Building Code Revision 5: New energy efficiency requirements and an opt-in Zero Carbon Step Code

BCBC 2018 Revision 4: Effective May 1, 2023

On February 8, 2023 the Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, signed Ministerial Order No. BA 2023 8 which will bring changes to the BC Building Codes energy and greenhouse gas emission standards. For Part 9 buildings the revisions introduce 1) the Zero Carbon Step Code, an opt-in building carbon pollution standard for operational carbon, 2) a prescriptive option for Step 3, Part 9 buildings if a local government passes an enabling bylaw, 3) more airtightness testing options, 4) new energy performance improvement calculations. The changes will apply to building permits applied for on or after May 1, 2023.

Summary of Revisions:

Division A
Section 2.2. Objectives
2.2.2.1. Objectives OE2 Greenhouse Gases
3.2.1.1. Functional Statements F101

Division B
Section 9.36. Energy Efficiency
9.36.1.2. Definitions (5-9)
9.36.1.3. Compliance and Application (3, 6-8)
9.36.2.6. Thermal Characteristics of Above-ground Opaque Building Assemblies (1c, Table 9.36.2.6.-C)
9.36.2.7. Thermal Characteristics of Fenestration, Doors and Skylights (11, Table 9.36.2.7.-A, Table 9.36.2.7.-B, Table 9.36.2.7.-D)
9.36.2.8. Thermal Characteristics of Building Assemblies Below-Grade or in Contact with the Ground (1c, Table 9.36.2.8.-C)
9.36.3.10. Equipment Efficiency (3, Table 9.36.3.10.)
9.36.4.2. Equipment Efficiency (Table 9.36.4.2.)
9.36.5.2. Definitions (1, 2)
9.36.5.3. Compliance (1-3, 7)
9.36.5.4. Calculation Methods (4, 5, 10)
9.36.5.8. Service Water Heating System Calculations (5-8, Table 9.36.5.8.)
9.36.5.10. Modeling Building Envelope of Proposed House (9, 10)
9.36.5.12. Modeling Service Water Heating System of Proposed House (2)
9.36.5.14. Modeling Building Envelope of Reference House (2)
9.36.6. Energy Step Code
9.36.6.1. Application (2)
9.36.6.2. Definitions (2, 4)
9.36.6.3. Compliance Requirements (1, 2, 5, Tables 9.36.6.3.-A to H)
9.36.6.4. Energy Modeling (2b, 3)
9.36.6.5. Energy Performance Improvement Compliance Calculations (1-9)
9.36.7. Airtightness of Building Envelope (New)

9.37. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (New)

Notes to Part 9 (Notes corresponding to above revisions and additions)

10.2. Energy Efficiency (Does not apply to Part 9 Buildings)

Division C
Section 2.2. Administration
2.2.8. Drawings, Specifications and Calculations for Energy Performance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compliance
2.2.8.1. Application (1, 5)
2.2.8.3. House Performance Compliance Calculation Report (2, 3)
2.2.9. Drawings, Specifications and Calculations for Subsection 10.2.3. and Section 10.3.
2.2.9.1. Application (1)
2.2.9.2. Information Required (1, 2)

Table Documents Repealed by Revision 5

Ministerial Order No. M40 (PDF), amending the Building Act General Regulation effective May 1, 2023

Ministerial Order BA 2023 08 (PDF), amending the BC Building Code effective May 1, 2023

Read the convenience copy of the code changes (PDF for information only)