The Township of Langley is committed to working together with builders to continuously improve our green building practices and processes. If you have any questions about the BC Energy Step Code or Zero Carbon Step Code, please reach out to us at
greenbuildings@tol.ca.
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BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code in the Township of Langley
The BC Energy Step Code (Step Code) and Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) are provincial codes that requires each new building to meet a certain step (or level) of increased energy efficiency and reduced operational carbon generation. By 2032, all new applicable buildings will be net-zero energy ready, and net-zero carbon.
The Township of Langley voluntarily adopted the Step Code in 2019 and as of April 1, 2025, is at Step 4 of the Energy Step Code and EL-3 of the Zero Carbon Step Code for all new Part 9 residential construction. All Part 3 residential construction is required to meet Step 3 and EL-1. Find updates on incoming Bylaw changes, requirements, and compliance information/documentation on this webpage.
Current requirements
| Building classification | Energy step required | Zero Carbon EL required |
|---|
| Part 3 Residential |
3 |
EL-1 |
| Part 9 Residential |
4 |
EL-3 |
| Assembly, as described in Table 10.2.3.3-A to D |
2 |
EL-1 |
| Treatment, as described in Table 10.2.3.3-E |
2 |
EL-1 |
| Care, as described in Table 10.2.3.3 - F |
2 |
EL-1 |
| Offices as described in Table 10.2.3.3-I |
2 |
EL-1 |
| Other Part 3 Business and Personal Service or Mercantile Occupancies |
2 |
EL-1 |
For projects that are in-stream with a precursor application on the date this bylaw is adopted, this bylaw would have no effect with respect to that construction provided that the building permit authorizing the construction is issued within a specified time frame after the date this bylaw is adopted.
Energy Compliance
If you have any questions regarding energy compliance, email greenbuildings@tol.ca or call the Building department at 604-533-6018.
For all buildings, the Township of Langley requires the Abbotsford weather file to be used for energy simulations. The Heating Degree Days (HDD) of 2,700 for Langley, as per Table C-2 in Division B - Appendix C of the BC Building Code shall be used for adjusted TEDI calculations.
Please note, we are aware of a feature in HOT2000 software where the weather file is automatically selected based on the address of the building. If Abbotsford is not automatically selected, please enter it in manually.
| Part 9 - Permit Documentation for energy compliance |
|
The below table summarizes the required documentation at the Building Permit stage and Occupancy Permit stage for all buildings showing compliance with Section 9.36 Energy Efficiency of the BC Building Code 2024:
Documentation at Building Permit for 9.36.6 Compliance
| Compliance Path | 9.36.5 to meet Step Code targets | Passive House Planning Package | ERS % improvement met and/or % Heat Loss Reduction met | ERS Step Code targets met | NECB |
|---|
| Pre-Construction BC Step Code Compliance Checklist |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
| Proposed House H2K Report |
Required for HOT2000 modeling software |
|
Required |
Required |
|
| Reference House H2K Report |
|
|
Required |
|
|
| Homeowner Information Sheet |
|
|
Required |
Required |
|
| Passive House Report |
|
Required |
|
|
|
| Custom Energy Modeling Report |
Required for any other modeling software |
|
|
|
|
| Air barrier details on drawings |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
| Energy Statement on Drawings |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Documentation at Occupancy Permit for 9.36.6 Compliance
| Compliance Path | 9.36.5 to meet Step Code targets | Passive House Planning Package | ERS % improvement met and/or % Heat Loss Reduction met | ERS Step Code targets met | NECB |
|---|
| As-built BC Step Code Compliance Checklist |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
| As-built House H2K Report |
Required for HOT2000 modeling software |
|
Required |
Required |
|
| Reference House H2K Report |
|
|
Required |
|
|
| Homeowner Information Sheet |
|
|
Required |
Required |
|
| Passive House Report |
|
Required |
|
|
|
| Custom Energy Modeling Report |
Required for any other modeling software |
|
|
|
|
|
| Part 3 - Permit Documentation for energy compliance |
|
The following table summarizes the required documentation at the building permit stage and occupancy permit stage for buildings showing compliance with 10.2.3 Energy Step Code of the BC Building Code 2024:
All other Part 3 buildings
For buildings showing compliance with Section 10.2 Energy Efficiency, except for Subsection 10.2.3 of the BC Building Code 2024, the following documentation is required at building permit stage:
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| Rebates and incentives - Township of Langley GBRP |
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How to apply for the Green Building Rebate Program
The Township’s Green Building Rebate Program incentivizes high performance new and existing buildings. Rebates for new construction and renovations are outlined below:
| Up to $350 |
Incentives for mid-construction blower door testing. The Step Code has pass/fail airtightness targets for Part 9 buildings. Incentives are available to offset the cost of performing an additional pre-drywall blower door test once the air barrier is in place, but can still be repaired. |
| Up to $300 |
A subsidized Step Code plan review. An incentive is available to assist with the costs of energy modeling while working with an Energy Advisor on Part 9 Step Code Step 5 projects. |
| Up to $1500 |
Financial incentives for new homes built to the Upper Steps (single-family dwellings brochure; multi-family dwellings brochure). Are you interested in being an energy-efficiency leader? Part 9 residential buildings built to Step 5 of the Step Code qualify for additional incentives. |
| Up to $750 |
A financial rebate on your building permit. By successfully renovating an energy efficient home, you may be eligible for a building permit rebate from the Township, as well as other industry incentives for both renovations and new builds. |
To apply follow these steps:
New construction
- At the start of the building design process, hire an Energy Advisor. View NRCan’s list of service providers at nrcan.gc.ca/homes.
