BC Energy Step Code
Compliance
All new construction projects in BC must comply with the BC Energy Step Code, and we have you covered. We are energy efficiency experts that will assist your project through the building process in meeting the desired steps of the BC Energy Step Code.
Learn More about Step CodeThree-Stage Assessment
Pre-Construction Assessment
We help finalize your plans by creating a computerized model of your project to determine its energy-efficiency requirements, and verify its ability to meet desired energy performance requirements of a given step of the BC Energy Step Code. We assist builders in becoming "energy literate" regarding their projects by calculating how much energy a proposed building is expected to use, and what assemblies will allow you to reach your goals.
Mid-Construction Assessment
Also known as a "Pre-Drywall Blower Door Test", this is incorporated as a fundamental key part of your planning process. Air leakage can be identified early in the building construction process which will save you time and money. When air leakages are found prior to hanging drywall, there is nothing in the way of finding and fixing every single hole — ensuring an airtight building envelope every time.
Post-Construction Assessment
At this stage we complete a final blower door test and assessment to finalize your project's compliance with its targeted step of the BC Energy Step Code. The builder is provided with a full compliance report, EnerGuide Label, and Homeowner Information Sheet. We also assist in submitting any eligible rebate applications.
How We Measure Performance
Building Energy Performance
In effectively measuring your home's energy performance, the energy model accounts for the size and geometry of the building, the climate at the building's location, active and passive solar installations, the effective insulation values of assemblies such as walls, ceilings, windows and doors, and the mechanical systems that keep the house comfortable. Modeled energy consumption relates to space heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating, lighting, appliance and plug loads.
Blower Door Airtightness Testing
A blower door airtightness test effectively measures and identifies where air is leaking through a building's exterior envelope. In a typical home, air leakage can account for 25–40% of the total heat loss of the building. We utilize a specially calibrated blower door apparatus with metering equipment installed into an exterior doorway, measuring air at a 50 pascal (Pa) indoor-outdoor pressure difference — simulating approximately 33 km/h wind blowing on the house equally from all directions. Results are expressed in air changes per hour (ACH), equivalent leakage area (ELA), and normalized leakage area (NLA).
Looking For More?
We offer a range of additional services to help take your project to the next level.