Achieving Compliance with the BC Energy Step Code through Design (online)

We will discuss how to understand how house size/ ratio/orientation and window size/orientation can impact home energy performance and construction cost, including for a diverse range of Part 9 housing types.

We will discuss a list of common BC design and construction approaches that might have to be adjusted as Step 3 of the BCESC becomes code minimum, and as the BCESC progresses up to Step 5 with an increased focus on resilience

We will discuss how to communicate effectively to a diverse project team the key characteristics that should be considered at early-stage design for each of the building elements and track these decisions before permitting.

We will discuss how to compare mechanical systems that may become more common with Step 3 houses and beyond including their impact on energy use, and the home’s characteristics that impact mechanical design

So ultimately, builders would be able to explain to team members and clients the basic considerations for designing and building to the BCESC both for Step 3 and beyond, including considerations for future climate readiness, market expectations, potential cost implications, diverse building types, and future code readiness.

We will discuss how to estimate overall relative energy usage based on house shapes and ratios without knowing specific thermal or mechanical performance numbers.

We will discuss how to suggest improvements and potential optimization of a building’s overall design to help more easily achieve code requirements while considering the diversity of building types and occupants.

We will discuss how to identify key detailing and building form elements that can impact air tightness, thermal performance, and mechanical system installation.

We will discuss how to evaluate energy model metrics that can indicate heating and cooling thermal comfort for the occupant, including ventilation parameters

So ultimately, builders would be able to assess qualitatively a building’s likelihood of meeting various performance requirements of the BC Energy Step Code based on its design elements.

Upon completion of this module, builders would have a better understanding of how architectural and mechanical design choices can have a significant impact on certain building performance parameters, which can either help or hinder compliance as well as impact overall cost.

This course is not equivalent to the eight training modules that were developed by BC Housing to prepare builders to build to Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code. Completion of this courses will not satisfy the step code condition placed on general contractor licenses by BC Housing.