36 communities in BC have adopted building code regulations that go beyond provincial requirements.
Buildings are the number one or two source of carbon pollution in most BC communities, accounting for 29 percent of emissions in Kamloops, 38 percent in Prince George, and 57 percent in Vancouver. Most of these emissions come from fossil fuel-based space and water heating.
Building Codes, including BC’s Zero Carbon Step Code and Energy Step Code, are some of the most effective tools available to local governments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. British Columbia’s electricity is nearly all from clean or renewable sources, and the province is committed to a 100 percent Clean Electricity Delivery Standard. Efficient electric equipment, such as heat pumps and induction cooktops, are now widely available and effective, even in cold climates.
Key Terms
Generally, buildings fall under the two sections of the British Columbia Building Code.
Part 9 of the BC Building Code outlines requirements for smaller and simpler buildings, namely homes. These are residential buildings which are three stories or lower, 600m2 or smaller.
Part 3 of the BC Building Code addresses larger and more complex buildings, such as offices, multi-unit residential buildings, financial institutions and grocery stores. These buildings are larger than three stories and/or larger than 600m2.
The Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) is a new section of the British Columbia Building Code that local governments may use, if they wish, to regulate the greenhouse gas pollution produced by new buildings.
The Province of British Columbia introduced the ZCSC as an amendment to the BC Building Code in May 2023. While not a province-wide requirement now, the Province, in their CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, signaled an intent to require all buildings covered by the ZCSC to meet EL-4 by 2030. Learn more
The Zero Carbon Step Code has four Emissions Levels, with higher levels significantly limiting fossil fuel use in new construction. Local governments can regulate different Emissions Levels for various building types with separate timelines. The ZCSC only regulates indoor equipment. It does not restrict outdoor grills, heated driveways, or pools.
Compliance paths
For Part 9 buildings, builders can choose between two compliance paths:
- The Prescriptive Path requires a builder to disclose the equipment they intend to install in their proposed project.
- The Performance Path requires a builder to calculate how much carbon pollution the home will produce once built and operating, and disclose the values to a building official in advance to confirm compliance.
Part 3 buildings must use the Performance Path.
Zero Carbon Step Code levels
Measure-only (EL-1):
- Measure only; no impact on the choice of energy used in new construction.
Moderate Carbon Performance (EL-2):
- Part 9 Prescriptive path: Space heating must be zero carbon.
- Performance path:
- Part 9 buildings: <2,400 kg CO2e per year; and: <6 kg CO2e per m2 per year GHG intensity
- Part 3 retail and services buildings*: <6 kg CO2e / m2 / year
- Part 3 larger residential buildings*: <7 kg CO2e / m2 per year
Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3):
- Part 9 Prescriptive path: Space and water heating must be zero carbon.
- Performance path:
- Part 9 buildings: <800 kg CO2e per year; and: <2.5 kg CO2e per m2 per year GHG intensity
- Part 3 retail and services buildings*: <3 kg CO2e / m2 / year
- Part 3 larger residential buildings*: <3 kg CO2e / m2 per year
Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4):
- Part 9 Prescriptive path: Space heating, water heating, and cooking must be zero carbon.
- Performance path:
- Part 9 buildings: <500 kg CO2e per year; and: <1.5 kg CO2e per m2 per year GHG intensity
- Part 3 retail and services buildings*: <2 kg CO2e / m2 / year
- Part 3 larger residential buildings*: <1.5 kg CO2e / m2 per year
* There are many types of buildings that fall under Part 3 of the British Columbia Building Code. The examples above demonstrate some common building types.
The BC Energy Step Code is a Provincial regulation introduced in 2017 that establishes performance requirements for energy efficiency in new construction. The BC Energy Step Code groups these requirements into increasingly stringent “steps” that collectively represent a path to net-zero energy-ready buildings.
