Energy Step Code
The following table details the changes contained in the Ministerial Order which came into effect May 1, 2023. For more information, please see the report provided in the Report to Council-in-Committee - Energy Step Code / Zero Carbon Step Code - 2023 Implementation Update.
| First Stage Sept. 2021/ Jan. 2022 | Second Stage May 1, 2023 | Third Stage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 9 Small Residential | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 3 |
| Part 3 Large Residential Combustible and Encapsulated Mass Timber | Step 2 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
| Part 3 Large Residential Non-combustible | Step 2 | Step 2 | Step 2 |
What is the Energy Step Code?
The Energy Step Code is a required compliance path in the BC Building Code regarding building energy performance. It is a performance-based standard that establishes measurable requirements for energy efficiency in construction. To demonstrate compliance, a builder must prove that the building meets or exceeds a set of defined metrics for building envelope, equipment and systems, and air tightness testing.
The adoption of the Energy Step Code system is expected to help reduce community-wide energy use and greenhouse emissions, as well as supporting the goals of the City’s Climate Adaption Strategic Plan (PDF), Environmental Sustainability Plan and the developing Climate Action Plan.
The Province of British Columbia's CleanBC report has also indicated that all new construction will be required to be “net zero ready” by 2032.
Staged adoption of the Energy Step Code will give builders and the City of Coquitlam time to work through the challenges associated with changes in building methods.
Energy Step Code Requirements
In an effort to encourage the construction of more energy-efficient buildings in the community, the City of Coquitlam began requiring Energy Step Code compliance for most new building permit applications starting in the second half of 2021.
This means that anyone applying for a building permit needs to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Energy Step Code. More information will be provided on this web page as the procedures for Energy Step Code compliance are developed and we would recommend checking here for updates.
Important Documents
- Report to Council-in-Committee - Energy Step Code / Zero Carbon Step Code - 2023 Implementation Update (PDF)
- Report to Council – Energy Step Code - Policy for Building Permit Application Requirements in Coquitlam May 17, 2021 (PDF)
- Report to Council-in-Committee - Update on Construction Industry Stakeholder Consultation and Proposed Policy for Energy Step Code Requirements in Coquitlam April 12, 2021 (PDF)
- Building Permits Policy A06 - Energy Step Code - Building Permit Application Requirements (PDF)