As mentioned in previous updates, on September 25th, Council adopted the updated framework and timeline on the potential approach to advance Energy Step Code (ESC) and Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) requirements for new developments. The effective date for these changes would be January 1st, 2025. 

The City of Port Moody held an engagement session with UDI in August, of which the feedback can be viewed here. More information can be found in the full report by City staff. 

August 1, 2024

At City Initiatives and Planning Committee on July 16th, Council directed staff to report back with a framework and timeline on the potential approach to advance Energy Step Code (ESC) and Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) requirements for new developments. The effective date for these changes would be January 1st, 2025. 

Potential Implementation Timeline for the ESC and ZCSC 

Part 3 Buildings: 

Part 9 Buildings: 

In-stream Protection Provisions 

In-stream rezoning applications progressing to Second Reading by December 31st, 2024, would not be subject to the new requirements. Applications that have received zoning adoption but do not have a Building Permit (BP) would also not be subject to the new requirements.  

Electrical Grid Capacity for ZCSC 

Regarding various concerns around provincial capacity to meet future needs amongst the electrification of vehicles and heating/cooling systems, following is a summary of actions BC Hydro has reported to address these concerns: 

• BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan lays out what load growth will look like and how the Utility will supply the province with clean electricity considering accelerated electrification measures; 
• Site C hydro dam will be added to help meet growning demand next year; 
• BC Hydro’s competitive Call for Power underway;  
• Additional actions such as accelerating or extending the timing of several near-term actions, including actions on energy efficiency, demand response, industrial load curtailment, electricity purchase agreement renewals and utility-scale batteries; 
• BC Hydro’s 10-Year Capital Plan containing infrastructure investments across BC; and 
• BC Hydro reporting they are investing $7.2 billion in the Lower Mainland. 

In transitioning towards full building electrification, the City noted various training and resources that could be beneficial to the Building Industry including:   

• BCIT, UNBC, and Vancouver Island University offer hands-on courses to teach building industry professionals how to build more energy-efficient buildings; 
• BC Housing incorporated the BC Energy Step Code into its continuing professional development requirements for homebuilders; 
• Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) and the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC) created compliance tools, templates, and professional practice guidelines; 
• The Building Officials Association of BC (BOABC) and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association - British Columbia (CHBA-BC) now include both step codes in their training; 
• The Step Code Committee and its subcommittees support implementation with research and guidance; and 
• ZEBx and the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre provide ongoing resources for industry and local governments to help the building community design and build to the ESC and ZCSC helping support the transition. 

The City is looking to engage with UDI in August, please reach out if you are interested in attending. 

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