New Homes and BC Step Code Compliance | Thrive Energy (Mockup)

BC Energy Step Code Compliance, Done Right the First Time

Registered Energy Advisors serving the Okanagan and BC Interior. We help builders claim up to $20,000 per door in FortisBC rebates.

Get a Free Quote How Compliance Works

$15,000 per door, Step 4

$20,000 per door, Step 5

$1,000 Integrated Design Process incentive

Rebates via FortisBC New Home Program. Eligibility and conditions apply.

Step Compliance Incentives

Maximize Incentives with Step Compliance

At Thrive Energy, we check every project to see if it already qualifies for a higher Step tier. Many carriage homes and straightforward designs meet Step 4 parameters without added cost or compromise.

We want every project to claim every rebate it's entitled to. Send us your plans and we'll tell you where you stand.

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BC Step Code Part 9 Compliance Checklist

BC Step Code Compliance Path

The Compliance Stages Explained

Under the BC Energy Step Code (Part 9 residential), two compliance reports are required at key permitting milestones. A third mid-construction checkpoint is highly recommended, and is required or incentivized by a growing number of BC municipalities.

Required for Building Permit

Pre-Construction Compliance

Design stage energy model
Pre-Construction Compliance Report required for your building permit application
3 business day turnaround for single-family dwellings
Quote matching available

Highly Recommended

Mid-Construction Verification

On-site blower door test and air barrier inspection
Performed before drywall goes up
Thermal imaging when applicable, up to 2 hours on site
Mid-Construction Compliance Report with findings and recommendations
Required or incentivized by a growing number of BC municipalities. Check your local requirements.

Required for Occupancy Permit

As-Built Compliance

Final blower door test
Confirmation of assemblies and mechanicals
As-Built Compliance Report required for your occupancy permit application
EnerGuide label and Homeowner Information Sheet included

Pre-Construction and As-Built reports are required for BC Energy Step Code compliance. Mid-Construction testing is best practice and catches costly air sealing issues before they're buried behind drywall.

What We Offer

Our Step Code Services

Everything you need to hit your target Step, secure your permits, and claim your rebates.

Pre-Construction Compliance Reports

Energy modelling and reporting so your building permit is issued without delay.

Mid-Construction Blower Door Testing

Air leakage identification and thermal imaging before drywall closes up the envelope.

As-Built Compliance Testing

Final blower door test, compliance report, EnerGuide label, and homeowner binder content.

CSA F280-12 Heat Load Calculations

Accurate room by room new construction and retrofit block load calculations.

Integrated Design Process

Certified IDP facilitation. BC offers a $1,000 incentive for using an IDP facilitator.

Rebate Navigation

We help you identify and claim every FortisBC and CleanBC rebate your project qualifies for.

Why Builders Choose Thrive Energy

Registered Energy Advisors

Program qualified and NRCan registered.

3 Day Turnaround

Pre-Construction reports for single-family dwellings.

Quote Matching

Get the best rate without sacrificing quality.

Okanagan Local

Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops and throughout the BC Interior.

Common Questions

New Homes Step Code FAQ

When do I need to involve an Energy Advisor?

As early as possible, ideally at the design stage. The Pre-Construction Compliance Report must be submitted with your building permit application, so engaging an Energy Advisor before finalizing drawings avoids rework and delays.

What's the difference between Step 4 and Step 5?

Both exceed BC Building Code minimums. Step 5 is the highest performance tier under the BC Energy Step Code (net zero energy ready) and requires tighter airtightness and more efficient mechanical systems than Step 4. The FortisBC rebate reflects the difference: $15,000 per door for Step 4 and $20,000 per door for Step 5.

Do carriage homes or small infill projects qualify for rebates?

Often, yes. Many simple, compact designs already meet Step 4 parameters with no added cost. Send us your plans and we'll review eligibility at no obligation.

How long does a blower door test take?

Plan for up to 2 hours on site, including setup, depressurization testing, air leakage identification, and thermal imaging where applicable.

Is mid-construction testing required?

Not provincially. Only the Pre-Construction and As-Built compliance reports are required under the BC Energy Step Code. However, a growing number of BC municipalities require or incentivize mid-construction testing, and we strongly recommend it. It's the last chance to catch air sealing problems before drywall covers them up, when they become expensive to fix.

What is the Zero Carbon Step Code and do I need to comply?

The Zero Carbon Step Code runs in parallel with the Energy Step Code and measures greenhouse gas emissions across four levels (EL1 through EL4). Many BC municipalities now require a minimum carbon level alongside the energy step. We'll check your local requirements and include both on your compliance reports.

What is CSA F280-12 and why do I need it?

CSA F280-12 is the Canadian standard for calculating residential heating and cooling loads. An accurate room by room calculation is required for properly sized mechanical systems and is typically requested by the BC Building Code and HVAC designers.

Let's Thrive Together

Contact Thrive Energy today to see how we can help you hit your target Step and maximize your rebates.

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