Overview
Effective May 1, 2023, all new residential, multi-family and commercial building permit applications must meet the Energy Step Code following a province-wide objective to improve energy efficiency in construction by 20%. Only those applications that have been accepted in the pre-submission review stage and have a permit number assigned to them before May 1st will not have to comply with the step code requirements.
Read a convenience copy of the code changes to see what's happening.
Step Code Requirements in Mission
As of May 1, 2023:
- Part 3 Buildings will be required to be built to Step 2, and
- Part 9 Buildings will be required to be built to Step 3.
Energy Advisors
Builders will be required to hire a certified energy advisor to meet Step Code requirements. Find one to work with.
Background
Initiated in April 2017, the Step Code began as an optional compliance path in the BC Building Code that local governments adopted to increase the energy performance of new buildings in their communities.
Video: What is the BC Energy Step Code?
There are many benefits to the Step Code, such as cleaner air, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and overall lower costs to run for homeowners. Watch this video to find out more:
Step Code Workflow
Here is a diagram of how the Energy Step Code works with the building process.
Airtightness Testing
Airtightness testing at building completion is a key part of Step Code performance requirements. The Province requires all Step Code buildings to conduct a final airtightness test to receive an occupancy permit. At Step 3, airtightness must be good enough for overall building energy performance to equal the BC Building Code reference building. View the Provincial Bulletins B19-02 and B19-03 on airtightness. B19-02 bulletin B19-03 bulletin
Mid-Construction Airtightness Testing
The City of Mission is strongly encouraging all Part 9 buildings to conduct a mid-construction blower door test before a building can proceed to insulation inspection. Airtightness is the most cost-effective way to improve building energy performance, and an airtight building is the easiest and least costly to achieve prior to drywall installation. Your certified Energy Advisor will help with these tests and will suggest ways you can improve your building’s energy performance.