Course Description

This video recording is Part 1 of 3 of the full day session originally recorded on May 4th 2023 in Victoria BC. The entire 3 part video series takes a deeper dive into the BC Energy Step Code metrics for Part 9 buildings and how to achieve Step 3 and higher through design and building techniques to build better and minimize costs.

This content focuses on practical strategies for effective design, proper selection and installation of mechanical systems, and airtightness. Using real world examples and different housing archetypes from local climates, the presenters examine why some projects fail while others pass easily. This session is geared towards building and design professionals.  Instruction will assume a basic understanding of the BC Energy Step Code.

In Part 1 you:

• Review the BC Energy Step Code requirement and report submission process;
• Discuss Energy Advisors, what they do and best practices in working with them;
• Review the 3 metric areas (air tightness, systems and equipment, and building envelope);
• Review the % Improvement metric and discuss when to use it;
• Review the % Space Heat Loss Reduction metric and when to use it;
• Review the Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) and it’s targets;
• Identify challenges in achieving good TEDI scores, and discuss best practices;
• Examine the differences between large custom homes, and simple floor plans and forms ;
• Review great Net Zero example homes and discuss design changes that help improve metric scores;
• Review the Mechanical Energy Use Intensity metric and identify fuel choices and how they can affect achieving Step Code targets;
• Define Greenhouse Gas Limits and review the BC governments proposed GHG Step Code implementation timeline;
• Identify mechanical systems and how they interact with the Step Code.

This course was originally presented by

• Mark Bernhardt: President, Bernhardt Contracting
• Joe Hart: Founder, Icon Homes Ltd., Former CHBA BC President

It is recommended that you take each Part of this 3 Part series in order.