Energy-efficient homes in BC: the Step Code, testing, and heating

What is inside

1. Overview

   Energy-efficient homes in BC: what the rules require, and how a home's energy use is measured.

2. Part 1

   BC Energy Step Code levels: what Steps 3, 4 and 5 require, and what each Metro Vancouver city asks for

   The numbers behind Steps 3, 4 and 5, the four carbon levels, and a city-by-city table.

3. Part 2

   Energy modelling and testing for new homes in BC: the energy advisor, the model, the blower door test and the EnerGuide label

   Who the energy advisor is, what the model and the blower door test do, and how to read an EnerGuide label.

4. Part 3

   Walls, windows and air: insulation, thermal bridging, airtightness and heat recovery ventilation in BC homes

   Effective insulation values, thermal bridges, window ratings, the air barrier and heat recovery ventilation.

5. Part 4

   Heating, cooling and hot water in BC's energy-efficient homes: heat pumps, the 26°C cooling rule and gas limits

   Heating and cooling rules, heat pumps in the code, the 26°C rule, and when gas still fits.

6. Part 5

   Passive House and net zero homes in BC: the criteria, and how they compare with Step 5

   Passive House numbers, the Net Zero and Net Zero Ready labels, and how each relates to Step 5.

7. Part 6

   Making an existing home more energy-efficient in BC: the evaluation, staged upgrades, and the rebates open in October 2026

   The EnerGuide evaluation, upgrades in stages, local renovation rules, and rebates as of 24 October 2026.