43. City of Maple Ridge – May 31, 2019
  44. Village of Pemberton – June 21, 2019*
  45. Municipality of North Cowichan – August 21, 2019*
  46. City of Powell River – September 4, 2019*
  47. Town of Smithers – September 4, 2019
  48. City of Salmon Arm – September 11, 2019
  49. Regional District of Central Kootenay – September 13, 2019
  50. City of Terrace – September 13, 2019
  51. City of Courtenay – October 3, 2019*
  52. City of Colwood – October 9, 2019
  53. Village of Golden – October 15, 2019
  54. Village of Nakusp – October 16, 2019
  55. Village of Slocan – October 17, 2019
  56. Town of View Royal – October 25, 2019
  57. Town of Comox – October 25, 2019*
  58. City of Fernie – October 29, 2019
  59. District of Ucluelet – October 31, 2019
  60. City of Pitt Meadows – Jan. 29, 2020*
  61. City of Prince George – Feb. 19, 2020
  62. Town of Gibsons – Feb. 20, 2020*
  63. District of Sechelt – March 2, 2020
  64. Sunshine Coast Regional District – March 6, 2020*
  65. City of Revelstoke – May 19, 2020
  66. City of Castlegar – May 25, 2020*
  67. City of Cranbrook – July 14, 2020
  68. Regional District of Kootenay Boundary – July 17, 2020*
  69. Town of Oliver – Oct. 20, 2020
  70. City of Coquitlam – Oct. 29, 2020
  71. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality – Nov. 5, 2020
  72. District of Kitimat – Nov. 6, 2020
  73. District of Sooke – Sept. 23, 2020*
  74. Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen – March 24, 2021
  75. University Endowment Lands – April 28, 2021*

* = Referencing the BC Energy Step Code

Referencing the BC Energy Step Code

These local governments have submitted their final notification, indicating they now reference the BC Energy Step Code in a policy, program or bylaw. Communities are listed alphabetically.

Bowen Island Municipality

Starting October 9, 2019, all new construction and substantial renovations on Bowen Island will need to meet Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code. By assuring building energy efficiency, we are contributing to our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% from 2007 by 2020. This is part of Bowen’s Climate Action Program.

By using the provincial standard, Bowen Island is joining 44 other municipalities (and growing) across the province in working towards a single, performance-based standard.

In 2020, the requirement will increase to Step 3, which mandates good building energy performance.

Bowen Island Municipality has been awarded $12,000 in rebate funds from BC Hydro’s Energy Step Code Building Incentive Offer. To be eligible, the project must be a Part 9 (i.e. residential) building with a building permit application submitted on or after BC Energy Code regulations become mandatory. Rebates of up to $250 will be available for energy modeling costs and up to another $250 for the post-construction blower door test, with a maximum of $500 per project.

City of Abbotsford

The City of Abbotsford is taking a phased approach to the BC Energy Step Code.

Phase 1 (Sept. 1, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020)

  • Part 9 buildings that met Step 1 followed a faster building permit review stream, which could be up to two weeks faster.
  • Part 3 buildings had to meet Step 1 as a minimum, with incentives such as prioritized permit reviews for Part 3 buildings that met or exceeded Step 3.

Phase 2 (Oct. 1, 2020-present)

  • All new Part 9 buildings must meet Step 1. If the Part 9 building meets or exceeds Step 3, Abbotsford will prioritize those plans for review.
  • Part 3 buildings continue to meet Step 1 as a minimum, with incentives such as prioritized permit reviews for buildings that meet or exceed Step 3.
  • Learn more from the City of Abbotsford’s website.

City of Burnaby

The City of Burnaby is taking a phased approach to the implementation of the BC Energy Step Code, starting with Part 3 policy. Part 9 policy is currently in development.

City of Campbell River

The City of Campbell River offers financial incentives for new energy-efficient residential buildings constructed to meet the BC Energy Step Code. Incentives are available starting April 1, 2018, while funding is available.

City of Castlegar

On Dec. 16, 2020, City of Castlegar council adopted Building Bylaw 1338, which requires Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code for both Part 9 and Part 3 construction for all buildings as of Dec. 31, 2020. It also commits to Step 3 for Part 9 construction and Step 2 for Part 3 construction by Dec. 31, 2022.

