BC Energy Step Code

British Columbia introduced the BC Energy Step Code in 2017 to transition all new Part-9 residential buildings to Net Zero Energy by 2032. Unlike previous prescriptive Codes, the new BC Step Code is performance based requiring measurement of air-tightness by a Airtight Energy Advisor.

As of May 1, 2023 all BC Municipalities and Regional Districts are required to meet Energy Step Code 3, or higher by agreement. At the same time BC introduced a 4-tier Emissions Level measure called the Zero Carbon Step Code. As of July 1, 2024 Victoria, Saanich, CRD, CVRD, RDN, Duncan, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island have opted for Zero Carbon Step Code EL-4 that can be achieved using a Heat Pump plus electrical hot water.

New Home Construction Building Permits

  1. Start by emailing your home plans to Airtight Energy in preparation for a Building Permit.
  2. Have us test the mid-construction home after the envelope is insulated and sealed, but before the Gyproc boarding, to reveal any air leakage holes.
  3. Book us to complete the Step Code testing and finalize the As-built reports to certify the efficiency and receive the Occupancy Permit.
BC Energy Step Code | Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Building Permits
Home Renovation Rebates contractor energy upgrades

The Canada Greener Homes Loan

This $40,000 zero-interest 10-year Canada Greener Homes Loan program was a 2022 still open alternative to the closed federal $5,000 Greener Homes Grant. Loan benefits include up to $15,000 of interest cost elimination, plus BC and Municipal rebates for Solar, Heat Pumps, Windows, Insulation, for a combined over $20,000 in savings.

Airtight Energy Advisors evaluates your home with building-science based data collection to reveal opportunities and options for improving the energy efficiency of your home. We are on the BC list of Program Qualified Energy Advisors and can test both Single-Family and Multi-Unit-Residential-Buildings, (MURB) where 2 or more units are stacked.

  • Discover Solutions for Your Home to improve comfort, indoor health, and lower utility bills;
  • Access Home Renovation Rebates and become eligible for low interest financing options;
  • Discover which upgrades will reduce your energy use the most based on your priorities;
  • Make the informed Decisions when choosing a energy products or services.

Heat Loss – Heat Gain Calculations

HVAC and energy conservation trades like Solar Installers are invited to discuss customer needs with us. Airtight Energy Advisor brings high value to your projects using building science and our 10-years experience with Passive House, Net Zero Energy, Built Green, LEED, and other building standards that now fit into the BC Energy Step Code, Canada Greener Homes Grant & Loans, and Better Homes BC rebates.

  • Calculate Heat Loss/Gains equivalent CSA-F280;
  • Collaborate design plans in PDF, Bluebeam, and Sketch Up;
  • Create Radiant Heating design, and Mechanical Designs;
  • Model energy choices like electric vs gas fuel systems, and
  • Heat Pump system evaluation
Heat Loss - Heat Gain Calculation for Heat Pumps
EnerGuide Labeling of Homes Nanaimo Victoria

EnerGuide Labeling of Homes – Realtors

Airtight Energy Advisors can evaluate a resale home on Vancouver Island quickly at the time of sale to produce the nationally recognized EnerGuide home efficiency certification label. We use building-science based data collection expertise to reveal opportunities and options for improving the energy efficiency of the home. We are on the BC list of Program Qualified Energy Advisors and can test both Single-Family and Multi-Unit-Residential-Buildings, (MURB) where 2 or more units are stacked.

  • Discover Solutions for Your Home to improve comfort, indoor health, and lower utility bills;
  • Access Home Renovation Rebates and become eligible for low interest financing options;
  • Discover which upgrades will reduce your energy use the most based on your priorities;
  • Make the informed Decisions when buying or selling a home on MLS.