Building new homes to higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code

Photo credits: LSP Media
We’re helping home builders and developers achieve Step 5 with our new home construction rebates. Learn more about how the New Home Program has evolved over the years and read our case studies to see how builders are constructing high-performance homes with advanced building envelopes and energy-efficient space and water heating.
New Home Program: 10 plus years and going strong
Since 2011, the New Home Program has been offering rebates to builders to encourage them to build energy-efficient homes. The program has evolved over the years—as have energy-efficiency requirements—and in 2018, we aligned it with the BC Energy Step Code. In 2020, we added the Design Offer to encourage collaboration through an integrated design process and uptake of building envelope and mechanical design. These activities all help contribute to a project’s successful achievement of Step 3, 4 or 5.
We’ve got rebates
Get details on all the rebates and options available through the New Home Program.
Case studies: how builders are reaching higher steps
Regardless of the energy source used for heating and cooling, constructing a high-performance home starts with a building envelope that uses advanced airtightness layers and innovative insulation options.
These case studies demonstrate how home builders across BC are achieving higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code, with help from energy advisors and our New Home Program.
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Step 5, detached home, Campbell River The builder incorporated passive solar design, strategically placed windows and overhangs and made careful material selections. |
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Step 5, detached home, Quesnel Located in one of BC’s colder regions, this home achieved Step 5 by investing in the building envelope using insulated concrete foundation forms, double-framed 2x4 walls and additional rigid insulation. |
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Step 5, detached home, Kimberley The builder/owner incorporated passive solar design, Scandinavian architecture that minimizes the surface area of exterior walls and double-framed 2x4 exterior walls with three layers of R14 insulation. |
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Steps 4 and 5, duplex, Kimberley The homes in this seven-unit duplex project achieved Steps 4 and 5. The builder worked closely with an energy advisor throughout the project to incorporate passive solar and a high level of airtightness, building a Step 5 home for an additional $15,000. |
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Step 4, detached home, Campbell River By working with an energy advisor, the builder achieved Step 4 with improved airtightness, insulated concrete forms, R22 batt insulation and a high-quality commercial-grade air barrier. |
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Step 3, laneway home, North Vancouver This laneway home achieved Step 3 despite the limitations of municipal bylaws and a smaller plot. The home incorporated strategic window placements and meticulously installed air barrier and spray foam insulation. A compact mechanical system was needed to maximize living space in this home. |
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Step 3, detached home, Maple Ridge Having limited experience with the BC Energy Step Code, this builder was motivated by a desire to build a more energy-efficient home. They built two similar homes in the same subdivision, one to BC Building Code and the other to Step 3, which was achieved by focusing on the building envelope and airtightness. |
Renewable Natural Gas for new homes
Building a new home with natural gas provides your homebuyers with low-carbon options for their home’s energy needs, now and into the future. We’re increasing our supplies of low-carbon Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)1 and are working toward our goal of having 75 per cent of the gas in our system as renewable and low-carbon by 2050.
Energy solutions managers are here to help
Not sure what rebate path is right for you or want to learn how an energy advisor can help you achieve a higher level of energy efficiency? Before breaking ground, contact a FortisBC energy solutions manager in your region.
Cities | Contact |
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Vancouver to Whistler; plus Richmond, Burnaby and New Westminster |
Wayne Cankovic |
Delta, Langley, White Rock, Surrey |
Christopher Hsiang |
Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody |
Rob Zelisko |
Cities | Contact |
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Capital Regional District | Spencer Evans |
Mid-Island (Malahat to Lantzville and Port Alberni | Jeff Coulombe |
North Island and Sunshine Coast (Nanoose Bay to Campbell River, Powell River and Sechelt-Gibsons) | Greg Enns |
Cities | Contact |
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East Kootenays, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan and Similkameen | Wade Benner Tel: 250-868-4554 Cell: 250-215-4564 Toll free: 1-855-868-4554 [email protected] |
North Okanagan, Cariboo, Peace, Thompson-Nicola (including Revelstoke) and West Kootenays | Peter Hill |
1Renewable Natural Gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It’s derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create Renewable Natural Gas (also called biomethane).