What is required now?
- Compliance with Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code is now required throughout British Columbia, including in North Cowichan. This is the base code level for energy efficiency set by the BC Building Code requirements
- Emission Level 3 of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code is required as of Jan. 1, 2024
Coming soon - Emission Level 4 of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code will begin on July 1, 2024
All newly constructed and substantially reconstructed homes require pre-building permit energy modelling performed by a certified Energy Advisor. Energy Advisors are required to return mid-construction and prior to occupancy to confirm that the work meets the pre-construction modelling. Occupancy permits will be contingent upon the North Cowichan Building Services branch receiving a compliant final energy advisor report.
Pre-permit energy modelling is most efficiently completed if performed during the design stage by way of a collaborative effort between the home designer and the energy advisor as early as possible in the process.
The Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements impact primary space and water heating in new construction only and are based on performance. Secondary heating sources, as well as auxiliary appliances such as stoves and barbecues, are not affected by the changes.
Energy Step Code forms and rebates
IMPORTANT: Building permit applications are required to be compliant with the minimum mandatory requirements (Step 3) and applications must include a pre-construction report from an energy advisor.
If you chose to build to Step 4 or 5 of the Energy Step Code, you can apply for a rebate through the Step Code Incentive Rebate Program.
- Step 4: $1,000 – 40% increase in efficiency
- Step 5: $1,250 - 80% increase in efficiency
What is the BC Energy Step Code?
The BC Energy Step Code is a part of the BC Building Code that specifies performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for new buildings and substantial reconstruction or renovations. The performance approach specifies a target to be met and allows the home designer and builder flexibility on how to achieve that target. To comply with the BC Energy Step Code, energy software modeling and on-site testing must be used to show that the design and the constructed building meets the requirements of standard (Step 3 is what is currently required, by 2032 Step 5 or Net-Zero Energy Ready is required).
The Zero Carbon Step Code sets a maximum annual amount of greenhouse gas emissions that each building is allowed to emit, based on the proposed occupancy and size of the buildings.
What is an energy advisor?
An energy advisor is someone who provides energy modeling, recommends more efficient solutions, reviews construction progress, provides mid-construction and final testing, as well as, assists with applying for any rebates available.
Find an energy advisor
New home construction and significant reconstruction to existing homes will require energy modeling done by an energy advisor. Look for an energy advisor that can perform both energy modeling and mid-construction blower door testing.
- Click the link above
- Enter whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing home
- Enter Cowichan Valley Regional District
- Look for an energy advisor that has BCBC EM, BC ECR, and MC BDT for your project
- Please contact an energy advisor for a cost estimate for your project