As mentioned in previous updates, on December 11th, Council adopted proposed changes to the Building Bylaw to include increased Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements effective January 1st, 2024, 2025, and 2027.

At the July 10th meeting, Council directed staff to bring forward for Council’s consideration a bylaw to implement as of January 1st, 2024, with the options of:

• A two-option framework for Part 9 buildings requiring either: (1) Step 5 of the ESC; or (2) Step 3 with ‘Zero Carbon’ under the ZCSC; and
• Carbon measurement only, for Part 3 buildings regardless of which ESC step they achieve.

Staff were also directed to engage with interested parties to secure feedback on the support needed to implement proposed targets in 2025 and 2027 to reach the highest steps of the ESC and ZCSC by 2030. Information on this can be found in the summary of the consultation.

The following table presents a summarized implementation timeline of the ESC and ZCSC steps that would be adopted through the amendment bylaw:

Adopting a timeline to 2027 provides transparency to builders and developers about the upcoming requirements. Implementing the ZCSC aligns with the City’s climate action strategies, and increasing the ESC at the same time will reduce electricity demands and reduce ongoing operating costs.

Regarding the next steps, staff will continue to deliver capacity-building within the builder community by:

• Providing and advertising training opportunities available through BCIT, Zero Emissions Building Centre (ZEBx) and Energy Save New West;
• Offering subsidized training opportunities to builders and trades;
• Delivering Builder Breakfasts focusing speakers on topics identified in the survey;
• Working with neighboring municipalities to provide joint learning opportunities and a regional perspective; and
• Evaluating additional supports as needed on an ongoing basis.

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.