BC Energy Step Code

BC Energy Step Code

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial standard enacted in April 2017 that provides an incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the base BC Building Code. This new standard is a vital measure to enable BC to meet the Provincial goal to construct net-zero energy ready buildings by 2032. It does so by establishing a series of measurable, performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for construction that communities may choose to adopt when ready. The BC Energy Step Code groups these energy-efficiency requirements into a series of “steps.” Visit the Energy Step Code website to learn more.

In June 2018, City Council adopted BC Energy Step Code requirements into the Richmond's Building Regulation Bylaw.

In October 2023, City Council adopted the Zero Carbon Step Code requirements into the Richmond's Building Regulation Bylaw.

• Building-37 - Energy Step Code: Overview for Part 9 Buildings
• Building-38 - Building to the Energy Step Code: Single Family Dwellings and Duplexes
• Building-39 - Building to the Energy Step Code: Part 9 Townhouses and Apartments
• Building-40 - Building to the Energy Step Code: Part 3 Buildings

Learn more about the City’s Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements by visiting the Better Buildings page in the Building Approvals section.