How Effective is the Zero Carbon Step Code?

By December 2024, 30 local communities in BC have completely implemented the ZCSC. Vancouver recently decided to keep Energy Level 4 ( EL-4 which is the highest level) for single-family homes and small commercial buildings, and Energy Level 3 (EL-3) for multi-unit residences and larger buildings.

Why have municipalities decided to adopt the Zero Carbon Step Code when it is not mandatory?

Electrification lowers GHG emissions, which are pollutants.

House built with all electric appliances has an emission reduction of 99%.

Choosing EL-3 or above reduces harmful emissions by 98%.

There are two building Step Codes: the Energy Step Code which determines energy efficiency (focusing on insulation and building envelope) and the Zero Carbon Step Code which determines GHGs emitted by a building (employing electric rather than gas appliances). A building can still emits high levels of GHGs under the Energy Step Code.

Builders have a choice to build to a higher Energy Step Code which can be more expensive and time consuming while hooking a building to gas infrastructure. Or they can reduce construction time and emissions by providing heat pumps (which provide clean air heating and cooling), heat pump or electric hot water heaters, and induction or electric ranges.

With hefty FortisBC rebates of $10-20,000 to builders, they convince home owners to install dual-fuel heating systems (heat pumps with gas furnaces - not necessary in large areas of BC). Those buildings will be polluting our air for 20 to 50 years and having a fixed monthly utility cost, even in months when they don’t use gas.

Gas ranges have been proven to release methane and nitrogen dioxide into homes even when not used for cooking. These fumes especially affect children's health by contributing to asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Induction ranges are being embraced by top chefs and restaurants. They heat only the pots or pans, thereby greatly the reducing the kitchen air temperature. They also heat up and turn off quickly, saving costs for use and there is no indoor air pollution, ensuring staff stay healthy.

Every BC community needs to adopt strong emissions reduction building regulations – Zero Carbon Step Code EL-3 or EL-4 - to protect home owners,