In May 2023, the BC Building Code began requiring most new buildings to meet 20%-better energy efficiency. As a result, the Lower Steps of the BC Energy Step Code (steps 1 and 2 for Part 9 buildings and step 1 for Part 3 buildings) no longer meet minimum energy efficiency requirements. As of 2024, the available steps of the Energy Step Code are:
Part 3 Buildings:
- BC Building Code (BCBC) minimum requirements
- Step 3 (40% more efficient than BCBC)
- Step 4 (up to 80% more efficient than BCBC)
Part 9 Buildings:
- BC Building Code (BCBC) minimum requirements
- Step 4 (40% more efficient than BCBC)
- Step 5 (up to 80% more efficient than BCBC) – Net Zero Energy Ready
By 2032, the BC Building Code will require all new buildings to meet the requirements of highest step, reflecting net zero energy ready new construction. In the meantime, Local governments can still incentivize or require builders to deliver on the requirements of the upper steps. Learn more
Get involved: Join CEA’s Step Code Peer Network
Connect with other local government staff working on Step Code implementation.
Why adopt regulations ahead of time?
A growing number of local governments in BC are adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code and higher steps of the Energy Step Code ahead of provincial requirements.
Implementing these regulations sooner can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings. Energy efficient buildings are also cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and more resilient in a changing climate.
By adopting building code regulations early, local governments can demonstrate leadership in greenhouse gas reduction, setting an example for other communities to follow.
Building Codes: Community Actions Going Above and Beyond
Updated January 14, 2025
Community | Action Name | Category | Commitment | Yr Planned | Link | Description | Energy Step Code | Zero Carbon Step Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Burnaby (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Burnaby (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning in 2025 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Capital (Regional District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3) beginning January 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-3) | |
Capital (Regional District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3) beginning January 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-3) | |
Central Saanich (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 1, 2023 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Central Saanich (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Residential – wood frame, 6 storeys or less (Group C): Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 Commercial – office, retail (Groups D or E, Part 3): Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 01, 2024 Assembly or Care – restaurant, hospital (Groups A or B, Part 3): Built to BC Building Code |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Colwood (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | March 4, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning March 04, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Colwood (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Multi-unit residential buildings 6 storeys or fewer: Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 01, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Colwood (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Multi-unit residential buildings 7 storeys or more and all other commercial buildings: Zero-Carbon Step Code Zero (EL-4) Beginning November 01, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Coquitlam (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Large Residential Combustible and Encapsulated Mass Timber: Energy Step 3 Large Residential Non-combustible: Built to BC Building Code |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | ||
Cowichan Valley (Regional District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Esquimalt (Township) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Esquimalt (Township) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
4 to 6 storey residential wood frame construction: Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 Over 6 storey (concrete) residential, commercial, hotels, office, retail: Zero Carbon measure only (EL-1) until June 30, 2025 |
Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-1), Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Esquimalt (Township) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | July 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Over 6 storey (concrete) residential, commercial, hotels, office, retail: Zero Carbon zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2025 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Highlands (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect |
Part 3 Residential – New Wood Frame Multi-Family: Energy Step 4, or Energy Step 3 if Low Carbon Energy System Incorporated Part 3 Residential – Complex Concrete Multi-Family Residential and Commercial: Energy Step 4, or Energy Step 3 if Low Carbon Energy System Incorporated |
Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | ZCSC Equivalent | ||
Highlands (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Part 9 Residential – New Single Family Dwelling 420m2 (4,521 sq. ft.) or less: Energy Step 5, or Energy Step 3 (BCBC) if Low Carbon Energy System Incorporated Part 9 Residential – New Single Family Dwelling 420.1m2 (4,522 sq. ft.) or greater: Energy Step 5, or Energy Step 4 if Low Carbon Energy System Incorporated Part 9 new commercial: Built to BC Building Code |
BCBC, Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | ZCSC Equivalent | |
Kelowna (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Group C – single detached residential occupancy: Energy Step 4 |
BCBC, Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | ||
Langley (Township) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Residential: Energy Step 3 Non-residential Part 3 buildings including Assembly, Treatment, Care, Offices, and Other Business and Personal Service or Mercantile Occupancies: built to BC Building Code |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | ||
Langley (Township) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2) + Energy Step Code 4 beginning April 1, 2024 |
Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-2) | |
Langley (Township) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | April 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3) + Energy Step Code 4 beginning April 1, 2025 |
Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
Metchosin (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 04, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | ||
Metchosin (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 04, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | ||
Nanaimo (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 01, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Nanaimo (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 01, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Nanaimo (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2026 | View Doc |
Energy Step 3 beginning January 01, 2026. |