- When you apply for your building permit, receive the New Construction GBRP referral form.
- Build your home to the meet the targeted level of the BC Energy Step Code and the Township’s GHG DPA requirements (if applicable).
- Contact your Energy Advisor to complete the final as-built BC Energy Compliance report.
- Within 90 days of final inspection, submit the New Construction referral form, invoices, and EnerGuide and energy modelling (ie, HOT2000) documentation to the Township of Langley.
Renovation
- Complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation with an Energy Advisor. View NRCan’s list of service providers at nrcan.gc.ca/homes.
- When you apply for your building permit, receive the Renovation GBRP referral form.
- Complete your home renovation incorporating Energy Advisor recommended energy improvements.
- Contact your Energy Advisor to complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
- Within 90 days of final inspection, submit the Renovation referral form, invoices, and EnerGuide documentation to the Township of Langley.
The below flowcharts outline the GBRP process at the Township:
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Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.
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| Grants, Rebates, and Incentives - external |
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All grants, rebates and incentives are subject to availability. Confirm availability and/or eligibility with the appropriate rebate provider.
Grants to address housing supply challenges
Grants are now available from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for innovative solutions to improve construction-related barriers to housing supply. Learn more.
New construction rebates
CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program: The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates of up to $15,000 for the construction of new, high-performance, electric homes. Through the CleanBC plan, the Province is supporting the adoption of the BC Energy Step Code and making energy efficient, climate-friendly homes more affordable and accessible for British Columbians.
The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program is administered by CleanBC. To learn more, visit their New Construction Program.
The Green Building Rebate Program is administered by the Township of Langley. For more information on the Township’s Green Building Rebate Program, open the dropdown above, Rebates and incentives – Township of Langley GBRP.
Renovation rebates
The federal and provincial governments are offering thousands of dollars in rebates for energy efficient home upgrades. Eligible projects include insulation, water heating, windows, and space heating for your home. The table below provides high-level information on these rebates; please visit program websites for the most up-to-date information.
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CleanBC Better Homes
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Rebates: Through the provincial Better Homes BC program, up to $6,000 is available to switch from natural gas, propane or oil heating to an electric heat pump. Click on the table below to see this and other energy efficiency rebates.
CleanBC BetterHomes Rebates
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Interest-free Financing: Can’t afford a home retrofit right now? The CleanBC Better Homes Low-Interest Financing Program provides loans of up to $40,000 with a promotional interest rate of 0% for switching from a fossil fuel (oil, propane, natural gas) heating system to an electric heat pump.
Questions? Contact CleanBC - BetterHomesBC Energy Coach hotline at 1-844-881-9790 or email them.
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Canada Greener Homes Grant
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Rebates: A maximum of $600 for energy evaluations and $5,000 for home upgrades is available ($5,600 total in grants).
Interest-free Financing: An interest-free loan program is also available, providing homeowners with up to $40,000 to help complete deep home retrofits1.
Visit Canada Greener Homes Grant for more information and to apply.
Questions? Contact the federal Greener Homes program at 1-833-674-8282 or email them.
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