Support for Local Government Capacity Building and Step Code Implementation
The Building A Legacy (BAL) Toolkit, inspired by the successful BC Energy Step Code (ESC) engagement initiative carried out in the East Kootenay region of BC, has been prepared for local governments to assist the implementation of the ESC. In this guidebook you will find a general introduction to ESC, related Provincial and local government context, and a collection of implementation activities for use by municipalities.
On this BAL Toolkit webpage, you will find free webinars, a link to the guidebook, and additional resources and customizable templates for use in your region’s ESC implementation program. This toolkit is applicable to all communities, large and small, seeking to implement ESC for new buildings.
Implementation of the toolkit is about building local capacity. Ideally there is staff support and resources to execute. Additional support and facilitation, can be provided by CEA. See the CEA Building A Legacy webpage for ideas about what might also work in your regional context: https://www.communityenergy.ca/projects/building-a-legacy/. We are happy to answer questions about this guide and or toolkit. To contact CEA directly, email us at info@communityenergy.bc.ca
Building A Legacy Toolkit:
virtual tour
CEA recorded a virtual tour of the Building A Legacy Toolkit on January 21, 2021.
Webinars
BC Building Codes are evolving and we want you to know how to benefit so we are offering the following free webinars. All webinars are eligible for 2 CPD points.
1. Best practices for working with an energy advisor
This webinar will help the building industry better understand the “performance pathway” of the BC Energy Step Code and how to get results from working with an energy advisor.
Approved by BC Housing for 2 CPD. Pre-registration and attendance on the live Zoom session required.
2. Introduction to Step Code: Mechanical System Solutions
A visual tour of what mechanical systems will look like along the progression to the Upper Steps of the Energy Step Code. This session will examine the current industry challenges and solutions to help ensure that new homes have mechanical systems that are appropriate, right-sized, and deliver effective ventilation, heating, cooling, and occupant health and comfort.
Approved by BC Housing for 2 CPD. Pre-registration and attendance on the live Zoom session required.
3. Introduction to Step Code: Building Enclosure & Airtightness Solutions
A visual tour of what the Energy Step Code will look like and the changes needed for success with low-TEDI and airtight building enclosures for both the Lower Steps and Upper Steps.
Approved by BC Housing for 2 CPD. Pre-registration and attendance on the live Zoom session required.
April 28: 9-11:05 am PST Register here
May 13: 9-11:05 am PST opening soon
June 10: 9-11:05 am PST opening soon
Intended audience: Builders, designers, building officials, municipal staff, and others in the BC construction community, province-wide.
BC Building Codes are evolving and we want you to know how to benefit. This free-of-charge webinar is part of the Building A Legacy initiative, delivered by Community Energy Association, with instruction from Mark Bernhardt, Bernhardt Contracting and a local builder or EA, this session is open and applicable to participants province-wide and beyond.
Instructors:
- Mark Bernhardt, Bernhardt Contracting
- Meredith Hamstead of thinkBright Homes
Agenda:
9:00-9:10 CEA Introduction to the BC Energy Step Code
9:10-11:00 Mark Bernhardt, Energy Advisor (EA) co-presenting with a local builder or EA:
- How EAs work within Step Code
- Services EAs provide in both new construction and retrofits
- Modelling timelines and pre-design information requirements
- Post-modelling changes in the design or mechanical systems
- Achieving as-built compliance and occupancy permits
- Introduction to the concept of integrated design process (IDP)
- How can an EA save you money? (i.e. design optimization)
- Creative solutions for engaging EAs remotely and in collaboration with one another
- Finding an EA
10:55 – 11:00 CEA feedback poll & closing remarks
Working with an Energy Advisor: workingwithEA-Final.pdf
May 6: 9-11 am PST opening soon
June 3: 9-11 am PST opening soon
Intended audience: Builders, designers, HVAC professionals, building officials, municipal staff, and others in the BC construction community, province-wide.
BC Building Codes are evolving and we want you to know how to benefit. This free-of-charge webinar is part of the Building A Legacy initiative, delivered by Community Energy Association, presented by the BCIT Zero Energy Buildings Learning Centre (ZEBLC), funded by BC Hydro.
