BC Energy Step Code
Last updated on June 9, 2025BC Energy Step Code sets performance requirements for energy efficiency in new buildings. Learn how it works, its benefits and how it is governed.
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About the BC Energy Step Code
In 2017, the BC Energy Step Code established performance requirements for energy efficiency in new buildings. The Step Code was created because:
- Local governments required new energy-efficient buildings
- Builders wanted more consistent requirements across neighbouring local governments
- The province wanted to reduce energy use and greenhouse-gas emissions from buildings
Technical requirements
The technical requirements of the BC Energy Step Code were co-developed with:
- The construction industry
- Leading local governments
- Utility organizations
- Non-profits
- Technical input from Natural Resources Canada
Requirements are grouped into Steps. Every few years the minimum Step rises. This guides the industry towards net-zero energy-ready buildings by 2032.
The first Step up occurred in May 2023, when most new buildings had to be 20% more energy efficient than the 2018 minimums. The lower steps of the BC Energy Step Code are listed as “Reserved” in the BC Building Code and no longer meet minimum energy efficiency requirements. This includes:
- Steps 1 and 2 for smaller buildings
- Step 1 for larger buildings
Read current BC Step Code requirements
How the BC Energy Step Code works
A predictable path for improving energy efficiency in new buildings
Energy efficiency requirements are grouped into steps. Every few years the minimum step rises. This guides the industry towards net-zero energy ready buildings by 2032.
The first step up occurred in May 2023, when most new buildings had to be 20% more energy efficient than the 2018 minimums. The lower steps of the BC Energy Step Code are listed as “Reserved” in the BC Building Code and no longer meet minimum energy efficiency requirements. This includes:
- Steps 1 and 2 for smaller buildings
- Step 1 for larger buildings
Before the Step Code, builders had to meet specific requirements for individual building elements like insulation, windows and heating systems, and did not need to consider how these elements worked together as an integrated system. The resulting building did not always perform as well as it should.
The Step Code establishes a performance outcome and leaves it to the design and building team to decide how to achieve it. Builders and clients may choose the materials and design solutions that meet their design and budget. This increases energy efficiency without necessarily increasing construction costs.
This approach requires a digital whole-building energy model before finalizing the design.
- Learn more about building energy models
Benefits of provincial energy-efficiency requirements
Buildings with higher energy-efficiency offer many benefits for B.C. and for the people who live, work and learn in them.
Airtight, well-insulated building envelopes lead to:
- More consistent temperatures between rooms
- Better temperature control making spaces more comfortable
- Less noise from the outside
- Lower energy costs
Lower energy consumption leads to:
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Helps fight climate change
- Supports B.C.’s climate goals. Moves us closer to making all new buildings “net-zero energy ready” by 2032
Education and training for high-performance buildings leads to:
- More competition and innovation in the building industry
- More jobs in green building design and construction
- Higher quality homes for people in B.C.
More consistent technical requirements:
- Simplifies requirements across local jurisdictions
- Provides enough flexibility to be used across all B.C. climate zones and allows builders to find cost effective design solutions
Local governments benefits
- Allows local governments to move at their own pace and show climate leadership by adopting higher performance steps helps meet climate goals and supports local efforts to reduce emissions
Step Code Council
Technical requirements for the BC Energy Step Code were co-developed with the Step Code Council made up of representatives from:
- The construction sector
- Local governments
- Energy utilities
- Non-profit housing providers
- Academia
- Provincial and federal government representatives
The Construction Standards and Digital Solutions Branch chairs the Step Code Council. The Step Code Council and its subcommittees support implementation by:
Contact information
Email the Construction Standards and Digital Solutions Branch with questions about the BC Energy Step Code or to contact the Energy Step Code Council.