Energy Step 3 | |
Nelson (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | August 31, 2023 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3) + Energy Step Code 3 (BCBC); |
BCBC, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
New Westminster (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Energy Step 5 + Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2 ), |
Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-2), Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
New Westminster (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Energy Step 5 + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2027 |
Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
New Westminster (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Residential: Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon measure only (EL-1), OR: Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2025 Commercial: Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Measure only (EL-1), OR: Energy Step 2 (BCBC) + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4 beginning January 01, 2025 |
BCBC, Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-1), Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
New Westminster (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Residential: Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2027 Commercial: Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2027 |
Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
North Cowichan (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) starting July 01, 2024. |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
North Cowichan (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) starting July 01, 2024. |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
North Saanich (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect |
wood, concrete, commercial |
Energy Step 3 | |||
North Vancouver (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Residential: Energy Step 4, OR: Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3) Commercial: Energy Step 3, OR: BC Building Code (BCBC) + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3) Corporate/Public sector buildings: Built to BC Building Code (BCBC) |
BCBC, Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
North Vancouver (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Energy Step 5, OR: Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3) |
Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
North Vancouver (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3) + Energy Step Code 4, OR: |
Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-1), Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
North Vancouver (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Residential: Energy Step 3 Commercial and corporate/public sector buildings: Built to BC Building code |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | |
Oak Bay (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | September 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) + Energy Step Code 3 (BCBC) beginning September 1, 2024 |
BCBC | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Oak Bay (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2024 | View Doc |
All other residential and commercial Part 3 buildings: Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) + Energy Step Code 2 (BCBC) beginning November 1, 2024 |
BCBC | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Pemberton (Village) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Energy Step 4 |
Energy Step 4 | ||
Penticton (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Measure Only (EL-1) beginning January 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-1) | |
Penticton (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Measure Only (EL-1) beginning January 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-1) | |
Penticton (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Planned | View Doc |
Plan to move to Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2) in 2025 based on consultation with the building industry and larger community |
Zero Carbon (EL-2) | ||
Penticton (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Planned | View Doc |
Plan to move to Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2) in 2025 based on consultation with the building industry and larger community |
Zero Carbon (EL-2) | ||
Penticton (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Planned | January 1, 2026 | View Doc |
Goal of moving to Energy Step 4 for Part 9 buildings in 2026 |
Energy Step 4 | |
Port Coquitlam (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | View Doc |
Energy Step 4 beginning January 01, 2027 |
Energy Step 4 | ||
Port Coquitlam (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | View Doc |
Large residential wood combustible: Energy Step 4 Large residential non-combustible: Built to BC Building Code Commercial construction: Energy Step 3 Beginning January 01, 2027 |
Energy Step 3 | ||
Port Moody (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Energy Step 4 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2025. |
Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Port Moody (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Energy Step 5 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2027. |
Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Port Moody (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2025 | View Doc |
Group C: Residential Occupancies, six storeys or less: Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2025. Group D Offices (Businesses and Personal Services): Energy Step 2 (BCBC) + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2025. |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Port Moody (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Group C: Residential Occupancies, six storeys or less: Energy Step 4 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2027. Group D Offices (Businesses and Personal Services): Energy Step 3 + Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 01, 2027. |
Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Qualicum Beach (Town) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 1, 2025 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | ||
Qualicum Beach (Town) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning January 1, 2025 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | ||
Qualicum Beach (Town) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Energy Step 5 beginning January 01, 2027 |
Energy Step 5 | |
Qualicum Beach (Town) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
“In the case of a building permit submitted on or after 2027-JAN-01, a new building or structure to which Part 3 of the Building Code applies, and which is |
Energy Step 4 | |
Richmond (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | October 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Townhomes & Apartments: Energy Step 5 + Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2), OR: Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR: Energy Step 3 (BCBC) + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) Single Family and Duplexes: Energy Step 5 + Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2), OR: Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR: Energy Step 3 (BCBC) + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) |
