British Columbia building code question

What is the BC Energy Step Code and how does it work?

The BC Energy Step Code is a performance-based framework that sets increasingly stringent energy efficiency requirements across numbered steps. Municipalities choose which step to require, creating a graduated path toward net-zero-energy-ready buildings.

British Columbia's Energy Step Code is unique in Canada. Rather than a single prescriptive energy standard, it provides a series of performance steps that municipalities can adopt at different levels. Step 1 is roughly equivalent to the base BC Building Code energy requirements, while higher steps demand progressively better energy performance. The system uses measurable metrics like energy use intensity and air tightness rather than prescriptive component specifications.

What to check first

  • The Energy Step Code is a BC-specific performance framework — no other province uses this exact approach.
  • Municipalities choose which step level to require, so requirements vary by location within BC.
  • Higher steps demand better energy performance measured through metrics like TEDI, MEUI, and air tightness.

Jurisdiction notes

Municipal adoption varies

Each municipality in BC can adopt a different step level. Vancouver, for example, has adopted higher steps than many smaller communities.

Performance metrics

The Step Code uses metrics like Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI), Mechanical Energy Use Intensity (MEUI), and air tightness testing rather than prescriptive insulation values.

Path to net-zero

The Step Code is designed as a graduated pathway. The province has set timelines for when all new buildings will need to meet higher steps.

Work through it in this order

  1. Identify which step level the municipality has adopted for the project's building type.
  2. Determine the applicable performance metrics and targets for that step level.
  3. Design the building envelope and mechanical systems to meet the step requirements.
  4. Plan for energy modelling and air tightness testing as required by the compliance process.

Common questions

Is the Energy Step Code mandatory in all of BC?

The base Step Code requirements are part of the BC Building Code, but municipalities can adopt higher step levels. The mandatory minimum and municipality-specific requirements must both be checked.

How is the Energy Step Code different from the NECB?

The Step Code is a graduated performance framework unique to BC. The NECB is a national standard used by other provinces. They use different compliance structures and metrics.

Do I need air tightness testing for the Energy Step Code?

Yes. Air tightness testing is a key compliance requirement at most step levels, which distinguishes the Step Code from traditional prescriptive energy codes.