Changing the Way We Build Homes -BC’s 2022 Building Code

-BC’s 2022 Building Code

Big changes are coming to BC’s building code in 2022 that will transform the way we build homes. Here is an outline of the new BC Energy Step Code and how we are adapting these measures here on the coast.

The BC Energy Step Code is an optional compliance guideline in the BC Building Code that local governments can voluntarily adopt and use to incentivize or require higher levels of energy effi ciency in new construction development. The new standards were introduced as a step-by-step building effi ciency strategy designed to help meet the Provincial Government’s target of all new homes being net-zero energy ready by 2032. The code sets fi ve performance levels or effi ciency requirements of the BC Building Code. Step 5 indicates the home has been constructed as net-zero energy ready (NZER), meaning it produces as much energy as it consumes. Local governments can choose to require or incentivize a given step for new home construction in their community.

• Greenhouse Gas Reductions –

High-effi ciency homes require less energy to heat, resulting in reduced carbon emissions even if homes heat with fossil fuels. Homes heated with a heat pump will have the lowest carbon emissions.

• Better Affordability – Reduced energy consumption results in lower energy costs.

• Increased Comfort – Increased insulation and airtightness within a home means that it is better equipped to maintain a more even temperature throughout, for a more comfortable home.

• Better Health –

Energy-effi cient homes do a better job of refreshing the indoor air by

“steps” that exceed the base BC Building Code, with the higher steps being more energy-effi cient.

The BC Energy Step Code is currently adopted by municipalities voluntarily and it is up to each municipality to establish their own time frame and level of compliance. Here on the Coast, the Town of Gibsons, Sechelt, and the SCRD have agreed to coordinate the phasing in of each building step in order to create some continuity for homeowners and builders. Currently that requirement, as of January 2021, calls for all residential construction to comply with step 1 of the code with a target date of December 2022 to meet requirements for up to stage 3 of the code.

Step 1 indicates a home performs as well as, or better than a building constructed to meet the minimum prescriptive energy Builders and developers have an opportunity to set themselves apart by building to higher steps than required.

In the future,the Province of BC may require that certain steps must be met to meet Provincial targets. By adopting the BC Energy Step Code, local governments and their communities will be able to take advantage of the multiple benefi ts associated with more energy-effi cient new homes, including:

fi ltering out unwanted mould, moisture, pollen and other allergens.

• Improved Durability – A higheffi ciency home is less likely to have moisture and condensation issues that can lead to the deterioration of the building envelope.

If you are interested in learning about the Step Code or you’re planning to build to Step Code level 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, you can fi nd more information by contacting the building department of your local jurisdiction depending on if you are in Gibsons, Sechelt, or the SCRD.