CHBA BC Achieves Amendments to the BC Energy Step Code

The BC Energy Step Code is performance-based code, where compliance is based on a set of technical metrics that builders must follow for each project.

Following the release of the first Energy Step Code metrics update, effective Dec. 10, 2018, CHBA BC received member feedback that some projects that previously met Step Code levels were no longer able to comply with the same step under the revised metrics.

To address member concerns, CHBA BC established a Step Code Task Group to work with the Building and Safety Standards Branch to develop solutions for the Step Code metrics, based on actual homes being built and designed. This extra step, led by CHBA BC, was essential to provide real-world validation of solutions under development.

After engaging in months of consultation and CHBA BC conducting its own third-party validation, Revision 2 of the BC Building Code 2018 has been approved and takes effect December 12, 2019.

Revision 2 included changes to the Energy Step Code metrics for TEDI (Thermal Energy Demand Intensity) for Part 9 Residential Buildings:

There will be two (BC Energy Step Code) options to address building envelope performance requirements: revised TEDI metrics or a percent-better approach. TEDI targets will remain the same, however Revision 2 will allow builders in colder parts of a climate zone to adjust their TEDI based on the Heating Degree Days (HDD) of their project location, rather than use a single value for the entire climate zone.

Alternately, builders using the EnerGuide approach will have the option of demonstrating a percentage improvement of the annual space heating requirement over the reference building. This is based on a similar approach being considered for the model National Building Code.

If you’d like to learn more about the BC Energy Step Code Part 9 changes, please view this link.

Thank you to our members who have dedicated their time and efforts to getting this amendment approved! The existing task group will continue to address any further issues or challenges as they arise.