This 90-page handbook, developed by RDH for the Building Officials’ Association of British Columbia and published in March 2025, delivers detailed information on applying the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code to new Part 9 residential buildings in BC. It serves as an essential tool for Building Officials and a valuable reference for builders, designers, and local governments in BC.
Like the 2019 version of the handbook, Version 2.0 provides an overview of the BC Step Code, the principles of a performance-based code, and the code compliance process/roles. The updated content reflects the latest code amendments, offers more guidance on following the Step Codes in various jurisdictions, and discusses airtightness, energy modelling, and Zero Carbon Step Code metrics and compliance pathways. Version 2.0 is also enhanced with new examples, best practices, illustrations, example “redline” details, and detailed checklists for building officials.