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

You’ll find information about the City of Vancouver’s Energy Modelling Guidelines 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

April 7, 2017 to January 30, 2018

• Ministerial Order M158/2017 (PDF) amended the British Columbia Building Code Regulation to introduce BC Energy Step Code requirements into the BC Building Code effective April 7, 2017
• Building Act General Regulation (PDF) amended at the same time to add two “unrestricted matters” that support local governments to adopt the BC Energy Step Code in their communities
• BCBC 2012 Revision 11 BC Energy Step Code convenience copy (PDF) provides the Code language in force

January 31, 2018 to December 9, 2018

• Ministerial Order M013/2018 (PDF) amended the British Columbia Building Code Regulation to revise the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code effective January 31, 2018
• 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

December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

• Ministerial Order BA 2018 1 (PDF) amended the British Columbia Building Code to revise the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code effective December 10, 2018
• Technical Bulletin B18-08 explains the Revision 1 changes (PDF)
• Code requirements can be found in the free online BC Building Code 2018

December 12, 2019 to April 30, 2023

• Ministerial Order BA 2019 6 (PDF), amending the British Columbia Building Code, amended the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code effective December 12, 2019
• You can also find the requirements in the free online BC Building Code 2018
• Learn more by reading Technical Bulletin 19-08 (PDF).

May 1, 2023-present

Code requirements

• Ministerial Order No. M40 (PDF), amending the Building Act General Regulation effective May 1, 2023
• Ministerial Order BA 2023 08 (PDF), amending the BC Building Code effective May 1, 2023
• Read the convenience copy of the code changes (PDF for information only)
• Read Technical Bulletin B23-01 for a plain-language description of the building code changes (PDF)
• Read Technical Bulletin B23-02 for technical information about available compliance paths for different Part 9 buildings (PDF)
• Reach Technical Bulletin B23-03 for 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

• For use with the BC Building Code as noted on this page and in the BC Building 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: May 5, 2023.