The provincial government has set a goal to make buildings net-zero-energy ready by 2032. The BC Energy Step Code has been introduced to help British Columbia achieve this goal by increasing energy-efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code. 

The Energy Step Code sets performance targets for new construction and groups them into steps that apply across various building types and regions of the province. The lower steps are relatively straightforward to meet; the upper steps are more ambitious. 

Currently, the Energy Step Code is a voluntary, performance-based standard that builders can choose to use. By 2032, the BC Building Code will move toward the higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code as a minimum requirement, with increasing requirements for higher steps in 2022 and 2027. As the City of Port Moody has done, local governments can choose to adopt the Energy Step Code early by requiring or incentivizing builders to meet one or more of the steps outlined in the Energy Step Code. 

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Early adoption in Port Moody 

In Port Moody, we’re adopting the Energy  Step Code early. You can read about our early adoption strategy in City staff's Report to Council (PDF) (item 9.2 in the July 9, 2019 agenda package). This strategy was endorsed by Council after a comprehensive engagement process with industry stakeholders. 

The two tables below show the adoption timelines for Part 9 and Part 3 buildings.

 Part 9 buildings
 

Building type

 2020 (previous requirements) Current requirements 2025 2030
Single detached and semi-detached dwellings, townhomes, and other Part 9 residential buildings Step 1 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
 Part 3 buildings
 
Building type

2020 (previous requirements)

Current requirements

2025

2030
Group C: residential - greater than six stories or non-combustible construction (excluding hotels and motels)

Step 2

or 

Step 1 with a low carbon energy system

Step 3 or Step 2 with a low carbon energy system

Step 3 or Step 2 with a low carbon energy system

Step 4 or Step 3 with a low carbon energy system
Group C: residential - six stories or fewer with combustible construction (excluding hotels and motels)

Step 2

or

Step 1 with a low carbon energy system

 Step 3 or Step 2 with a low carbon energy system Step 3 or Step 2 with a low carbon energy system Step 4 or Step 3 with a low carbon energy system
Group D: businesses and personal services Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 3
Group E: mercantile occupancies Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 3
Group C: hotels and motels Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 3

A low carbon energy system is a professionally designed and maintained, highly efficient mechanical system that supplies a building's space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water heating demand primarily from renewable energy sources, and meets defined greenhouse gas limits.

Compliance requirements and resources

Compliance requirements

Development applications with rezoning required are subject to Port Moody's BC Energy Step Code Corporate Policy (PDF). 

Building permit applications received after January 1, 2020 (where no rezoning was required during the development application process) must meet the Step Code requirements outlined in our Building Bylaw No. 3200.

Compliance forms
Bulletins
Training opportunities

Part 9 builders and tradespeople are encouraged to attend a hands-on airtightness workshop and demonstration course. BC Energy Step Code training opportunities are listed on the BC Green Building Events Calendar. 

Incentives for builders

We offer an incentive program, funded by BC Hydro, for mid-construction airtightness tests for Part 9 buildings. The purpose of this rebate program is to help local Part 9 building teams gain the knowledge and skills necessary to build airtight homes that will meet current and future requirements of the BC Energy Step Code.

Rebate Program for Mid-Construction Airtightness Tests

There are two streams for rebate applications:

  1. new Part 9 construction nearing the mid-construction (pre-drywall) inspection stage; and
  2. existing Part 9 buildings, including a variety of existing Part 9 archetypes that are at the final inspection stage or have achieved occupancy within the last 12 months of the rebate application date. 

Rebates will be issued as coupons to be used for a mid-construction airtightness test with a Certified Energy Advisor (streams 1 and 2) or a Qualified Modeller (stream 2 only).

Stream 1 applicants, please email stepcoderebate@portmoody.ca with the building permit number associated with your project to verify eligibility. Your project may be eligible if:

  • address of construction is located in the City of Port Moody;
  • building of construction is considered a Part 9 building according to the BC Building Code definition; and
  • project address must have applied, or will be applying shortly, for a building permit where the project will be nearing the pre-drywall inspection phase within three months.

Stream 2 applicants, please email stepcoderebate@portmoody.ca with a request to participate in the rebate program. Eligibility requirements include:

  • address of building is located in the City of Port Moody;
  • building is considered a Part 9 building according to the BC Building Code definition (proof must be submitted (e.g. photo, previous City building permit number, building plans); and
  • homeowner and/or current occupant has provided written permission to conduct airtightness testing. 

City staff will respond to your email to let you know if you are eligible and to provide you with further information and instructions for the rebate program. Please note that we have a limited number of coupons available. Coupons will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and they are not transferable. One coupon will be issued per project. You must submit all required documentation to redeem a coupon. 

To learn more about other types of incentive programs, visit Better Homes BC, Better Buildings BC, and the Province's BC Energy Step Code websites.