In force. Since March 2025 most new buildings must meet Zero Carbon EL-1 or better.
A different qualification is required
This one needs a specific professional or accreditation. The detail is in the page above.
Ask us which one you need
What it is
This is not a rebate, it is the law, and it is why builders call us. Since March 2025 most new buildings in British Columbia must meet or exceed EL-1 of the Zero Carbon Step Code, which makes emissions reporting a baseline deliverable on essentially every new-build file. On the performance path you need a whole-building energy model before the design is finalised, and for Part 3 buildings the carbon intensity comes out of that model.
We will not quote you a single province-wide step number, because there isn't one. The step that applies depends on the building type and on your municipality, several of which require more than the provincial minimum. Tell us the address and we will tell you what it has to hit.
Dates and status
The Zero Carbon Step Code minimum has applied since 10 March 2025. The Energy Step Code stepped up in May 2023.
- Zero Carbon Step Code levels EL-1 to EL-4
- Energy Step Code trajectory: net-zero-energy-ready by 2032
Checked 22 Sep 2026Province of British Columbia ↗