On May 1st, 2023 Revision 5 of the BC Building Code (BCBC) 2018 comes into effect. This brings with it changes to the energy requirements in for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings. These changes include new minimum energy performance requirements, references to the latest versions of the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB 2020) and ASHRAE 90.1 (2019) harmonizing standards across the country, and a new Zero Carbon Step Code (in addition to the Energy Step Code) providing greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) requirements that local government may opt-in to.
If you’d like to know more Focal is hosting a free virtual presentation on the changes April 20th which you can sign up for on Eventbrite.
This post summarizes some of the key changes to Part 3 building requirements (section 10) that designers should be aware of. Prior to the full BCBC revision release a convenience copy can be found on the Energy Step Code website:
Energy Requirements
This code revision represents the first “Step Up” for the Energy Step Code with Step 1 removed as a compliance option completely and Step 2 being the new minimum Step. Energy Step Code compliance is also now required for major occupancies defined under section 10.2.3.1 with compliance under NECB or ASHRAE 90.1 no longer allowed. The table below summarizes the main changes:
As Step Code is now required for these building types, whole building airtightness testing is also now required for these buildings. For local governments that previously didn’t opt-in to Step Code requirements, this new requirement is a significant change to keep in mind in the design and construction process.
Zero Carbon Step Code
A new addition to the Building Code is the Zero Carbon Step Code in section 10.3 which provides local governments options determining project GHGI requirements. The ZCSC is currently opt-in with Emissions Levels (EL-1 to 4) being provided for occupancies with Energy Step Code performance limits (residential, office, and retail).
The Building Code now directly provides emissions factors to reference for calculations, rather than using the CoV EMG factors, and these factors are standard values to be used for any project in the project in the province regardless of the makeup of the local grid.
Similar to how the Energy Step Code was initially opt-in for local governments, the ZCSC will eventually become mandatory under the Building Code as the Province strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the construction of high performance buildings and the use of low emission fuel sources.
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