During consultation, Castlegar hosted hybrid virtual/physical distanced workshops, conducted on-line surveys, compiled a list of builders, trades, building supply, Realtors and architects who receive regular email updates of progress and resources. The workshop was recorded so that those who were unable to attend could learn on their own time. An upcoming webinar and video will detail how to work with an energy advisor.

City of Courtenay

The City of Courtenay has adopted the BC Energy Step Code, effective April 6, 2020. The initial implementation will require Step 2 for all Part 3 & Part 9 buildings. Step 3 will be required for Part 9 buildings effective January 1st 2021.

City of Duncan

A density bonus is permitted in several residential and commercial zones (Medium Density Residential Zone, High Density Residential Zone, Downtown Comprehensive Zone, and Neighbourhood Commercial Zone) that permit medium to high density development if the developer meets at least one of three conditions.  One condition is that “the entire development achieves or exceeds British Columbia Energy Step Code Level 3 energy efficient requirements.”

The City is currently considering future Step Code requirements.

City of Kamloops

The City of Kamloops will implement a voluntary BC Energy Step Code compliance program Oct. 1, 2019 with incentives for builders who choose to participate.  Effective January 1, 2022, the City of Kamloops will require all Part 9 buildings to meet Step 3.  This date was chosen to provide a clear date of adoption to give the building community adequate time to prepare.

City of Kelowna

Kelowna’s BC Energy Step Code Implementation Strategy for Part 9 residential buildings was endorsed by Council on May 6th, 2019, with the following key dates:

  • December 1, 2019: Step 1 implementation – Part 9 residential buildings must be designed and constructed to meet or exceed Step 1 performance requirements
  • June 1, 2021: Step 3 implementation – Part 9 residential buildings must be designed and constructed to meet or exceed Step 3 performance requirements

On Feb 22, 2021, Kelowna City Council endorsed a plan for Part 3 buildings. For building permit applications filed on or after Jan. 1, 2022, the following Steps must be met:

  • Group C – single-detached residential occupancy: Step 4
  • Group C – multi-unit residential occupancy of combustible construction (including hotels and motels): Step 3
  • Group C – multi-unit residential occupancy of non-combustible construction: Step 2
  • Group D – Business and personal service occupancy OR Group E – mercantile occupancy: Step 2

Visit the City of Kelowna’s website to learn more, sign up for email updates or find out about Building Permit rebate opportunities.

City of Kimberley

The City of Kimberley’s Energy Efficient Building Incentive Program (EEBIP) is a simple and pragmatic approach to help local builders learn and adapt to new methods and materials to reduce the energy demand and carbon emissions associated with the heating and cooling of buildings. Since the program was modified in 2017 to reference the BC Energy Step Code, each completed project has achieved at least Step 3 or better. The City of Kimberley’s program has been effective in helping improve the knowledge and expertise of local builders in high-performance building construction, and the quality and energy efficiency of new buildings .

City of Nanaimo

From April 21st, 2020 to January 1st, 2021, new Part 9 residential and Part 3 commercial and residential buildings will need to demonstrate “enhanced compliance” with Step 1 of the Step Code.

Starting January 2nd, 2021, all new Part 9 residential buildings in Nanaimo will be built 10% more energy efficient than current (2018) building code requirements (Step 2).

Beginning January 2nd, 2022, all new Part 9 residential buildings will be required to be 20% more energy efficient than current (2018) building code requirements. Also, Part 3 commercial and residential buildings must achieve 20% to 40% more efficiency than the current (2018) building code requirements.

Energy Step Code Rezoning Policy

On June 29th, 2021 the Energy Step Code Rezoning Policy will come into force. The Policy will exceed the Province’s Energy Step Code requirements, which are implemented through the B.C. Building Code and the City’s Building Bylaw (2016 No. 7224). After the adoption date, rezoning applications that lead to an increase in density or a change of use, the City will require any development on the property to meet enhanced Step Code requirements or meet a greenhouse gas reduction threshold as a condition of rezoning.

Rebates and Incentive Programs

A $150  Home Energy Assessment Rebate is available to homeowners that complete a home energy assessment that sets an EnerGuide rating for their home. In addition, homeowners who complete a follow-up assessment and can improve on the initial EnerGuide rating, can receive an additional incentive, up to a maximum of $200.

For developers applying for a Development Permit in Nanaimo, there is the opportunity to acquire additional density in many zones by providing amenities as outlined in ‘Schedule D’ of the City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw.  As of November 4, 2019, proposed buildings following the Step Code that exceed the minimum Building Bylaw requirements will be eligible for points towards additional density.  More information about the additional density requirements can be found in this Report to Council.

