The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial regulation that consists of a series of steps representing increasing levels of energy efficiency performance. The metrics vary by climate zone and measure a building’s airtightness, heating needs, and mechanical system efficiency.
The BC Energy Step Code groups these energy-efficiency requirements into a series of “steps."
These five steps entail modeling energy performance and measuring airtightness to ensure that a building will meet or exceed the minimum energy-efficiency requirements in the base BC Building Code. The highest step represents a “net-zero energy-ready” standard – a standard that is being met by the most energy-efficient projects being developed today.
The local governments across the lower mainland have made it mandatory for builders to meet one or more steps of the BC Energy Step Code as an alternative to the BC Building Code’s prescriptive requirements.
5 BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING BC STEP CODE (ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES):
1. Lower Energy Bills
Lower energy consumption reduces your operating costs and protects you from future increases in energy prices.
2. Better Investment
An energy-efficient home is number three of the top ten desired features for home buyers and offers better value than typical resale homes.
3. Healthier Living
Using heat or energy recovery ventilators is a typical feature of high-performance homes to manage fresh air in your home.
4. Better Comfort
A building envelope that is more airtight and better insulated helps you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
5. Reduced Environmental Impact
Energy-efficient homes use less energy, which means fewer greenhouse gases and negative impacts on the environment and climate change.
Contact us for more details: info@aklhomes.ca