BC Energy Step Code

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial regulation that local governments can use to significantly improve the energy efficiency of new homes that will be built in their communities. It’s a series of five steps, each representing a higher level of energy efficiency. The higher the “step” a community requires its builders to reach, the more efficient its homes will be.

2019 Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL)

New homes: VBBL requires builders work with an EnerGuide Energy Advisor during design and inspection stages.

Renovations: VBBL requires that you perform energy-efficient measures when you renovate your home. Any new work must also comply with the VBBL including ventilation systems, walls, roof, and room additions. VBBL upgrades depend on the year of the home and the cost of the project. 

EnerGuide Rating

EnerGuide is a Canadian rating system for energy consumption. An EnerGuide rating, label and report will help you better understand your home’s energy efficiency and performance, which may help you lower your energy use. An EnerGuide label is an official record of your home’s energy performance, and may help increase its resale value. EnerGuide is backed by the Government of Canada, and all participating builders and Energy Advisors must be registered with Natural Resources Canada.

Air Tightness Testing

An airtightness test measures how easy it is for air to leak through a building’s enclosure. A powerful fan or “blower” is mounted into the frame of an exterior door and used to pull air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. A building is prepared for testing by blocking intentional openings such as HVAC intake and exhaust grills, kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, relief dampers, etc.  The test equipment measures the airflow and the corresponding pressure difference acting across the building enclosure.