For more information, visit the City of Nanaimo’s Energy Step Code webpage.

City of Nelson

Between Aug. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2020, Part 9 residential buildings will have to achieve a minimum Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code. All applications will have to include a pre-construction report from a certified energy advisor and building permits will not be closed until a post-construction report and confirmation is provided that Step 1 has been achieved.

Council is currently considering increasing these requirements, as of January 1, 2021, so Part 9 buildings must meet a minimum of Step 3, and Part 3 buildings must meet a minimum of Step 2. In a report to Council on Sept. 8, 2020, staff noted that most Part 9 permits issued since August 2019 would be projected to meet or exceed Step 3, even when the required minimum at the time was Step 1. This has passed three readings to inform the community, but has not been formally adopted yet.

City of New Westminster

On February 25, 2019, City of New Westminster Council gave final reading and officially adopted Building Bylaw Amendment No. 8084, 2019, requiring new buildings to achieve a minimum level of the BC Energy Step Code effective March 31, 2019 for Part 9 residential buildings, and effective January 1, 2020 for Part 3 multi-unit residential and commercial buildings. This capped 18 months of industry and City staff engagement, as well as background analysis to develop a BC Energy Step Code framework. In tandem, the City is delivering a comprehensive program of industry training, builder/developer Breakfasts, and incentives on energy modeling to support implementation. Watch for the City’s new BC Energy Step Code website coming fall 2019.

City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver has put into place a robust and visionary implementation approach that targets buildings city-wide at lower levels of the BC Energy Step Code, with incrementally higher steps within the city’s Rezoning Policy, and at highest steps in exchange for density in specific neighbourhoods.

District of Peachland

The District of Peachland is now requiring Step 1 for all applicable Part 3 and Part 9 construction.

City of Penticton

As of Jan. 1, 2021, the City of Penticton requires all Part 9 residential buildings to meet Step 3.

Penticton first introduced the BC Energy Step Code on March 15, 2019, when all Part 9 residential buildings had to meet Step 1 as regulated within City of Penticton Building Bylaw No. 2018-01 Part 26.

City of Pitt Meadows

The City of Pitt Meadows now requires all new buildings to meet Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code. By Jan. 1, 2022, Part 9 buildings will have to meet Step 3.

City of Port Moody

The City of Port Moody endorsed an early adoption strategy for the BC Energy Step Code on July 9, 2019.

Starting Sept. 1, 2019:

  • Part 9 rezoning applications must meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code
  • Part 3 rezoning applications must meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code OR Step 2 with the installation of a low-carbon energy system

Starting Jan. 1, 2020:

  • Part 9 and Part 3 (office, retail, and hotel) building permit applications must meet Step 1 of the Energy Step Code; and
  • Part 3 large residential building permit applications must meet Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code OR Step 1 with the installation of a low carbon energy system

The full report can be found from pages 85-112 here (PDF, 43.4 MB).

City of Powell River

The City of Powell River is choosing a phased approach to the BC Energy Step Code. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Part 9 and Part 3 construction will be built to Step 2, or Step 1 if the building is conditioned with a low-carbon heating system. It will then rise to Step 3 by Jan. 1, 2022, Step 4 by 2027, and Step 5 by 2032.

City of Richmond

As of December 15, 2020,  Part 9 residential buildings must meet Step 3, or Step 2 with the use of a low-carbon energy system.

For Part 3 buildings:

  • Group C: Residential greater than six stories or non-combustible construction: Step 3 or Step 2 with a low-carbon energy system
  • Group C: Residential six stories or less with combustible construction: Step 3
  • Group D: Businesses and personal services: Step 2
  • Group E: Mercantile occupancies: Step 2

City of Richmond formally adopted bylaws enacting the BC Energy Step Code at a Public Hearing held July 16, 2018. The BC Energy Step Code will enter into force for new Building Permit applications as of September 1, 2018 (noting that there are in-stream provisions for projects with Development Permits issued or in process).

City of Rossland

The City of Rossland passed a resolution to adopt Step 1 by December 15, 2019 and is offering an incentive and rebate program to help builders/designers learn and adapt to the coming change. Rossland offers a $500 incentive grant for the services of an Energy Advisor, and further incremental discounts on Building Permit fees to promote the BC Energy Step Code for new home construction.

