This page summarizes the BC Energy Step Code requirements in force since April 2017 and briefly explains the applicable building types and occupancies the requirements. Full details may be found in the BC Building Code.

The City of Vancouver’s Energy Modelling Guidelines are here, too.

BC Energy Step Code requirements

Follow the requirements based on the building permit date of your project.

• BCBC 2012 Revision 11 – April 7, 2017 to January 30, 2018 – BC Energy Step Code introduced
• BCBC 2012 Revision 12 – January 31, 2018 to December 9, 2018
• BCBC 2018 Revision 1 – December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
• BCBC 2018 Revision 2,  3 and 4– Effective December 12, 2019
• BCBC 2018 Revision 5 – Effective May 1, 2023

The Code requirements

Effective: April 7, 2017 to January 30, 2018

• Signed Ministerial Order M158/2017 (PDF) introducing technical requirements
• Two “unrestricted matters” added to the Building Act General Regulation (PDF) that enable local governments to adopt BC Energy Step Code requirements
• BCBC 2012 Revision 11 BC Energy Step Code convenience copy (PDF) provides the Code language in force

Effective: January 31, 2018 to December 9, 2018

• Signed Ministerial Order M013/2018 (PDF) revising the BC Energy Step Code
• BCBC 2012 Revision 12 BC Energy Step Code convenience copy (PDF) provides the Code language in force
• This revision provides primarily editorial clarifications with no changes to the TEDI, TEUI, or MEUI requirements established in BCBC 2012 Revision 11

Effective: December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

• Signed Ministerial Order BA 2018 1 (PDF) revised the BC Energy Step Code
• Technical Bulletin B18-08 explains the Revision 1 changes (PDF)

Effective: December 12, 2019 to April 30, 2023

• Signed Ministerial Order BA 2019 6 (PDF), amended the BC Energy Step Code
• Learn more in Technical Bulletin 19-08 (PDF)

May 1, 2023-present

Code requirements

• Signed Ministerial Order No. M40 (PDF) changed the unrestricted matters for local governments, enabling enforcement of the Zero Carbon Step Code
• Ministerial Order BA 2023 08 (PDF) introduced new technical requirements for the Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code
• Read the convenience copy of the code changes (PDF for information only)
• Technical Bulletin B23-01 contains a plain-language description of the building code changes (PDF)
• Technical Bulletin B23-02 contains technical information about available compliance paths for different Part 9 buildings (PDF)
• Technical Bulletin B23-03 contains technical information about the Zero Carbon Step Code (PDF)

Summary Part 3 buildings

• Introduces the Zero Carbon Step Code, an opt-in building carbon pollution standard for operational carbon.
• Introduces modified TEUI targets for office and retail occupancies.

Summary Part 9 buildings

• Introduces the Zero Carbon Step Code, an opt-in building carbon pollution standard for operational carbon
• Introduces a prescriptive option for Step 3, Part 9 buildings if a local government passes an enabling bylaw
• More airtightness testing options
• New energy performance improvement compliance calculations

City of Vancouver Energy Modelling Guidelines

• These energy modelling guidelines are referenced in the Energy Step Code.
• Version 1 – for use until December 9, 2018 with BC Building Code 2012
• Version 2 – for use effective December 10, 2018 with BC Building Code 2018
  • Review track changes copy of Version 2

Page Last Updated: Dec. 5, 2023