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Local government adoption of Zero Carbon Step Code

Last updated on June 9, 2025

Discover which local governments and First Nations refer to the BC Zero Carbon Step Code for new construction.

Local adoption of the Zero Carbon Step Code

Communities can use a wide variety of policy tools to incentivize or require the upper steps of the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code.

So far, 32 local governments and First Nations reference the Zero Carbon Step Code for new construction. These jurisdictions represent a wide range of climate zones and population sizes throughout B.C.

They include:

This list is for convenience only and may not be current. Please check your local authority's website for the latest BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements.

Also referencing the code and want to be added to the list? Local governments can email Building.Safety@gov.bc.ca to be added.

Overall adoption in B.C.

As of January 2024, many municipalities had adopted the Zero Carbon Step Code or similar regulations. It's estimated that these requirements account for:

  • 44 percent of all new residential units in large, multi-family buildings (mid-rise and high-rise)
  • 30 percent of all new units in small residential buildings (low-rise and ground-oriented dwellings)

City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver has its own Building By-Law and associated requirements, but its energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions have a similar technical framework as the Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes.

Archive of BC Energy Step Code early adopters

After a six-year transition period, most buildings in B.C. must meet a Step of the BC Energy Step Code as of May 1, 2023. During that transition period, many local governments took initiative by referencing the BC Energy Step Code in program, policy or bylaw. 

Some local governments still incentivize the upper steps of the BC Energy Step Code to continue transforming their construction sector. Refer to your local government for more details.