The Step Code Analysis for Small Homes in Cold Climates and Log Homes project examined how current BC Energy Step Code performance metrics affect underrepresented residential archetypes, including small homes, laneway homes, and log homes. These building types are common in rural and northern regions but are often overlooked in conventional Step Code modelling, leading to unintended barriers to compliance.

Focal Engineering led a province-wide research initiative with Bernhardt Contracting, evaluating energy performance across multiple climate zones through parametric energy modelling. The analysis compared how small homes perform relative to larger residential buildings and found that intensity-based Step Code targets create disproportionate capital cost burdens for smaller homes, with limited energy savings returns.

The team delivered evidence-based recommendations to adjust performance metrics, supporting more equitable compliance pathways for small homebuilders and so that policy goals align with building performance.