energy efficiency

All posts tagged energy efficiency

New Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

by Bevony on 1 January 2020 Comments Off on New Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

There is a revolution happing in code development in British Columbia. The rest of Canada is also seeing this. As a result, there has been an increase in residences being built with better energy performance. There has been a 70% increase in construction over the past two years. This increase is noted by the British Columbia local government. 

The BC Energy Step Code being developed is set to be fully encompassing all new construction in British Columbia for 2032. The code has measurable performances at its root. It, however, does not prescribe specific approaches and materials. It does, however, indicate the lowest performance outcomes that are expected and each of these is grouped into the different steps of the code. Because of that builders now have this guide to using when designing and building new homes.

There are 5 steps that a home can meet according to the code. A step  5 home is the best at energy efficiency because it is the top of the tier. Due to this, the construction industry in the driver’s seat for creating the homes to meet this step code. Different experts from across the industry and at different stages of the home design to build process can help to create more efficient homes. These include architects, builders, and engineers who must all work together for a common goal. 

These professionals are not left to their own devices. They must demonstrate with an energy model how their project will meet the requirements of each step of the code.

Metrics of the BC Energy Step Code

The Range of Metrics used in the BC Energy Step Code includes TEDI and MEUI. There is also, the percentage lower than EnerGuide Reference House. As well as there is airtightness. The latter is expressed as hour at a 50-Pa (1-psf) pressure differential (ach 50).

In December 2017, the government of British Columbia indicated that by 2032 it would need all newly built buildings to meet the specified energy performance requirements. As a result, the code came into force in December 2017. It is not a mere standalone code, it is instead a part of the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) To meet the requirements, the government developed a directive that is transforming communities in the province steadily.

The BC Energy Step Code is already being used by several local governments. The number is currently growing. Because the local government as shown so much interest in the code, the province has provided alignment with the regulatory requirements and the steps of the code.

With each edition of the code, there is more stringency. As such there are changes in what is required for 2022, 2027 and 2032. This has triggered an increase in training for persons employed for different roles throughout the industry.

How the BC Energy Step Code Works

Each step of the code represents a higher amount of efficiency. Each step of energy efficiency is defined by a particular metric. It has already been made the standard in the bylaws of several communities. Each proposed new project must demonstrate its ability to meet the requirements of the current standard step.

As a result, an energy model must be submitted for any building project. This along with the necessary drawings are used for the application of a permit. The official will confirm if the project meets the requirement and will issue a permit. After the completion of the building, the builder must show that the building does confirm to and meets the standards as specified by the initial documents used to secure the permit to build. 

This is step 1. Each step has different requirements because the protocol allows time for the industry to get up to the task. The highest is Step 5. It is the top step and denotes a net-zero energy ready single-family home. As a result, one can expect the utmost energy efficiency from a home with step 5 designation. 

Increase in High-Performance Projects

Because of there being a buyer’s market, there is a huge rise in construction in British Columbia. Because of the CleanBC program, there is an added boost for new projects being built to the BC Energy Step Code. The CleanBC incentivized program targets Part 3 buildings. It also targets residences that are targeting Passive House Certification.

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BevonyNew Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

High-Performance Homes – All the Rave

by Bevony on 14 August 2019 Comments Off on High-Performance Homes – All the Rave

Everybody is into energy efficiency these days and as such, high-performance homes are in high demand. High-performance homes offer more than your typical energy efficiency via many means.

If you are looking for a new home; a high-performance home, you will want a team of experts. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we can help you create a house design that meets high-performance standards. We can deliver higher energy efficiency at lower costs. Our team has been building high-performance homes for a while. The team here includes architect, structural engineer, builder and energy consultants. They all work together to ensure that your design meets all your needs for energy efficiency.

SilverBeam High-Performance Homes

We ensure we consult the BC Energy Step Code for all new construction as much as possible. We do this because the city plans to get all high-performance houses by the year 2032. Along with this roadmap, there are several industry criteria and certifications. These relate to the construction and categorization of high-performance homes. There are several BC municipalities where companies such as ours have to build according to Step 3 of the Step Code. This way new homes have to provide at least 20% less energy usage than homes built before the BC Building code.

Reputable certifications that are out for energy-efficient homes include;

  • The Net Zero Home Labelling Program through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
  • The Passive House Canada certification

The latter can be attained by implanting the Passive House Planning Package. Following this plan allows for lower energy costs, higher quality air levels and a more consistent temperature indoors. According to the CHBA, net-zero homes are as much as 80 % more energy efficient. This when you compare them to typical new homes even those using renewable energy systems.

Building a high-performance home requires an approach that is coordinated. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we have that approach. We can help you create your high-performance home with the use of our airtight envelope. We create homes that are airtight with each door and window being energy star certified and each slab of wall or roof is well insulated.

Myths about High-Performance Homes

If you do a little research about high-performance homes you will come upon two myths:

  • They are unattractive
  • They are expensive

The truth is each company in the building industry now understands the importance of creating products that are aesthetically pleasing while ensuring they are energy efficient. As such you can have a modern and aesthetically pleasing home at an affordable price that is considered a high-performance home. Your high-performance home can still have style features such as cantilevered floors – it is all in the design and the choice of elements used for the construction.

With an integrated approach, our team of professionals can create for you a home that is energy efficient but still aesthetically pleasing. All key advisors in the team set clear objectives based on your needs from the beginning. This ensures your home is built in the most economical way to match your budget. Step 5 of the BC energy code will be the standard in 2032. We understand how important it is to start building homes now that are following the code.


You are building a home for the long term and we know just what specifications to use. We can ensure that years from now, your home is still compliant with all high-performance specifications. Here at SilverBeam homes are created to be socially and environmentally responsible. Our aim is to bring our customers into the future with our ability to create high-performance homes. Homes that will lessen greenhouse gas emissions, saving the environment and helping you to spend less money on bills.


Give us a call today, let us help you build your new high-performance home.

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BevonyHigh-Performance Homes – All the Rave