Building Permit Hub Step Code Tool

The Building Permit Hub has an automated tool to help with building permit applications. It fills in the details for BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code based on the rules of each local area. The tool automatically adds this information to the application.  

Who needs to comply? 

Applicants and design teams must follow these standards for new building projects in areas where they have been adopted. To determine where these codes apply check the jurisdiction. Local areas will have a Building Permit Hub submission form based on their specific requirements for the Energy Step Code Level and Zero Step Code Level, or it will show if those codes do not apply.

On this page 

• BC Energy Step Code
• BC Energy Compliance Reports
• Zero Carbon Step Code

How the BC Energy Step Code works 

​The BC Energy Step Code is a set of building standards in British Columbia aimed at making new buildings more energy efficient. Local areas can choose to adopt and use this code to encourage or require better energy efficiency in new construction projects.  

The BC Energy Step Code has five steps aimed at making buildings more energy-efficient with the goal of all new buildings being net-zero energy ready by 2032:  

• Step 1: Buildings must be tested for energy performance but only need to meet basic building code requirements 
• Step 2: Buildings need to be slightly more energy-efficient than the basic code, usually about 10% better 
• Step 3: Buildings must be moderately more energy-efficient, typically around 20% better than the basic code 
• Step 4: Buildings need to be significantly more energy-efficient, often around 40% better than the basic code 
• Step 5: Buildings must be extremely energy-efficient and "net-zero energy ready," meaning they can potentially produce as much energy as they consume 

BC Energy Compliance Reports

What are the reports? 

The BC Energy Compliance Reports are standardized templates used for Part 9 buildings, which include detached homes, multiplexes, row houses, and low-rise apartments. These reports help ensure these buildings meet the BC Building Code's Energy Step Code (Subsection 9.36.6.) or Energy Performance Compliance (Subsection 9.36.5.). The reports should be used for all Part 9 residential buildings. They come with an Instruction Manual and a Compliance Report Calculator, which are both used by EnerGuide Rating System Registered Energy Advisors. Pre-Construction BC Energy Compliance Report 

The Pre-Construction BC Energy Compliance Report is a document that explains how a new building will meet energy efficiency standards before construction starts. An energy advisor or qualified energy modeler must complete this report based on the building design. This needs to be done before construction begins. The building owner (or their representative) submits the report to their local government along with their building permit application. Local government staff can add the Building Permit number to the report after it is submitted.

Hot2000 calculates BC Energy Step Code metrics (Section D) for Compliance Reports 

HOT2000 is an energy simulation and design tool for low-rise apartment buildings. NRCan developed the software to support the EnerGuide Rating System. It also supports ENERGY STAR for New Homes and R-2000 energy-efficiency initiatives. NRCan provides two versions of the software. For more information, visit http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/housing/homeimprovements/17725.

Steps you can take to meet BC Energy Step Code compliance requirements 

1. Understand your local authority requirements. Determine if the BC Energy Step Code applies in your jurisdiction.  To comply with the BC Energy Step Code, builders and developers typically need to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency requirements outlined in the code and provide various documentation: BC Housing Step Code builder guides - Compliance tools for Part 9 buildings 
2. Prepare documentation. Gather building plans (architectural and or design, structural, mechanical, and electrical). 
3. Consult an energy coach to find out where to get started or contact an energy advisor to start planning your project. This can be accomplished at any step. If applicable, obtain an Energy Advisor Report as part of your compliance documentation 
4. Incorporate BC Energy Step Code standard requirements into your project planning and design phases. Consider the choice of materials, construction methods, and technologies that will help achieve the desired energy efficiency level. To simulate your building’s energy consumption, please use approved energy modelling software, (e.g., HOT2000). 
5. Conduct on-site testing to demonstrate that both the design and the constructed building meet the standard requirements. You may use any materials or construction methods to do so. Document your results in an Energy Compliance Report. 
6. Complete and submit all documentation. Ensure all forms, reports, and supporting documents are complete. Verify the accuracy and completeness of all sections. You can submit all documentation through the BC Building Permit Hub or follow instructions on your local jurisdiction website. 
7. Keep your records. Save copies of all submitted documents for future reference.  

Zero Carbon Step Code

The Zero Carbon Step Code is a building standard in British Columbia aimed at reducing carbon emissions from new buildings to zero. 

The Zero Carbon Step Code consists of four levels:  

• GHG Emission Level 1 - Measure-only– requires measurement of a building’s emissions without reductions 
• GHG Emission Level 2 - Moderate carbon – requires electrification of either space heating or domestic hot water systems 
• GHG Emission Level 3 - Strong carbon – requires electrification of both space heating and domestic hot water systems 
• GHG Emission Level 4 - Zero Carbon – requires full electrification of a building