What is Step Code?

The BC Energy Step Code is currently an energy efficiency standard in the BC Building Code. The Province of BC has committed to taking incremental steps to increase energy-efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code to make new buildings net-zero energy ready by 2032. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is getting ready for this change and is here to help you adapt.

You will find the following information available on the engagement site www.rdosregionalconnections.ca/step-code under the Documents section:

• Fact sheets
• Consumer Guides
• How to find an Energy Advisor
• Case studies
• Planning airtight building playbooks

Check out the Guide to Step Code Compliance from the RDOS and FortisBC. This video demonstrates specific techniques and strategies on how to build to higher steps of the Step Code, how to run a blower door test, and tips and advice from senior building officials. The video also highlights useful techniques on how to build energy-efficient, beautiful homes in the Okanagan region. The video is broken down into chapters, see times below.

00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Table of Contents
01:39 - Six Basic Strategies
02:26 - Boost Insulation
05:39 - Managing Thermal Bridges
08:24 - Ventilate Smartly
10:35 - Air Barriers & Blower Door Tests
15:22 - Mid-Point Blower Door Test
20:00 - Final Blower Door Test
22:53 - Minding Your Machines
26:18 - Climate Zones
27:43 - Doors & Windows
29:32 - Compliance Timeline
30:33 - Outro

Thank you to the following for their support in this video production:

Evan Phillips, E. Phillips Contracting
Gerry Sawkins, 3West Building Energy Consultants
Fortis BC, for their generous support of this video project.

Mid Construction Blower Door Test Incentive

Update: The RDOS is no longer accepting new applications for Mid Construction Blower Door Tests (MCBDT). Applications received before June 27, 2023, will be processed.

The RDOS previously offered a grant to cover the costs of this test for eligible builders, up to a maximum of $400. This test provides instant feedback where breaches in the air barrier have occurred, giving the builder the opportunity to correct the issue prior to the drywall being installed.

For further information, please call Mark Petry, RDOS Building and Enforcement Services Manager at 250-490-4126 or email buildinginfo@rdos.bc.ca.