City of Surrey

As of April 1, 2019
  • Part 9 residential buildings: Step 1
  • Part 3 residential buildings (Group C): Step 3, OR Step 2 if connected to Surrey City Energy or satisfies low carbon energy requirements.
  • Part 3 commercial buildings (Group D & E): Step 2
As of January 1, 2021
  • Part 9 residential buildings: Step 3
  • Other building types as per above

Starting April 1, 2019, the Step Code will apply to new, BC Building Code Part 3 and Part 9 commercial and residential buildings in Surrey, changing the City’s inspection, permitting and review processes and requirements for new construction.

City of Victoria

Starting Jan. 1, 2020:

  • Step 3 for Part 9 homes (single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes – excluding small homes/garden suites)
  • Step 2 for Part 9 small homes/garden suites
  • Step 3 for Part 3 mid-rise/wood-frame residential buildings
  • Step 2 for Part 3 high-rise/concrete residential buildings and commercial buildings.

Victoria City Council adopted the BC Energy Step Code on April 26, 2018, and ratified the Bylaw on October 4, 2018. Beginning November 1, 2018, there was an interim transition period during which builders and developers needed to meet Step 1, meaning they will need to use an energy model and conduct airtightness testing in the building. The City will support builders to use an energy model, conduct a mid-construction blower door test, a post-construction blower door test, and secure a home energy label through a $500 rebate supported by BC Hydro.

Comox Valley Regional District

The Comox Valley Regional District is offering rebates for new residential dwellings that achieve at least Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code. The rebates will range from 25% for achieving Step 3 to 100% for achieving Step 5. The program started on January 1, 2018.

District of Central Saanich

As of Jan. 1, 2021, the District of Central Saanich requires:

Part 9 buildings:

  • Step 3

For Part 3 buildings:

  • Groups A or B, Assembly or care – restaurant, hospital: Step 1
  • Group C: Residential, wood frame, less than six storeys: Step 3
  • Groups D or E, commercial office/retail: Step 2

The District of Central Saanich began requiring Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code in 2020. These bylaw requirements followed a public consultation, which included reaching out to the building industry and the general community.

To encourage higher step code construction, the District is offering rebates on building permit fees ranging from 25% for achieving Step 3 to 100% for reaching Step 5, when building to a higher step than required. The District of Central Saanich currently requires Step 3 compliant construction for those buildings constructed following a rezoning approval.

District of Lake Country

As of October 1, 2020, Step 3 is required for all new residential building permit applications (Part 9 of the BC Building Code), except Accessory Suites which must meet Step 2. Builders can voluntarily choose to build a higher step, with Steps 4 and 5 being eligible for a rebate as outlined in the District of Lake Country’s Fees Bylaw.

The BC Energy Step Code is not required for other (non‐residential) building types at this time.

District of North Saanich

The District of North Saanich formally adopted bylaws enacting the BC Energy Step Code on October 22, 2018. Effective January 1, 2019, all Part 9 and Part 3 buildings will be required to be built to Step 1 requirements. Effective January 1, 2020, Part 9 and Part 3 buildings will be required to meet Step 3 requirements, except Part 9 buildings equal or less than 92 square meters in size, which will only require Step 2 compliance.

District of North Vancouver

As of July 1, 2021, the District of North Vancouver will increase the minimum Step required for new buildings.

  • Part 9 residential construction will have to meet Step 5, or Step 3 with a low-carbon energy system (LCES)
  • Part 3 residential construction will have to meet Step 4, or Step 3 with a low-carbon energy system
  • Part 3 commercial construction will have to meet Step 3, or Step 2 with a low-carbon energy system
  • Major renovations to existing commercial and public sector buildings will require airtightness testing and energy modelling, equivalent to Step 1.

Currently, the District of North Vancouver requires:

  • All Part 3 Commercial Buildings are required to meet Step 1
  • All Part 3 Residential Buildings are required to meet Step 2
  • Part 3 Residential Projects that require rezoning will be required to meet Step 3
  • All Part 9 Residential Buildings are required to meet Step 3

Learn more about the District of North Vancouver’s BC Energy Step Code actions

District of Oak Bay

As of Jan. 1, 2020, Part 9 single family homes and duplexes must meet Step 3, while Part 3 residential and commercial buildings must meet Step 2.

This follows the introduction on October 9, 2018, when the District of Oak Bay Council adopted the BC Energy Step Code.  At the time, starting November 1, 2018, all new Part 3 and Part 9 buildings had to meet Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code.

