BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code
The energy we use to heat, power and cool our homes and other buildings makes up over half of Victoria’s community greenhouse gas emissions. Most of these emissions come from using the fossil fuel natural gas, which is 17 times more polluting than electricity in British Columbia.
As part of the City’s commitment to climate action, Victoria is one of the first local governments in the province to set an adoption schedule for the highest level of the new Zero Carbon Step Code, limiting greenhouse gas emissions in new buildings. Now aligned with BC Building Code requirements, most new buildings must also meet the base code level for energy efficiency set by the BC Energy Step Code.
If you work in the building and development industry and would like more information on the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code in Victoria, please see the information below and the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code FAQ [PDF/574KB] for further information.
What is required now?
As of May 1, 2023, all new residential and commercial buildings in Victoria are required to demonstrate compliance with the following BC Energy Step Code steps:
- Step 3 for Part 9 buildings (single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes and small homes/garden suites)
- Step 3 for Part 3 mid-rise/wood-frame residential buildings
- Step 2 for Part 3 high-rise/concrete residential buildings and commercial buildings
As of November 1, 2023, all new Part 9 buildings (single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes and small homes/garden suites) must demonstrate compliance with Emissions Level 4 of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code.
New requirements will be added to Part 3 building permit applications starting July 1, 2024, as outlined in the tables below. Further details can be found in the Building and Plumbing Regulation Bylaw Amendment Bylaw (No. 2).
When and how are these requirements going to change?
The adoption of higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code will follow the provincial adoption schedule. The highest step of the Zero Carbon Step Code will be implemented during 2024 for Part 3 buildings by category as outlined in the following tables:
| Part 3 | Phases of AdoptionBuilding permits submitted on or after the following dates must meet the relevant standard below | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 | November 1, 2024 | |
| Residential (Group C) Between 4 and 6 storey | Energy Step 3 | Energy Step 3 and Emissions Level 4 | Energy Step 3 and Emissions Level 4 |
| Residential (Group C) Over 6 Storey | Base Code (Energy Step 2) | Base Code (Energy Step 2) | Base Code (energy Step 2) and Emissions Level 4 |
| Commercial (Group D and E) | Base Code (Energy Step 2) | Base Code (Energy Step 2) | Base Code (Energy Step 2) and Emissions Level 4 |
What is the Zero Carbon Step Code?
The Zero Carbon Step Code sets a maximum annual amount of greenhouse gas emissions that each building is allowed to emit. The amount for each building is based on the proposed occupancy and the size of the building. The primary metric that is used is kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per square meter, per year (kg CO2e/m2/year). The details of the standards can be found on the provincial BC Energy Step Code website and the convenience copy of the BC Building Code update.
Similar to the BC Energy Step Code, the Zero Carbon Step Code has four levels each with a specific intent outlined below:
- Emissions Level 1: Measure-only (requires measurement of a building’s emissions without reductions and is intended to build knowledge and capacity)
- Emissions Level 2: Moderate Carbon Performance (in most cases, will require electrification of either space heating or domestic hot water systems)
- Emissions Level 3: Strong Carbon Performance (in most cases, will require electrification of both space heating and domestic hot water systems)
- Emissions Level 4: Zero Carbon Performance (in most cases will require the full electrification of a building)
The City of Victoria is immediately requiring Emissions Level 4 for all building types when the regulations take effect, rather than moving through the steps over time.
What is the BC Energy Step Code?
The BC Energy Step Code came into effect in 2018 and is an optional compliance path in the BC Building Code that local governments may use to incentivize or require a level of energy efficiency in new building construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code.
For information and resources on the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code, including the implementation guide, costing study, technical webinars and FAQs, visit www.energystepcode.ca.
Webinars
Zero Carbon Step Code Information Session
Low Carbon Electrification and BC Hydro Connections Webinar
Requirement for EV Readiness
Residential and commercial developments in Victoria must be equipped for the installation of EV chargers at the time of construction. Learn more about EV Readiness.