BCBC, Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-2), Zero Carbon (EL-3), Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Richmond (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | October 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Office & Retail Buildings: Energy Step 3 Residential Wood-frame Low/Mid-Rise: Energy Step 4 Residential Concrete Towers: Energy Step 3, OR: Energy Step 2 (BCBC) + low-carbon energy system Hotels & Motels: Energy Step 3, OR: Energy Step 2 + low-carbon energy system |
BCBC, Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | ZCSC Equivalent |
Rossland (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | May 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Energy Step 4, or: Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3) + BCBC |
BCBC, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
Saanich (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 1, 2023 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Saanich (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Part 3 MURBs 6 storeys or fewer: Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Saanich (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Energy Step 3 for Part 3 mid-rise/wood-frame residential buildings (6 storeys and under) Energy Step 2 (BCBC) for Part 3 high-rise/concrete residential buildings (over 6-storeys) and commercial buildings |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | ||
Saanich (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Part 3 Buildings over 6 storeys: Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Squamish (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Energy Step 4 |
Energy Step 4 | ||
Squamish (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Residential/mixed use: Commercial: Energy Step 3, or: |
Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | ZCSC Equivalent, Zero Carbon (EL-2), Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Surrey (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Residential (Group C): Energy Step 4, OR Energy Step 3 if connected to Surrey City Energy or satisfies low carbon energy requirements. Commercial (Group D & E): Energy Step 3 |
Energy Step 3, Energy Step 4 | ZCSC Equivalent | |
Surrey (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
Energy Step 4 |
Energy Step 4 | ||
Tofino (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect |
Wood concrete, commercial: Energy Step 3 |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | |||
University of British Columbia | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | June 25, 2023 | View Doc |
Part 3 Energy Step 3 + Part 3 Zero Carbon Moderate (EL-2) |
Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-2) |
Vancouver (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
The City of Vancouver has its own building code, and therefore has different requirements for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are some technical similarities. |
ZCSC Equivalent | ||
Vancouver (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | View Doc |
The City of Vancouver has its own building code, and therefore has different requirements for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are some technical similarities. |
ZCSC Equivalent | ||
Vancouver (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | View Doc |
On November 26, 2024, Council approved new rules for energy and carbon performance. These rules will require small residential buildings to meet the highest level of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code, while large buildings will need to meet the second-highest level. These changes will come into effect March 1, 2025. |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | ||
Vancouver (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | View Doc |
On November 26, 2024, Council approved new rules for energy and carbon performance. These rules will require small residential buildings to meet the highest level of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code, while large buildings will need to meet the second-highest level. These changes will come into effect March 1, 2025. |
Zero Carbon (EL-3) | ||
Victoria (City) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
Victoria (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Residential between 4 and 6 storeys: Energy Step 3 + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 |
Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Victoria (City) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Residential over 6 storeys & commercial: Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning November 1, 2024 |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
View Royal (Town) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
View Royal (Town) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | July 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) beginning July 1, 2024 for buildings 6 storeys or less |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
View Royal (Town) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) starting November 1, 2024 for buildings greater than 6 storeys, and commercial buildings |
Zero Carbon (EL-4) | |
West Vancouver (District) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Single family, townhouse and other Part 9 residential buildings: Energy Step 4 + Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR: Energy Step 5 Detached secondary suite: Energy Step 3 (BCBC) + Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR: Energy Step 5 |
BCBC, Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
West Vancouver (District) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | November 1, 2023 | View Doc |
Residential (multi-family and apartment buildings): Energy Step 2 (BCBC) + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR: Energy Step 4 Business and personal services or mercantile (commercial, office and retail buildings)Energy Step 2 (BCBC) + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3 |
BCBC, Energy Step 4 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
Whistler (Resort Municipality) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Single Family Dwelling, duplex or townhome: SFD or duplex with in-ground basement floor area exclusion: |
Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
Whistler (Resort Municipality) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | In Effect | January 1, 2024 | View Doc |
Residential: Commercial: |
BCBC, Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-3) |
Whistler (Resort Municipality) | Part 9 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Single Family Dwelling, duplex or townhome: SFD or duplex with in-ground basement floor area exclusion: |
Energy Step 4, Energy Step 5 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |
Whistler (Resort Municipality) | Part 3 New Construction | Building Codes | Adopted | January 1, 2027 | View Doc |
Residential: Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) + Energy Step Code 3 starting January 01, 2027; Commercial: Zero Carbon Zero (EL-4) + Energy Step Code 3 starting January 01, 2027 |
Energy Step 3 | Zero Carbon (EL-4) |