District of Saanich

Building permits applied for on or after January 1, 2020 will need to demonstrate compliance with the Steps adopted for that particular building typology:

  • Step 3 for Part 9 homes (excluding small single family dwellings less than 1,200 ft2)
  • Step 2 for Part 9 small single family dwellings less than 1,200 ft2
  • Step 3 for Part 3 mid-rise/wood-frame residential buildings (6 storeys and under)
  • Step 2 for Part 3 concrete high-rise residential buildings (over 6-storeys)
  • Step 2 for Part 3 commercial buildings

As of June 1, 2019, all new Part 9 building applications will also be required to provide and affix within the home, an EnerGuide Rating System energy label, a Passive House Certificate or a standard comparable energy label acceptable to the District of Saanich.

See our Step Code Fact Sheet [PDF – 963 KB] for more information.

REBATES NOW AVAILABLE:

District of Sooke

For the years 2022 – 2027:

  • A building, which is a wood framed residential building six (6) stories or less in building height, or regulated by Part 9 of the Building Code, must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in step three (3) of the Energy Step Code; or
  • All other buildings regulated by Part 3 of the Building Code, must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in step two (2) of the Energy Step Code.

For the years 2027 – 2032:

  • A building which is a wood framed residential building six (6) stories or less in building height, or regulated by Part 9 of the Building Code, must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in step four (4) of the Energy Step Code; or
  • All other buildings regulated by Part 3 of the Building Code, must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in step three (3) of the Energy Step Code

For the year years 2032 onward:

  • A building which is a wood framed residential building six (6) stories or less in building height, or regulated by Part 9 of the Building Code, must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in step five (5) of the Energy Step Code; or
  • All other buildings regulated by Part 3 of the Building Code, must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in step four (4) of the Energy Step Code.

District of Sparwood

The District of Sparwood Energy Step Code Policy is designed to encourage builders to choose the performance path when complying with BC Building Code energy-efficiency requirements. This will assist in understanding and adapting to BC Energy Step Code requirements. Rebates range from $500 plus a contribution to Energy Advisor Fees for Step 1 compliance, to 100% of Building Permit fees plus a contribution to Energy Advisor Fees for Step 5 compliance.

District of Squamish

As of Jan. 1, 2021, buildings must meet the following Step:

Part 9 buildings:

  • Part 9 residential buildings under 1,000 sq. ft (carriage homes): Step 1
  • Part 9 Residential buildings over 1,000 sq. ft.: Step 4
  • Part 9 Commercial buildings: Step 3

Part 3 buildings:

  • Part 3 Residential Buildings, wood frame: Step 4
  • Part 3 Commercial buildings: Step 3

The BC Energy Step Code was first introduced in the District of Squamish on July 1, 2018.

District of Tofino

Effective January 31, 2020, the BC Energy Step Code will apply to all new buildings constructed in Tofino that are regulated under “Part 9” and “Part 3” of the BC Building Code, defined as follows:

Step 1 will apply to Part 9 and Part 3 residential buildings only.

Steps 2 and higher will apply to the following types of buildings:  Residential, business and personal services, mercantile, assembly (restaurants, etc.).

The District of Tofino plans to move to Step 3 after Jan. 31, 2022.

District of West Vancouver

As of February 28, 2021, the District of West Vancouver will require:

  • Part 9 residential: Step 5 or Step 3 with low-carbon energy sytem
  • Part 9 detached secondary suite: Step 5 or Step 2 with low-carbon energy system
  • Part 3 residential: Step 4 or Step 2 with low-carbon energy system
  • Part 3 business and personal service or mercantile: Step 2

The North Shore municipalities (City and District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver) have aligned the minimum bylaw requirement for almost all building types, effective July 1, 2018. In support of high-performance buildings, West Vancouver Council has directed staff to bring forward bylaw amendments to remove barriers, and to formalize common deliverables through rezoning into a policy that increases clarity for applicants, staff and the community.

Municipality of North Cowichan

North Cowichan has a two-stage program. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, incentives from $500-1250 will be available depending on the Step of the home (up to $30,000 per year). It will continue to apply to all non-BCBC mandatory requirements.

Starting May 1, 2021, all Part 9 residential buildings must achieve a minimum of Step 2.

Regional District of East Kootenay

All new Part 9 construction in the RDEK will meet:

  • Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code beginning January 1, 2021, and;
  • Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code beginning January 1, 2022.

