On March 8, 2024, the Province’s 2024 editions of the BC Building Code came into effect. Overall, there are no changes to the technical requirements for the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code. However, the boundaries between two climate zones changed slightly to better align with climatic values published in the National Building Code of Canada. 

The following communities that were in Climate Zone 5 are now in Climate Zone 4:

• Comox
• Courtenay
• Hope
• Ladysmith
• Nanaimo
• Parksville
• Qualicum Beach

Further information may be found in Table C-2 of Division B, Appendix C (p. 764 of the BC Building Code 2024). Local governments may choose different climatic values that are a better match for local conditions.

To learn about other changes in the BC Building Code 2024, visit the BC Codes homepage.

The program ended on February 12th. Applicants at ‘eligibility confirmed’ status, with an AP# will still be able to proceed, but it is recommended that they do so soon. Contact us for your first blower door test.

• 510,000 + applications received.
• $700 M + in grants issued to date.
• Average grant of $4,242.
• Up to $40,000 loan is still available and requires energy evaluations too.

Neil Moody, CEO, explained it is estimated that there will be 4,500 unfilled jobs in the residential construction industry in B.C. in 2024. These labour shortages may cause a delay in projects and could increase building costs and housing prices.

You can read the full article here.

The winter public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes is now open and the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) encourages your participation in the review.

The proposed changes included in this public review address various topics in the National Building Code of Canada, the National Plumbing Code of Canada, the National Fire Code of Canada, and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. If approved, the code changes will be included in the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes.

The public review runs until April 29, 2024.

Proposed change topics include:

• Adaptable and visitable dwelling units
• Airtightness
• Alteration of existing buildings
• Earthquake loads and effects
• Energy use intensity compliance path
• Greenhouse gas emissions

CHBA National is hosting a webinar series to inform members about the proposed changes to the 2025 National Codes.

Register Here

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