Lesson series
Overview and Requirements of the BC Energy Step Code (online)
We will discuss how to present evidence to team members and clients that modeled projected climate conditions indicate a need for houses with improved home energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort.
We will discuss how to compare at a high level the energy use, durability, occupant comfort characteristics, and potential broader climate impacts of “business-as-usual” houses with those of Step 3 or higher houses, including for a diverse range of Part 9 housing formats and users.
So ultimately, builders would be able to recognize the importance of building housing in BC that responds to climate change through energy efficiency, durability, and comfort, for a diverse range of occupants.
We will discuss how to explain to a layperson how the BCESC compliance pathway works, its origin, and the need for a code that regulates energy efficiency.
We will discuss how to explain to a diverse range of clients and team members how the BCESC compliance pathway can offer value both financially and in comfort to end-users, especially in the context of future climate conditions and its impact on at-risk populations.
We will discuss how to identify how a performance-based BCESC Step 3 compliant home’s design and construction process is different from a current prescriptive-based building, the benefits in increased flexibility, and how it can effectively accommodate a diverse range of Parts 9 house formats.
We will discuss how to list the owner/occupant benefits of a home built to BCESC Step 3 or higher from an energy usage and building operation perspective.
So ultimately, builders would be able to formulate an appropriate explanation for team members and clients from diverse backgrounds on how the BC Energy Step Code works, its benefits, its origin, and its primary goals.
We will discuss how to identify the primary building design characteristics that contribute to a building’s ability to meet the requirements of Step 3 and above, and potential challenges associated with diverse Part 9 housing formats and locations in BC.
We will discuss how to check that a building energy model reported energy usage metrics to comply with Step 3 BCESC requirements and be able to translate the outcomes of the energy report in plain language (grade 5 level) to a client/homeowner.
We will discuss how to consider greenhouse gas emissions, both for intensity and total use, from building energy fuel type, the use of low carbon non-electric fuels, and the future compliance metrics that may govern their use.
So ultimately, builders would be able to quantitatively assess a building’s BC Energy Step Code compliance based on energy modeling results using thermal and mechanical energy use metrics.
We will discuss how to assign the appropriate party for filling out sections of the compliance report and understand the typical timing of generating inputs.
We will discuss how to check compliance reports for the correctness and realistic assumptions, including for diverse building characteristics, and communicate effectively with team members to gain assurance that compliance report inputs are correct. BC Energy Step Code Training Overview
So ultimately, builders would be able to coordinate the completion of modeling, testing, submissions, and inspections needed in the BC Energy Step Code compliance process for a diverse range of Part 9 construction projects.
Upon completion of this module, builders would have a better understanding of the groundwork for the overall design and compliance process and share the motivation behind this evolution towards performance-based code. It is not intended to cover design principles for the BCESC since it is covered in Module 2.
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.