BC Building Code Part 9 – Small Residential: detached, duplex and row/townhouse dwellings less than 600m² in size.
BC Building Code Part 3 – Commercial; Large Residential: apartments, residential units in mixed-use buildings, and larger row/townhouse buildings more than 600m² in size.

Combustible – e.g. Wood-frame

Non-combustible – e.g. Concrete

Small residential buildings such as single residential, duplex, and row/townhouse (less than 600m² and subject to Part 9 of the BC Building Code), and large non-combustible residential buildings such as concrete high-rises (subject to Part 3 of the BCBC) will need to meet Step 1 of the Step Code. Step 1 is intended to familiarize builders with air-tightness tests but building performance does not need to exceed the base 2018 BC Building Code.

Large combustible(wood-frame) residential buildings, such as wood frame apartment buildings, and commercial buildings (both subject to Part 3 of the BCBC) will need to meet Step 2 of the Step Code. Step 2 will require buildings to perform 20% better than 2018 BC Building Code requirements.

Small residential buildings and large combustibleresidential buildings will need to meet Step 3 of the Step Code. Step 3 will require buildings to perform 20% and 40% more efficiently than base 2018 BC Building Code requirements respectively.

These lower steps give builders new flexibility in how to achieve modest gains in efficiency – through improved envelopes and/or upgraded systems.

To achieve these targets, builders and designers can rely on conventional building designs with careful air-sealing practices, and incrementally incorporate some key elements in the design, building envelope, equipment, and systems. Builders and designers should collaborate with the Energy Advisor to select the most cost effective way to meet the requirements.

Large non-combustible residential buildings will need to meet Step 2 of the Step Code.

Small residential buildings and large combustibleresidential buildings will need to meet Step 4, and commercial buildings will
need to meet Step 3 of the Step Code.

Further steps will be required in accordance with the Province’s implementation schedule.

In 2027, the Province requires all Large Residential and Commercial buildings to be built according to Step 3.

In 2032 all new buildings will need to be built to their highest step level: Step 5 for small residential and Step 4 for large residential and commercial.

No. The Step Code only applies to new construction.

Buildings constructed with greater energy efficiency will reduce utility bills. These building will also be able to better manage temperature and reduce noise while letting in fresh air, improving comfort and health.

The City strongly recommends a mid-stage blower door test to allow builders the opportunity to correct inadequacies prior to completion of the building.

The City will continue to inspect buildings to ensure they meet code requirements, and consistency with building plans. Energy Advisor Reports will be provided to ensure that airtightness targets (and related building elements) meet requirements.

The City is implementing the Step Code at a different rate for combustible (wood-framed) buildings. Non-combustible buildings are typically made of concrete, and entail energy efficiency measures that are often more challenging to implement.

Institutional and Industrial buildings are not yet included in the Step Code framework.