B1.1Phase out operational carbon from new buildings

There are two main tools available to local governments to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon pollution from new buildings.

The BC Energy Step Code is a component of the BC Building Code that provides a pathway of incremental energy performance “steps” to achieve net zero energy ready construction by 2032. The City adopted Energy Step Code requirements in 2019 to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings. Going forward, the City can adopt higher “steps” of the Energy Step Code to continue to advance high performance new buildings in Surrey. High performance, energy efficient buildings improve comfort and reduce energy costs for residents.

In 2023, the Province introduced the Zero Carbon Step Code which provides a roadmap to zero-carbon new buildings by 2030. Similar to the Energy Step Code, the Zero Carbon Step Code consists of incremental carbon performance “steps” that local governments can adopt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings. Compliance with the Zero Carbon Step Code requires the use of zero-carbon space and water heating equipment and large appliances, depending on the step.

By updating Energy Step Code requirements and adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code, the City can ensure new buildings are constructed to be energy efficient and low carbon.