Understanding Step Code and Zero Carbon Levels: A Comparison of CVRD and Sooke

Is the Government Dictating How You Heat Your Home? Here's What You Need to Know.

British Columbia’s BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code (EL 1-4) are transforming the way we think about building performance and sustainability. While both frameworks aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, they target slightly different aspects of building design and operation.

Let’s break down what these standards mean, then dive into a practical comparison of how they are currently applied in two Vancouver Island regions: Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and Sooke.

Step Code vs. Zero Carbon Step Code: A Quick Recap

Step Code

• Focuses on energy efficiency.

• Steps range from 1 to 5, with Step 1 requiring minimal adjustments and Step 5 achieving near-net-zero energy use.

• Prioritizes building envelope performance, air-tightness, and energy modeling.

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Zero Carbon Step Code (EL1-4)

• Targets carbon emissions reduction.

• Levels range from EL1 (basic measurement) to EL4 (zero operational emissions).

• Dictates allowable energy sources, prioritizing renewable or low-carbon systems.

  
  

• Emission Level 1 (EL1): Measure Only

  • Purpose: Requires the measurement and reporting of a building's modeled GHG emissions without mandating specific reductions.

  • Allowances: All types of heating systems, gas fireplaces, and other fossil fuel-powered equipment are permitted.

  • Requirements: Builders must calculate and report the building's anticipated GHG emissions.

    
    

  Emission Level 2 (EL2): Moderate Carbon Performance

  • Purpose: Encourages moderate reductions in GHG emissions.

  • Allowances:

    • Space Heating: Must utilize zero-carbon systems, such as electric heat pumps.

    • Water Heating and Cooking: Fossil fuel-powered systems (e.g., gas water heaters, gas stoves) are allowed.

    • Supplementary Heating: Fossil fuel-based supplementary heating equipment is permitted.

    • Redundant/Backup Equipment: Gas fireplaces and wood stoves are allowed as backup heating sources.

  • Requirements: Primary space heating systems must be zero-carbon.

    
    

  Emission Level 3 (EL3): Strong Carbon Performance

  • Purpose: Aims for significant reductions in GHG emissions.

  • Allowances:

    • Space and Water Heating: Both must use zero-carbon systems.

    • Cooking: Fossil fuel-powered cooking appliances (e.g., gas stoves) are allowed.

    • Supplementary Heating: Fossil fuel-based supplementary heating equipment is permitted.

    • Redundant/Backup Equipment: Gas fireplaces and wood stoves are allowed as backup heating sources.

  • Requirements: Primary systems for space and water heating must be zero-carbon.

    
    

  Emission Level 4 (EL4): Zero Carbon Performance

  • Purpose: Targets zero operational carbon emissions.

  • Allowances:

    • Space and Water Heating, Cooking: All must utilize zero-carbon systems.

    • Redundant/Backup Equipment: Gas fireplaces and wood stoves are allowed as backup heating sources.

  • Requirements: All primary and supplementary systems for space heating, water heating, and cooking must be zero-carbon.

    
    

  Key Definitions:

  • Principal Heating Systems: Designed to meet the building's primary heating load; must comply with the zero-carbon requirements of the respective EL.

  • Supplementary Heating Equipment: Assists the principal system when its capacity is exceeded; subject to EL-specific allowances.

  • Redundant/Backup Equipment: Independent systems not intended to meet the primary heating load (e.g., decorative fireplaces); generally permitted across all ELs.

    
    

  It's important to note that while EL2 and EL3 allow certain fossil fuel uses, EL4 mandates full electrification or the use of zero-carbon systems for all primary and supplementary building functions, excluding designated backup equipment. Builders should consult the BC Building Code and local bylaws to ensure compliance with specific requirements.

  
  

The Use Case: CVRD vs. Sooke

• CVRD: Step Code 3, Emission Level 4 (EL4)

• Sooke: Step Code 3, Emission Level 1 (EL1)

Both regions require Step Code 3, but their Emission Level (EL) policies significantly impact the practical aspects of building systems and energy sources.

Key Practical Differences

1. Heating Systems

• Sooke (EL1): Gas or propane heating systems are allowed. Builders and homeowners can still use furnaces, boilers, or gas fireplaces, as the focus at EL1 is on energy modeling rather than carbon reduction.

• CVRD (EL4): Only zero-carbon heating systems are permitted. Heat pumps or electric baseboards are required, as fossil fuels for space heating are not allowed.

2. Water Heating

• Sooke (EL1): Gas water heaters are permitted, giving more flexibility in system design.

• CVRD (EL4): Water heating must also be zero-carbon, typically using electric systems or heat pump water heaters.

3. Cooking Appliances

• Sooke (EL1): Gas stoves are allowed, offering traditional cooking preferences to residents.

• CVRD (EL4): All cooking appliances must be electric, such as induction or standard electric ranges.

4. Backup Heating and Fireplaces

• Sooke (EL1): Gas fireplaces and wood stoves are fully allowed, making it easier to include these as design features.

• CVRD (EL4): Gas fireplaces are not permitted unless they are redundant systems that do not contribute to primary heating. Backup systems must align with zero-carbon goals.

5. Environmental Impact

• Sooke (EL1): Lower emphasis on carbon reduction; still allows reliance on fossil fuels.

• CVRD (EL4): Higher environmental standards; achieving EL4 supports BC’s goals for carbon neutrality by eliminating operational emissions.

6. Cost Implications

• Sooke (EL1): Construction costs may be slightly lower due to the ability to use traditional systems like gas heating.

• CVRD (EL4): Initial costs may be higher because of the need for electric or renewable energy systems, but operating costs can be lower, and incentives may be available.

Why Does This Matter?

The differences between Step Code 3 EL1 (Sooke) and Step Code 3 EL4 (CVRD) highlight the trade-offs between energy efficiency and carbon reduction:

• Sooke prioritizes flexibility and cost-accessible building options, making it easier for developers to transition gradually.

• CVRD is setting a higher bar for sustainability, future-proofing buildings, and aligning with climate goals.

Conclusion

Builders, developers, and homeowners need to understand these standards to make informed decisions about their projects. While Sooke offers flexibility with systems like gas heating, CVRD’s commitment to zero-carbon emissions demonstrates leadership in sustainable construction.

Whether you’re building in Sooke or CVRD, embracing these codes not only helps the environment but also ensures your project aligns with evolving regulations and market expectations.

Which approach resonates with your goals? Let us know in the comments or reach out to discuss your next project!