Green Buildings: Builders
Big Move #2 in the Township’s Climate Action Strategy states that all new buildings in the community will produce zero emissions by 2030.
To meet this goal, the Township has adopted the BC Energy Step Code for residential buildings (non-residential buildings coming soon) and has additional green building guidelines in our Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Development Permit Areas (GHG DP Areas).
Proposed bylaw changes
Please see proposed changes to Building Bylaw 4642, pertaining to BC Energy Step Code compliance. These changes are anticipated to be brought before Township Council for consideration to adopt in mid 2023.
Building classification | 2023 | 2026 |
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Part 3 D + E occupancies - 10.2.3.3 I & J 1. ≥2500m2 or, 2. Two stories and greater |
2 | 3 |
Part 9 – SFD, Duplex, Triplex, Townhouse, Rowhouse | 4 | |
Part 3 A + B occupancies 10.2.3.3 A to F | 1 | |
Existing and continuing | ||
Part 3 Residential | 3 |
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.
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
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GHG DP Areas | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Elsewhere in the Township | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Adopted Step Code timeline for Residential Buildings
UBC Scholar reports
Our UBC Sustainability Scholars are researching and writing reports to help inform the Township’s adoption of the BC Energy Step Code and better understand how builders are adapting to create green buildings in our community. See details of the research findings in these reports.

Identifying building trades that need support to successfully implement airtight residential building envelopes (July 2021)

(August 2020)
To meet the Township’s Step Code and GHG DPA requirements, an energy professional (ie, Energy Advisor, Energy Modeller, or similar) is essential. However, the process varies between Part 9 (for example, Single Family Dwellings and Townhomes) and Part 3 (such as high-rise apartments and large commercial and industrial buildings). The specific requirements for the BP application process and Step Code are outlined for Part 9 and Part 3 building types in the sections below.
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.
Building permit application documents | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For all buildings, the Township of Langley requires the Abbotsford weather file to be used for energy simulations. The Heating Degree Days (HDD) for Langley, as per Table C-2 in Division B - Appendix C of the BC Building Code is 2,700. The following documents are required as part of all building permit applications. Please check bulletins for builders from the Township of Langley for important updates. Part 9 buildings
The report/calculator used to generate the BC Energy Compliance Reports and more information related to these reports can be found on the BC Energy Step Code webpage under Resources: Compliance Tools for Part 9 Buildings. For non-residential Part 9 projects, contact the Building department for the building permit application requirements. Part 3 buildingsFor Part 3 Step Code projects, the following are required as part of all new building permit applications:
For Part 3 non-Step Code projects, the following are required as part of all new building permit applications:
If you have any questions regarding required documentation, email greenbuildings@tol.ca or call the Building department at 604-533-6018.
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BC Energy Step Code in the Township | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The BC Energy Step Code (Step Code) is a provincial standard that requires a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code. Each building type has a certain number of steps (or levels) of increasing energy efficiency, which gradually lead to “net-zero energy ready” construction by 2032. The province defines a net-zero energy ready building as one that has been designed and built to a level of performance, such that it could (with additional measures) generate enough onsite energy to meet its own energy needs. It’s expected that net-zero energy ready buildings will be required by the BC Building Code by 2032. The Township of Langley voluntarily adopted the Step Code in 2017 and as of January 1, 2022 is at Step 3 for all new residential construction (please see GHG DPA section below for more information on GHG Development Permit Areas). By voluntarily adopting the Step Code, the Township is preparing builders for the highly energy efficient new construction the Province will require in 2032. Builders must work with an Energy Advisor during the entire construction process to ensure their project is designed and built to meet the Step Code. The following chart summarizes the Township’s past and future adoption of the BC Energy Step Code for residential buildings. Our 2020 UBC Sustainability Scholar, Madhur Motwani, researched and wrote a report to help inform the Township’s adoption of the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 non-residential buildings. Take a look at the report findings! Adoption of Step Code for non-residential buildings (ie., industrial, commercial and institutional buildings) is in the beginning stages of stakeholder consultation. Email greenbuildings@tol.ca to be included in our Green Buildings email list so you hear of consultation opportunities first. Part 9 Step Code residential targetsTable 9.36.6.6.-A
Table 9.36.6.3.-G
The following table summarizes the adjusted TEDI requirement throughout the Township of Langley, calculated based on the Heating Degree-Days for Langley, provided under Appendix C of the BC Building Code 2018 (as amended from time to time).
Part 3 Step Code residential targetsTable 10.2.3.3.-H
More information can be found on energystepcode.ca. Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.
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Energy conservation and GHG emission reduction Development Permit Area (GHG DPAs) requirements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As a leader in green buildings in BC, the Township of Langley has additional requirements for builders to support the construction of high performance buildings above and beyond the requirements of the BCBC. These additional requirements are applicable in areas known as Energy Conservation and GHG Emission Reduction Development Permit Areas, or GHG DPAs for short. GHG DPAs promote conservation and efficient use of energy in buildings, reduce building-generated greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to the development of sustainable communities. Currently, GHG DPAs include the Latimer, Williams, Smith, and Carvolth Neighbourhoods in Willoughby, and the Brookswood-Fernridge neighbourhood. Strategies to reduce GHG emissions in these areas include but are not limited to:
Click on the image below to view a map of where the GHG DPAs are located.
Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information. |
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Rebates and incentives - Township of Langley GBRP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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:
To apply follow these steps: New construction
Renovation
The below flowcharts outline the GBRP process at the Township:
Please email greenbuildings@tol.ca or phone 604-533-6018 for more information.
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Rebates and incentives - external | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All rebates and incentives are subject to availability. Confirm availability and/or eligibility on betterhomesbc.ca. New construction rebates This program is fully subscribed. Applicants can submit a pre-registration form to be added to the program waitlist. If a pre-approved program participant drops out or does not meet the program requirements, available funding will go to the next applicant on the waitlist. The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates 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 below table and PDF outline the two different pathways you can take (Energy Step Code OR Heat Pump pathway), as well as add-on rebates through CleanBC and separate rebates through the Township of Langley’s Green Building Rebate Program. Examples of how these rebates can be combined are on the second page of the PDF. 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, contact the team.
1 Variable speed mini-split, multi-split, or central (Tier 2) air source heat pump; HSPF ≥ 9.3, SEER ≥ 16; Variable speed compressor 2 Must be on the Qualifying Product List Renovation rebates Rebates are subject to change. Please visit BetterHomeBC for up-to-date information CleanBC, in partnership with FortisBC and BC Hydro, are offering over $5,000 in rebates for energy efficient home upgrades. Eligible projects include insulation, water heating, windows, and space heating for your home. Visit BetterHomesBC for more information. Check out the below table and PDF for rebate amounts.
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Green building certifications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||