There will be a $750 incentive to engage a certified energy advisor and $250 to do a mid-construction blower door test until funding is depleted. Incentives will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and will not be available to builders who have already gone through the performance pathway voluntarily.

Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary will implement the BC Energy Step Code for new homes and buildings in RDKB electoral areas A, B/Lower Columbia-Old Glory, C/Christina Lake, D/Rural Grand Forks or E/West Boundary on January 1, 2021.

The RDKB has been in consultation with the building industry and residents over the past year and during that time asked for input on three BC Energy Step Code implementation options. Community feedback led to the RDKB adopting voluntary compliance.

Visit the RDKB BC Energy Step Code website for more information – https://rdkb.com/Environment/Climate-Energy/Energy-Efficiency

Resort Municipality of Whistler

The Resort Municipality of Whistler will require all Part 9 residential buildings to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code effective January 1, 2019. Step 4 of the Energy Step Code will apply to all new Part 9 residential buildings on properties applying for rezoning to increase density or permit additional uses, and any new residential buildings that include construction of additional in-ground basement floor area excluded from gross floor area calculations.

Sunshine Coast Regional District

Starting January 1, 2021 the SCRD will require the following buildings meet Step 1:

Town of Gibsons

The Town of Gibsons Council adopted a new building bylaw on October 6, 2020, which includes a requirement to meet Step 1 for all Part 3 and Part 9 buildings, effective January 1, 2021.

Township of Langley

Langley uses a geographic approach to the BC Energy Step Code.

As of Jan. 1, 2021, Part 9 homes inside an Energy Conservation and GHG Development Permit Area (GHG DPA) must meet Step 3. Outside this area, it must meet Step 2. By 2022, Step 3 for Part 9 construction will be required across the Township. Currently, GHG DPAs include the Latimer, Williams, Smith, and Carvolth neighbourhoods in Willoughby, and the Brookswood-Fernridge neighbourhood.

The Township first introduced the BC Energy Step Code in January 1, 2019. The approach consists of:

  • Applying varying lower-step requirements in different areas of the community based on industry capacity to support market transformation, with an intent to apply harmonized requirements community wide within five years
  • Clearly identifying the roadmap for the intended timeline to incrementally adopt lower steps within the community using a gradual transition for the next five years, with an intent to monitor progress during these transitional years before considering progression to adoption of higher steps
  • Providing a six-month transition grace period for in-stream projects
  • Transitioning the existing Green Building Rebate program by continuing to offer financial incentives for voluntary performance beyond the applicable required level of performance
  • Continuing to offer financial incentives to encourage ongoing training and education to support capacity building in industry
  • Visit the Township of Langley’s website or read the Report to Council for more details

University of British Columbia

The UBC Residential Environmental Assessment Program (REAP) is UBC’s green building rating system and REAP gold certification is required in UBC’s neighbourhoods.  On September 27, 2018, the UBC Board of Governors approved amendments to REAP, requiring new Part 3 residential construction at UBC Point Grey campus to meet a minimum of Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code. Optional credits within REAP can be obtained for projects that achieve higher steps.

University Endowment Lands

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, any Part 3 building permit application submitted for new construction in the Area D Neighbourhood Plan Area must meet the following BC Energy Step Code requirements:

Jan. 1, 2021: Step 3 for Group C (Residential), Step 2 for Groups D (Business and Personal Services) and E (Mercantile)

Jan 2, 2023: Step 3 for Groups C, D, and E

Jan. 1, 2025: Step 4 for Group C, Step 3 for Groups D and E.

For more information, visit the University Endowment Land’s webpage.

Village of Anmore

On February 19, 2019, the Council of the Village of Anmore approved an amendment to the Village of Anmore Building Bylaw to require compliance with Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code for construction of all new single family dwellings.

Village of Belcarra

The Village of Belcarra updated its zoning bylaw based on the recommendations of a Zoning Advisory Committee.

Starting Sept. 27, 2018, Part 9 buildings must meet Step 3, while Part 3 buildings must meet Step 2.

Village of Pemberton

The Village of Pemberton requires that new Part 9 residential buildings meet Step 3 as of January 1, 2020, and Step 4 as of January 1, 2021.

City of Vancouver

While not subject to the BC Energy Step Code, the City of Vancouver has its own zero emissions building plan. The Plan has four strategies to require the majority of new buildings to have no operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2025,  and all new buildings to have no greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Page last updated: April 12, 2021.