Buildings and Climate Action
The Province has included the BC Energy Step Code and the BC Zero Carbon Step Code in the BC Building Code as opt-in tools for Local Governments to advance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in their communities ahead of the Provincial timeline for Implementation.
New Requirements in New Westminster for building permits filed on January 1, 2025
On December 11, 2023, Council adopted amendments to the Building Bylaw that implement a two option framework for Part 9 and Part 3 buildings beginning January 1, 2025.
For building permits filed on or after January 1, 2025:
Part 9 buildings are required to build to one of two options:
- Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code with Emissions Level 2 of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code; or
- Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code with Emissions Level 4 (Zero Carbon Ready) of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
Part 3 multi-family buildings are required to build to:
- Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code with Emissions Level 1 (measure only) of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
- Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code with Emissions Level 4 (Zero Carbon Ready) of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
Part 3 commercial buildings are required to build to:
- Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code with Emissions Level 1 (measure only) of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
- Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code with Emissions Level 4 (Zero Carbon Ready) of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
Click on the links for further information on the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code.
What is New West’s timeline to implement the highest steps of the Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code?
The City of New Westminster has developed a timeline to reach the highest steps of both the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code.
The timeline provides a two option framework with the Zero Carbon Step Code concurrently with the Energy Step Code ahead of the provincial timeline. This approach will serve two functions: 1) long term reduction of carbon emissions (Zero Carbon Step Code); and, 2) reduction of energy consumption (Energy Step Code).
The timeline is in alignment with the required action needed to meet the City’s Climate Emergency Declaration targets for emission reductions outlined in the Community Energy and Emissions Plan 2050.
There are projects that have already been completed in New Westminster that meet high energy-efficiency and low carbon standards. To view completed projects check out the case studies at Energy Save New West High Performance New Home program.
Building Type Part 9 Residential |
May 1, 2023 |
Effective Jan 1, 2024 |
Effective Jan 1, 2025 |
Effective Jan 1, 2027 |
Single or Two Family Dwellings |
Step 3 |
Step 5 EL-1 Measure or Step 3 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Step 5 EL-2 Moderate Carbon or Step 4 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Step 5 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Laneway and Carriage Dwellings | ||||
Townhomes and Apartment Buildings up to three stories | ||||
Part 3 Multi-Family Residential | May 1, 2023 |
Effective Jan 1, 2024 |
Effective |
Effective Jan 1, 2027 |
Group C Residential Occupancies 6 stories or less and combustible construction | Step 3 |
Step 3 EL-1 Measure |
Step 4 EL-1 Measure or Step 3 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Step 4 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Group C Residential Occupancies over 6 stories or non-construction | ||||
Hotels/Motels | ||||
Part 3 Commercial | May 1, 2023 |
Effective Jan 1, 2024 |
Effective |
Effective Jan 1, 2027 |
Group D Offices (Business and Personal Services) | Step 2 |
Step 2 EL-1 Measure |
Step 3 EL-1 Measure or Step 2 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Step 3 EL-4 Zero Carbon Ready |
Other Group D and Group E (Mercantile) Occupancies |