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Green Energy Turbines

Zero Carbon
Step Code

See how BC's new emission limits are changing the rules for low-rise housing 

Overview

Overview

The Zero Carbon Step Code is BC's plan to reduce the emissions of new buildings over time, eventually reaching zero. Similar to the BC Energy Step code, the ZCSC has four performance categories, or "steps":

  1. Measure Only (EL-1)​​

  2. Moderate Carbon Performance (EL-2)​​

  3. Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3)​​

  4. Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4)​​

 

Each category has 2 ways to qualify:

  1. Prescriptive Path

    • Meet or exceed the code prescribed targets for all building components​.

  2. Performance Path

    • Meet overall targets for energy demand and energy use, as modeled by an energy advisor.

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A certified energy advisor is required to ensure compliance with each step. Keep reading to learn more about each level or contact our team for a free consultation.

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Prescriptive Path

The prescriptive path requires builders to use zero-carbon appliances like space heating, water heating and cooking equipment. The higher the Carbon Step, the more low-carbon equipment will have to be installed:

  1. Measure Only (EL-1)

    • No requirement​​

  2. Moderate Carbon Performance (EL-2)

    • Electrified space heating

  3. Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3)

    • Electrified space heating and domestic hot water​

  4. Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4)

    • Fully electrified home​​

Prescriptive

Performance Path

The performance path sets overall greenhouse gas emission targets for each Carbon Step. Builders may choose from different metrics optimized for for the size of the home. To comply with a performance level, your houses emission metrics, as calculated by a certified Energy Advisor, must be below the following limits:

  1. Measure Only (EL-1)

    • No requirement​​

  2. Moderate Carbon Performance (EL-2)

    • Total GHG of 1050 kg CO2e/year or​

    • GHGI of 6.0 kg CO2e/m2/year and GHG of 2400 kg CO2e/year

  3. Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3)

    • Total GHG of 440 kg CO2e/year or​

    • GHGI of 2.5 kg CO2e/m2/year and GHG of 800 kg CO2e/year

  4. Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4)

    • Total GHG of 265 kg CO2e/year or​

    • GHGI of 1.5 kg CO2e/m2/year and GHG of 500 kg CO2e/year​​​

Performance

What's required in your area

Adoption of the Zero Carbon Step Code varies by municipality. Use our table to find your local requirement.

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Learn more about Step 3, Step 4 and Step 5.

(Updated September 2024)

low-carbon-step-code-municipalities.png

Definitions

Low-rise residential building: similar to the BC Building Code Part 9. Formally defined as a residential building with:

  • A maximum of 2 principle dwelling units, or

  • A maximum of 3 storeys in height (does not include basements)

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GHG (Greenhouse Gas): greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building's energy use, over the course of a year, expressed in equivalent kilograms of CO2 per year.

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GHGI (Greenhouse Gas Intensity): a home's greenhouse gas emissions divided by interior floor area, expressed in equivalent kilograms of CO2 per m2 per year.

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Energy Advisor: responsible for assessing the energy performance of residential homes. Certified by Natural Resources Canada, the advisor can also give advice on efficient and cost-effective designs for construction and renovation.

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Energy Audit: an assessment of a home's energy performance. This is done with a computer model of a home's envelope and equipment, as well as an airtightness test with a blower-door. For new homes in Vancouver, audit activities may take place during design, construction, and as-built compliance.

Definitions

Registered Energy Advisors
all low-rise residential

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604 629 8300

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