Vancouver Luncheon: The Energy Step Code: BC’s ‘envelope first’ approach to Net Zero Energy Ready buildings

About the Presenter:
Zachary D. May, MBA
A/Director, Policy and Codes Development
Building and Safety Standards Branch

Zachary May is the acting Director of Policy and Codes Development with the Building and Safety Standards Branch. He is a member of the national standing committee for housing and small buildings (Part 9) with the National Research Council and participates in a number of provincial construction-related committees. In his role with the Building and Safety Standards Branch he leads a technical team responsible for developing and maintaining the BC Building Code, including the recently adopted Energy Step Code.

About the Topic:
The Energy Step Code: BC’s ‘envelope first’ approach to Net Zero Energy Ready buildings  

The Energy Step Code was introduced in April 2017 as a voluntary compliance option in the BC Building Code. This new standard maps out how British Columbia will make the transition to Net Zero Energy Ready buildings over the next 15 years. This performance standard places an emphasis on the performance of the building envelope, and requires energy modelling and air tightness testing for all buildings. This presentation will provide an update on how local governments will be using the Energy Step Code in bylaws and policies, and supports available for trades and professionals. The presenation will also provide a summary of research into the costs and technical impacts of the Energy Step Code.

Information and resources related to the Energy Step Code are available at www.gov.bc.ca/buildingcodes

Seminar Presentation:

The Energy Step Code: BC’s ‘envelope first’ approach to Net Zero Energy Ready buildings

Zachary D. May Building and Safety Standards Branch

Sept 2017