Effective May 1, 2023, the BC Building Code (the Code) will require 20% better energy efficiency for most new buildings throughout the province. The Zero Carbon Step Code, which has also launched, provides tools to local governments to incentivize or require lower emissions from new buildings.
This is a significant milestone in B.C.’s transition towards energy efficient and zero carbon buildings.
To help interpret the Code changes, the Province has released three technical bulletins which provide further information. Two bulletins provide clarity regarding application of the new energy efficiency compliance pathways and the Zero Carbon Step Code, while a third is an overview of interest to planners and other local government staff regarding how the BC Building Code changes may affect local bylaws or incentives.
To facilitate compliance with the Code, updated compliance tools for Part 9 and Part 3 buildings have also been released for user testing and feedback.
In the coming days, bccodes.ca will be updated to include the new Code language.
For questions regarding the new Code language or feedback regarding the new Energy Design Checklists, please email building.safety@gov.bc.ca
