The Town strongly supports initiatives that promote energy efficiency and high environmental performance for civic buildings. The Town also prioritizes public engagement strategies to encourage green building practices and is part of a comprehensive campaign to address the long-term sustainability of Qualicum Beach.
The BC Energy Step Code is a part of the BC Building Code. The Step Code establishes a series of measurable, performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for construction that builders can choose to build to, As of May 1, 2023, the BC Building Code requires 20%-better energy efficiency (Step 3) for most new buildings in B.C. Town Council has directed staff to prepare Bylaws and Policies to implement the highest level of the Energy Step Code (Step 5) on January 1, 2027.
The Zero Carbon Step Code is a flexible, predictable plan to help all new buildings reach zero emissions by 2030. It complements the BC Energy Step Code by reducing emissions while improving energy efficiency. Together, they make buildings that are cleaner, more energy efficient, and affordable to operate. Town Council has directed staff to prepare Bylaws and Policies to implement the highest level of the Zero Carbon Step Code (EL4) on January 1, 2025.
