BC Step Code 2025: Updates and Compliance Guide

Research Date: 2025-11-13 Target Word Count: 600-800 words Category: Regulatory Compliance Topic Tags: Building Codes, Energy Efficiency, Zero Carbon, GHG Emissions

Research Sources

AIBC: Zero Carbon Step Code Update - https://aibc.ca/2025/02/zero-carbon-step-code-update/
BC Gov: BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/building-codes-standards/bc-codes/2024-bc-codes/step-codes
BC Gov: Step Code Requirements - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/building-codes-standards/bc-codes/2024-bc-codes/step-codes/requirements
Port Moody: BC Energy Step Code Implementation - https://www.portmoody.ca/business-development-and-planning/development/sustainable-development/bc-energy-step-code-and-zero-carbon-step-code/
SLRD: Province of BC Building Code Update - https://www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/news-notices/province-bc-has-updated-its-building-code

Key Facts

Effective Date: March 10, 2025
Minimum Requirement: EL-1 (Emissions Level 1) of Zero Carbon Step Code
Main Change: Measure and disclose operational greenhouse gas emissions
Provincial Goal: Net-zero energy ready buildings by 2032, zero carbon buildings by 2030
Local Authority: Municipalities can require or incentivize higher step levels
Revision: BC Building Code 2024 Revision 5

Article Draft

Introduction

As of March 10, 2025, British Columbia has implemented significant updates to its building code through Revision 5 of the BC Building Code 2024. The most notable change requires all new buildings to meet at least Emissions Level 1 (EL-1) of the Zero Carbon Step Code, marking a critical step toward the province's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero energy ready buildings by 2032 and zero carbon buildings by 2030.

What is the Zero Carbon Step Code?

The Zero Carbon Step Code is a provincial standard integrated into the BC Building Code that establishes progressively stringent requirements for reducing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings. It works in tandem with the BC Energy Step Code, which focuses on energy efficiency, to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable building practices.

The Step Code uses a tiered approach, with multiple emissions levels (EL) that buildings can meet. EL-1, now mandatory as of March 2025, represents the foundational level that requires buildings to measure and publicly disclose their operational GHG emissions.

Key Requirements for EL-1 Compliance

Buildings following the performance path must now:

Measure Operational GHG Emissions: Install systems to track greenhouse gas emissions from building operations
Disclose Emissions Data: Report emissions to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Complete Compliance Checklists: Use updated Part 3 or Part 9 Step Code Compliance Checklists

For builders and designers already using the official Step Code Compliance Checklists, this transition should be relatively seamless, as these checklists have always included provisions for GHG reporting. The primary difference is that disclosure is now mandatory rather than voluntary.

Who is Affected?

The Zero Carbon Step Code requirements apply to:

Part 3 Buildings: Large, complex buildings including multi-unit residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial structures
Part 9 Buildings: Smaller, simpler buildings such as single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-unit residential buildings

Both new construction and significant renovations requiring building permits filed on or after March 10, 2025, must comply with the EL-1 standard.

Local Government Authority

While the province sets minimum standards at EL-1, local governments retain the authority to require or incentivize compliance with higher emissions levels through municipal bylaws. Several municipalities, including Port Moody, have already adopted accelerated timelines that exceed provincial requirements, demonstrating strong local commitment to climate action.

Builders should check with their local building department to understand specific requirements in their jurisdiction, as these can vary significantly across the province.

Steps for Compliance

To meet the new Zero Carbon Step Code requirements, builders and developers should:

Engage Early: Consult with energy advisors and consultants during the design phase
Use Official Tools: Access compliance checklists through the Building Permit Hub at buildingpermit.gov.bc.ca
Select Appropriate Checklist: Choose Part 3 or Part 9 checklists based on your building type
Model Energy Performance: For performance path compliance, complete energy modeling that includes GHG emissions calculations
Document Compliance: Submit completed checklists with building permit applications
Verify with AHJ: Work with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction to confirm compliance

Available Resources and Support

The province provides comprehensive resources to support industry compliance:

Energy Step Code Newsletter: Regular updates on code changes and best practices
Technical Bulletins: Detailed guidance documents (B23-01, B23-02, B23-03)
Building Permit Hub: Automated compliance forms and tools
Better Homes BC: Rebates for residential energy efficiency projects
Better Buildings BC: Funding and incentives for commercial building improvements
City of Vancouver Energy Modelling Guidelines: Reference standards for energy modeling

Looking Ahead

The March 2025 implementation of EL-1 is just the beginning. The province has established a clear pathway toward increasingly stringent requirements, with the ultimate goal of zero carbon buildings by 2030. Industry professionals should begin planning for future step increases and consider exceeding minimum requirements to future-proof their projects.

Additionally, the Canadian Building and Housing Code Council is currently consulting on draft policy positions for embodied GHG emissions in national model codes, indicating that carbon considerations will expand beyond operational emissions in the coming years.

Conclusion

The Zero Carbon Step Code represents a fundamental shift in how British Columbia approaches building construction and energy use. While EL-1 requirements focus primarily on measurement and disclosure, they lay the groundwork for more substantial emissions reductions in the years ahead. Builders, developers, and designers who embrace these changes early will be well-positioned to meet future requirements and contribute to the province's climate goals.

For questions or additional support, contact the Building Safety Standards Branch at Building.Safety@gov.bc.ca or visit energystepcode.ca for comprehensive resources and updates.

Additional Notes for Content Moderators

Verify all dates and deadlines are current at time of publication
Consider adding links to official checklists and resources
May want to include specific examples of successful EL-1 projects
Could expand section on costs/benefits of early adoption
Consider adding FAQ section for common builder questions