The B.C. Energy Step Code – CHBA BC’s Role and Next Steps

Energy efficiency was first introduced as a BC Building Code objective in 2008. The B.C. Energy Step Code, the latest development for energy efficiency in B.C., sets energy-efficiency targets for new homes that progressively increase as ‘steps’ – and will form part of the BC Building Code between now and 2032. 

It has taken several years of engagement and collaboration to set the Energy Step Code. 

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC) has been actively involved with the B.C. Energy Step Code Council (a multi-stakeholder group responsible for the development of the Step Code) to ensure the industry’s voice was understood in initial and ongoing consultations. 

While the Province has set an ambitious target of ensuring that every new building must be net-zero energy ready by 2032, there is a lot more to do before builders and the industry are prepared. A frequent challenge is mastering the new energy-efficiency requirements while maintaining housing affordability for buyers. 

CHBA BC also requested two more seats on the provincial Energy Step Code Council, in addition to the existing seat currently held by Bob Deeks. This is to help add additional input from other regions. Joe Hart, CHBA BC’s 1st Vice President from CHBA Northern BC, and Kelly Reid from CHBA Central Interior are joining as the additional two seats. 

“The set rules and guidelines will need to be understood by all builders. Every builder will have a different level of knowledge and budgets to work with, especially outside of the Lower Mainland,” says Joe Hart. Issues like these have become the focus areas at CHBA BC, which has taken various initiatives over the past four years to help builders both prepare and voice concerns. 

Until 2022, municipalities have the option to implement the Step Code on a voluntary basis or as a requirement. They must also consult with industry and their local builders before implementation plans are set.

While CHBA BC is involved at the provincial policy level, CHBA local associations are considered the authoritative voice on implementation in their communities at the municipal level. This is because each municipality should be evaluated separately by factoring costs and capacity as well as using clear policies set in the Local Government Best Practices Guide. 

In a recent update on its position as approved at its June 2019 Board meeting, CHBA BC has stated that it does not fear a tiered-code system as that will provide predictability and transparency. What’s worrisome is that this system will facilitate inter-governmental pressures that may drive implementation of higher steps (steps 4 and 5 of the current BC Building Code requirements for Part 9 homes) before communities are even ready. The problem lies in accelerating market transformation without first resolving market barriers.

The Step Code and CleanBC plans have stipulated that the province will transition to Step 3 during the next code cycle in 2022. This means some communities and builders will never have built to the previous two steps – a point the Association has raised. 

“The Step Code is designed so that a builder can progress through each step and gradually learn the required building methods. However, I am concerned if Step 3 becomes the first mandatory step for all without any opportunity to build to the other steps first. Many municipalities are taking a wait-and-see attitude in Northern BC, which is very different from municipalities in the South Coast.” says Hart.

Not taking prudent steps to ensure capacity, training, and costing considerations can lead to challenges for both local governments and builders. It is not, and should not be considered, a bad approach to seek changes only in coordination with the provincial building code. From CHBA BC’s perspective, municipalities can, in the meantime, provide voluntary municipal incentives for builders and homeowners that would like to use the Step Code framework in their upcoming builds.

A lot more still needs to be done in the years ahead. Currently, CHBA BC is involved directly through participation in the B.C. Energy Step Code Council; Compliance and Energy Advisor Sub-Committee, Technical Support Sub-Committee, and Communications Sub-Committee.

Like any new policy, there are always issues raised after implementation. In its efforts to improve issues and address questions that have been brought to the Energy Step Code Council, CHBA BC also participated in the 2019 review of Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) targets for houses. CHBA BC is providing support with the review from a third-party perspective to ensure future metrics will be compatible with industry trends and local housing markets. 

The Association recently participated in the 2019 BOABC (Building Officials’ Association of BC) Conference where speakers unanimously acknowledged the need for building officials and home builders to increase their awareness of new technologies and innovation to apply Step Code regulations and ensure that homes are still safe and compliant. “This is one clear area where we see a clear opportunity to work together as we work through the challenges of a new style of building code in British Columbia,” said CHBA BC CEO, Neil Moody, while referring to the Association’s collaboration with BOABC.

CHBA BC is currently also developing a course on the BC Energy Step Code to meet the educational needs of builders and Energy Advisors. This new online course will introduce the BC Energy Step Code, explain its targets and explore design considerations to help residential construction professionals succeed. 

As the industry and regions across the province try to adapt, the Association is involved to ensure there are successful outcomes and housing affordability remains a top-of-mind concern.