We are BC Energy Step Code experts.
Our team of certified energy advisors and professionals can help you to easily navigate the new code. Contact us for a free consultation on the BC Energy Step Code. The new code can be challenging to understand and adhere to, and very expensive if you don’t receive the right advice. BluTek can help you meet step code requirements in a cost effective and efficient manner. A great resource to review is the BC Energy Step Code BuilderGuide when considering Step Code design requirements regulations, and tools!
What is the BC Energy Step Code?
The Step Code is a voluntary provincial standard for building requirements enacted in April 2017. It focuses on more energy-efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the base BC Building Code. It does so by establishing a series of measurable, performance-based energy efficiency requirements for construction. This gives builders more freedom, as local jurisdictions voluntarily choose to adopt such by-laws and policies. However, by 2021/22, all areas in BC will be enforcing the new Step Code.
How does the Code work?
The Step Code takes a new, performance-based approach as opposed to the traditional, prescriptive approach. It does not specify how to construct a building, but rather identifies an energy-efficiency target that must be met, letting the designer/builder decide how to meet it.
To comply with the Step Code, builders must use energy modeling software and on-site testing to demonstrate that both their design and the constructed building meet the requirements of the Step Code. The new standard empowers builders to pursue innovative, creative, and cost-effective solutions. This allows them to incorporate cutting-edge technologies as they become available.
The Step Code also supports consumer choice, meaning it is fuel neutral. This fuel-neutral approach provides builders with flexibility to make energy-efficient buildings using all available technologies.
For additional details, visit the official BC Energy Step Code website.
