Spray foam ceilings are one of many ways to increase energy efficiencies.
DECODING BC’S STEP CODE B.C. prides itself on being a national leader in energy efficiency initiatives, and its 2017 BC Energy Step Code is one of its most ambitious programs to date. Here’s how it’s helping pave a clear direction for all new buildings to be net-zero energy ready. By Michelle Hopkins B.C. plans to be the first province in Canada to eliminate carbon dioxide from energy sources in homes and buildings by 2032. The province embarked on this path in March 2017, when it implemented the BC Energy Step Code, which changed the way houses would be built, making new homes extremely energy efficient. “The BC Energy Step Code was introduced by the provincial government to create a graduated process that is performance based rather than prescriptive,” says Ron Rapp, CEO of the Home Builders Association Vancouver (HAVAN). What he means is that to help builders get to “net zero” (a home that’s effectively neutral in terms of energy consumption and green60
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Spring 2020
house gas emissions footprint), the Step Code identifies energy-efficiency targets that must be met and lets builders figure out how to meet them. Traditional building codes actually specify how to construct a building, which might inspire less innovation, creativity and flexibility. “[Step Codes] are measurable, performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for construction that builders can follow and communities can adopt in bylaws and policies,” says Rapp. According to a July 2019 report by the BC Housing’s Research Centre and the Community Energy Association, 14 local governments have already implemented the BC Energy Step Code, while another 17 are in the process.
Small Steps The Step Code takes a progressive, fiveprong approach: Step 1 is to perform 10 per cent better than a Base Code (prescriptive, traditional building code) house, Step 2 performs 20 per cent better, Step 3 at 30 per cent, and Step 4 at 40 per cent better, and so on. “To put this into perspective, a Step 5, 2032 house should be capable of meeting its heating needs with equipment equivalent to less than third of the output of a typical gas fireplace,” says Rapp. So, what needs to be done to successfully reach Step 5? The house would be “ready” to offset the small amount of