Summerland staff have been holding public information sessions and meetings to present information on the Zero Carbon Step Code.

The Zero Carbon Step Code was introduced on May 1, 2023, as part of an update to the BC Building Code. It provides options to reduce the amount of operational carbon emissions from a building by requiring lower emissions from space and water heating systems.

The code is a provincial commitment to gradually move towards more energy-efficient building requirements, with the goal of net-zero efficiency by 2032. It applies to new residential buildings and large residential and complex buildings.

At present, Summerland has not implemented the Zero Carbon Step Code into the municipality鈥檚 building bylaw. However, staff have met with the Community Climate Action Advisory Committee in late November. At that time, the committee provided support to pursue the implementation of the Step Code at the municipality.

Staff also presented a report to council on April 9, summarizing the Step Code and providing a recommendation to pursue engagement over the summer.

Demitri Hofer, a building official with Summerland鈥檚 development services department, said it is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not about eliminating your carbon emission; it鈥檚 about reducing it,鈥� he said. 

Municipalities can adopt several levels of the Step Code.

Emission Level 1 requires measurement of a building鈥檚 emissions without reductions. This is already in place in Penticton and Vernon, and in other British Columbia communities.

Emission Level 2 requires electrification of space heating or domestic hot water systems, while Emission Level 3 requires electrification of both systems. Emission Level 4 requires full electrification of a building.

Hofer said the various levels are for new construction and do not apply to existing houses and buildings.

The effects on the total cost of a building are expected to be minimal, he said, with a change in price ranging from a reduction of 0.1 per cent to an increase of 2.1 per cent of the cost.

Staff are expected to bring another report to council in the coming months, with recommendations based on public engagement sessions.