North Cowichan is planning for changes to its building regulations to reflect provincial standards for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions for new construction, in line with the municipality’s commitment under the Climate Action and Energy Plan to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
North Cowichan Council is set to consider adoption of a revised Building Bylaw later this month that will incorporate the new provincial minimum Energy Step Code requirements, and accelerate the Zero Carbon Emission Step Level requirement to Emissions Level 4 (EL-4) by July 2024. The changes will impact primary space and water heating in new construction, and is based on performance.
Secondary heating sources, as well as auxiliary appliances such as stoves and barbecues, will not be affected by the changes.
Already, more than 55 per cent of new homes constructed in North Cowichan are using low carbon heat sources.
BC Energy Step Code, which regulates the energy efficiency of new buildings, and the Zero Carbon Step Code, which regulates a building’s greenhouse gas emissions, are both provincial requirements. BC Energy Step Code 3 came into effect across BC on May 1, 2023, and if the amended bylaw is passed on October 18, North Cowichan will require compliance with Zero Carbon Emissions Level 3 as of January 1, 2024 and Emissions Level 4 on July 1, 2024. Both Step Codes focus on new buildings and do not affect existing homes.
A builder must demonstrate to local building officials that their design and the constructed building meet the Zero Carbon Standard requirements. This is done by submitting a completed Pre-Construction and As-Built Compliance Report/Checklist (Part 9) or Energy Design Report (Part 3). Heating and energy systems are not prescribed, as the requirements are based on performance.
Heat pumps are becoming a cost-effective solution for homeowners and builders, as these systems have low energy requirements and have the added benefit of providing cool air for comfort and safety during warm summers.
Incentives of between $1000 and $1250 are available through the North Cowichan Energy Step Code Incentive program for builders of Part 9 homes looking to adopt higher levels of the Energy Step Code.
Homeowners and builders can find more information at the Step Code Incentive Program page.