New Zero Carbon Step Code for buildings in B.C. could have major benefits for environment, homeowners

New zero carbon step code

Photo: Jim Boyd

Janet Parkins with the heat pump that heats and cools her home.

The Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC), introduced in May 2023, is a new addition to the B.C. Building Code.

It is similar to the existing B.C. Energy Code, in that it ramps up standards over time in step and applies to new construction. The ZCSC will help Vernon meet the goals of our Climate Action Plan.

The B.C. Energy Step Code, introduced in 2017, is intended to reduce heat loss from buildings by, for instance, increasing insulation, building air tightness and window standards. The ZCSC, on the other hand, requires a reduction in fossil fuel use.

Over time, electric heat pumps, electric water heaters and electric ranges will be required to replace furnaces, water heaters and ranges that use natural gas. Together, the two step codes will create buildings that are cleaner, more energy efficient and more affordable to operate.

The B.C. Energy Step Code is mandatory, while the ZCSC is currently optional. The province plans to start mandating different ZCSC levels as early as this year, and “zero carbon” new construction will be mandatory by 2030, as dictated by CleanBC.

In 2017, 30% of Vernon’s GHG emissions came from buildings. Space heating was responsible for 64% of building emissions, water heating contributed 35% and cooking added 1%.

There are many benefits of zero-carbon homes including including:

• Lower construction costs and high performance—All-electric buildings can be designed and constructed for less than the average cost of similar code-minimum buildings and those costs can be expected to fall further as high-performance construction becomes standard.

• Lower energy bills—Electric heat pumps are the most affordable option for most households in the long-term. If a home is gas free, there is no gas hookup charge and no basic daily fee for gas connection. A gas-free home will avoid future carbon tax increases. Heat pumps are currently more expensive than gas furnaces but when properly designed and installed, a heat pump can quickly provide a return on investment.

• Heating and cooling—Electric heat pumps heat and cool, replacing both furnace and air conditioner, providing year-round comfort. Heat pumps are two to three times more efficient than traditional electric air conditioners, which means lower cooling costs. In an area where most new homes are air-conditioned, it is practically and economically beneficial to install one appliance that can heat and cool as opposed to two separate appliances.

• Avoiding costly upgrades—Building emission and energy standards are becoming increasingly more stringent. Installing low emission appliances in new buildings avoids future complicated and costly retrofits.

• Higher property values—A “zero-carbon” energy efficient home with low utility bills that will not need upgrading will be worth more on the real estate market.

• Health and comfort benefits—All-electric buildings promote healthier and more comfortable living spaces adapted to both cold winters and warmer summers. Heat pumps keep homes at a consistent temperature and are now efficient to -35 C. Heat pumps provide superior air quality during wildfire smoke events.

B.C. Hydro is prepared for our transition to an electrified future. FortisBC has been promoting renewable natural gas (RNG) as a sustainable solution. RNG is methane, captured from landfills or other decaying organic material. It is expensive to produce, is prone to leakage from pipelines and other infrastructure and will never be more than a tiny fraction of our gas supply. It should be reserved for uses that are not easy to electrify.

Hydrogen is also not a viable alternative for heating homes. It is more expensive, less efficient than heat pumps and corrodes pipes.

We need more skilled tradespeople, builders and contractors who are familiar with this technology. Skilled trades training grants are available through the B.C. Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. Workshops and training for builders are widely available through many organizations in B.C.

So far, 28 local governments, as well as UBC and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation are implementing the ZCSC. These jurisdictions represent a wide range of climate zones and population sizes throughout B.C.’s south coast, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan.

It could be an advantage for Vernon to adopt higher levels of the ZCSC into its timeline before the province requires it to give tradespeople, builders and contractors advance notice and time to prepare.

Janet Parkins is a member of Climate Action Now! and Frack Free BC.

Photo: Step Code Council/Ministry of Housing

The Zero Carbon Step Code, Steps 2 to 4 (Step 1 requires simply monitoring energy use).