The BC Energy Step Code (BCESC) will be implemented at Step 3 on May 1st, 2023, through an amendment to the BC Building Code. This means that all building within the scope of the BCESC will be reviewed for energy efficiency through a performance path, instead of the prescriptive path that has been available up until this time. The Town of Smithers will be requiring subject building to comply with these requirements as of May 1st, 2023. Any building permit application for a building subject to BCESC submitted as of May 1st, 2023, will require a pre-construction compliance report from a certified Energy Advisor (EA) as part of the application documentation.
Practically, this means that every new house must be energy modelled and tested for air tightness as part of the construction and permitting process. The modelling and testing will be performed by a certified EA, who will submit reports to the Town of Smithers building department confirming compliance with the BC Building Code.
Information about the BCESC can be found at the following link: https://energystepcode.ca/
A list of Energy Advisors can be found at the following link (location must be Regional District of Bulkley Nechako) https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/ea/
Please forward any questions to the Building Inspector:
Morgan Widen
mwiden@smithers.ca
(250) 847-1600