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BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code Requirements

BC Energy Step Code Requirements 

The BC Energy Step Code, introduced in 2017, is a provincial building regulation that establishes energy efficiency requirements for new buildings through incremental targets called ‘Steps’, with the energy efficiency improving as the steps go higher. 

Effective May 1, 2023, the Province of BC requires new residential and commercial construction to be 20% more energy efficient than those built to the 2018 BC Building Code. Accordingly, the current BC Energy Step Code requirements in Langford are: 

• Part 9 buildings: Step 3 
• Part 3 buildings: Step 2 

The implementation of higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code will follow the provincial implementation schedule (through BC Building Code revisions), expected to reach the highest step by 2032. 

Zero Carbon Step Code Requirements 

The Zero Carbon Step Code, introduced in 2023, is a provincial building regulation that limits greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by using low carbon sources of energy for space heating and domestic hot water systems, and some auxiliary equipment as defined in the BC Building Code. Similar to the BC Energy Step Code, the Zero Carbon Step Code also has incremental targets, called ‘Emission Levels’, with greater reduction in carbon emissions as the Emission Levels go higher. 

Effective March 10, 2025, the minimum Zero Carbon Step Code requirement in the BC Building Code was EL-1 for both Part 9 and Part 3 buildings across BC (including Langford). 

On June 1, 2026, the City of Langford adopted an implementation schedule for the higher Emission Levels of Zero Carbon Step Code. The Zero Carbon Step Code requirements in Langford are summarized below. (Further details can be found in Langford Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 1160, 2008) 

Part 9 buildings: 

• EL-2: July 1, 2026
• EL-4: December 1, 2026

Part 3 buildings*: 

• EL-4: December 1, 2026 

* Projects that meet both of the following criteria will be considered “in-stream” and therefore exempt from EL-4 requirements: 

• A development permit has been issued prior to June 1, 2026, and is still valid at the time of building permit application, or a development permit application is submitted to the City prior to December 1, 2026; and  

• A building permit application is submitted on or before May 31, 2027.

Code Requirements

• Ministerial Order No. M40 (PDF), amending the Building Act General Regulation effective May 1, 2023
• Ministerial Order BA 2023 08 (PDF), amending the BC Building Code effective May 1, 2023
• Read the convenience copy of the code changes (PDF for information only)

Summary Part 3 Buildings

• Part 3 Buildings will be required to be built to Step 2.
• Introduces modified TEUI targets for office and retail occupancies.
• CEA Certified Energy Advisor required.

Summary Part 9 Buildings

• Part 9 Buildings will be required to be built to Step 3.
• More airtightness testing options.
• New energy performance improvement compliance calculations.
• CEA Certified Energy Advisor required.

Permit Requirements for City of Langford (Part 9, homes)

Compliance with Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code will be required by the Province on May 01st, 2023 throughout British Columbia, including the City of Langford for Part 9 buildings. All newly constructed and substantially reconstructed homes will require pre-building permit energy modeling performed by a certified Energy Advisor with documentation submitted at the time of permit application. Energy Advisors will be required to return mid-construction and prior to occupancy to confirm that the work meets the pre-construction modeling. Occupancy permits will be contingent upon the City of Langford Building Services Department receiving a compliant final energy advisor report.

Where to find a Certified Energy Advisor (CEA)

Better Homes BC

Additional Resources

BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes – Province of British Columbia  

BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes: A Builder’s Visual Guide – BC Housing