BC Energy Step Code has three requirement categories:
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Air tightness
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Equipment
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Envelope
The charts below show the specific metric targets for a Zone 4, 2000 sqft house at each step level. Higher Steps often offer more flexibility, not less.
Zero Carbon Step Code
Four performance steps; Two pathways to qualify
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Measure Only (EL-1)
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Moderate Carbon Performance (EL-2)
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Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3)
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Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4)
Prescriptive Path
Electric appliances required at each performance level:
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EL-1: No specific requirements.
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EL-2: Requires electric space heating.
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EL-3: Adds electric water heating.
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EL-4: Requires a fully electric home.
Performance Path
This path sets greenhouse gas (GHG) limits for each Step. Builders can meet these targets by meeting either of two metrics. A Registered Energy Advisor must calculate and confirm compliance.
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EL-1 (Measure Only): No GHG target.
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EL-2 (Moderate): 1,050 kg CO₂e/year or 6.0 kg/m²/year (up to 2,400 kg total).
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EL-3 (Strong): 440 kg CO₂e/year or 2.5 kg/m²/year (up to 800 kg total).
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EL-4 (Zero Carbon): 265 kg CO₂e/year or 1.5 kg/m²/year (up to 500 kg total).