BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Code

The City of Nanaimo is working with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), Town of Qualicum Beach, and District of Lantzville in developing a strategy to support energy efficient, low carbon buildings and localized energy generation in our region.  This work will inform local government policy and action and result in City staff recommendations to City Council on an implementation strategy for higher steps of the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code, with recommended Step Levels and timing.

To learn more about the Regional Strategy for Net Zero Buildings visit the RDN’s page here.

To learn more about gas heating and how it fits in with the recent step code changes, read our blog.

New Building Emissions and Energy Efficiency Requirements

On 2023-OCT-16 Council gave the fourth and final reading to Building Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 2023 No. 7224.05.   The intent of the bylaw is to implement the Provincial Zero Carbon Step Code and advance the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 Buildings only.   As of now, all new building permit applications will need to meet performance requirements specified in EL-1 (measure only) of the Zero Carbon Step Code.  In other words, new building applications will have to include the modeled greenhouse gas emissions for the proposed building.  As of 2024-JUL-01, a new building or structure to which Part 3 or Part 9 of the Building Code applies, and which is within the scope of the Zero Carbon Step Code, must be designed and constructed to meet performance requirements specified in EL-4 (Zero Carbon Performance) of the Zero Carbon Step Code.   There are a variety of pathways a builder can choose to meet the EL-4 requirements depending on the building type and efficiency of the building envelope, but compliance generally requires the use of low carbon (ie: electric) heating/cooling and hot water systems.  The EL-4 requirement paths are included in Sections 9.37 and 10.3 of the BC Building Code.  

In addition, starting on 2026-JAN-01, all new Part 3 building applications will need to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code.

To learn more about the Zero Carbon Step Code and BC Energy Step Code review process, please visit the BC Energy Step Code project page.

 

Education and Resources

Need some help learning how to respond to these new requirements?  There are a number of online and in-person energy efficiency and low carbon building learning resources available to building industry professionals in BC.  To help you get started we have curated a list of some resources we are aware of that support industry-focused learning on energy efficient and low carbon buildings.   If you know of another great resource not on this list please email sustainability@nanaimo.ca and let us know.

 

 

FAQs - BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Code Implementation

Why is the City of Nanaimo looking at energy and emissions in new buildings?
What is the difference between the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code?
Is there a demand for high efficiency homes?
What happens when the power goes out?
What are other local governments doing?
What is the Zero Carbon Step Code?
Will the Zero Carbon Step Code ban natural gas?
What does meeting the highest level - Zero Carbon Performance Level (EL-4) look like?
Does BC Hydro have the capacity to support all electric building systems?
What type of buildings would be regulated by the Zero Carbon Step Code? Would it affect restaurants and daycares?
Will the Zero Carbon Code result in higher utility bills for new homes?
What impact would the Zero Carbon Step Code have on construction costs?
What is the BC Energy Step Code?
What is the Provincial timeline for implementing the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Code?
Will the BC Energy Step Code result in increased construction costs or impact housing affordability?
Does the step code apply to mobile homes?
Does the BC Energy Step Code or the Zero Carbon Code apply to existing homes?
What is the role of Renewable Natural Gas?

Expand all

Collapse all

If you have any further questions, please contact us at sustainability@nanaimo.ca.

Last updated: June 20, 2024

Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.