Instructors:
- Alex Hebert, ZEBLC Manager, P Eng, MBA, Energy Step Code Trainer
- Rob Pope, BCIT Instructor, Senior Consultant - Enlighten Energy Services Consulting and Home Performance Design
Agenda:
9:00-9:20 CEA Introduction to the BC Energy Step Code
9:20-10:55 BCIT Filmed live from ZEBLC’s High Performance Building Lab, expert instructors will give you a visual tour of:
- What to know about current practice of design and installation of mechanical systems – areas of concern
- BC Energy Step Code requirements for mechanical system performance
- What to expect with respect to mechanical systems at Lower and Upper Steps
- Smaller and more efficient mechanical systems for airtight buildings – What should a builder be aware of and do to get things right?
- Achieving MEUI vs. a good design and installation – What does this mean for a builder and trades?
- Q&A: Ask the Experts
10:55 – 11:00 CEA feedback poll & closing remarks
April 22: 9-11 am PST Register here
May 20: 9-11 am PST opening soon
June 17: 9-11 am PST opening soon
Intended audience: Builders, designers, building officials, municipal staff, and others in the BC construction community, province-wide.
BC Building Codes are evolving and we want you to know how to benefit. This free-of-charge webinar is part of the Building A Legacy initiative, delivered by Community Energy Association, presented by the BCIT Zero Energy Buildings Learning Centre (ZEBLC), funded by BC Hydro.
Instructors:
- Alex Hebert, ZEBLC Manager, P Eng, MBA, Energy Step Code Trainer
- James Bourget, BCIT Instructor, Principal – RDH Building Science, Certified Passive House Tradesperson
Agenda:
9:00-9:20 CEA Introduction to the BC Energy Step Code
9:20-10:55 BCIT Filmed live from ZEBLC’s High Performance Building Lab, expert instructors will give you a visual tour of:
- 6 things to know about the BC Energy Step Code
- What an Energy Step Code home looks like
- Achieving airtightness – What does this mean for a builder and trades?
- Improved thermal performance enclosures – What are the choices and challenges?
- Smaller and more efficient mechanical systems for airtight buildings – What to expect
- Q&A: Ask the Experts
10:55 – 11:00 CEA feedback poll & closing remarks
Check back
Building A Legacy Toolkit Guide with Quick List of Activities:
Click on a link to view OR right-click and Save Link As.
Resources by Activity
Pathway to Success:
CaseStudy_ESC_Kimberley_pathway_to_success_2019.pdf
Pathway to Success video: view on YouTube
Newsletter examples:
Example_Newsletter_Feb2020.pdf
Example_Newsletter_Nov2020.pdf
Public Showcase examples:
Example_Ad2_social_media_Public.png
Example_Media_Release_public_info_night.pdf
Example_Poster_public_showcase.pdf
Example_Poster_public_showcase2.pdf
Presentation_ESC_Outreach_Event_2018.pdf
Air Tightness Workshop examples:
Example_Ad_social_media_workshop.png
Example_Poster_air_tightness_workshop.pdf
Example_Poster_air_tightness_workshop2.pdf
Template_Media-Release_realtor.docx
Tailgate examples:
Example_Ad__BuildSmart_Tailgate.pdf
Example_Media_release_BuildSmart_Tailgate.pdf
Template_Ad_BuildSmart_Tailgate_halfpage.docx
ESC video: view on YouTube
Stakeholder spreadsheet:
Builder Workshop Agenda & Itinerary:
Example_general_itinerary.docx
Template_Agenda.docx
Event Templates:
Template_Event_Checklist.docx
Template_Event_Budget.xlsx
Template_Sign_In_Sheet.docx
Eventbrite_workshop_registration.pdf
Template_Sponsor_Acknowledgement.docx
Template_Workshop_Feedback_Form.docx
Template_Workshop_Certificate.docx
Template Building a Legacy Introductory Presentation:
Template_Making_the_Links_BAL_Intro_Presentation.pptx
Introduction to Energy Step Code video: view on YouTube
Content materials handouts:
Booklet_CEA_Roof_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
Booklet_CEA_Wall_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
List of potential topics (see Quick List reference sheet):
For these resources and more, visit https://energystepcode.ca/for-local-governments/
Building Officials Handbook
Best Practices Guide for Local Governments
Policy:
Elk_Valley_20191211_Zac_May.pdf
Stakeholder spreadsheet:
Builder Workshop Agenda & Itinerary:
Event Templates:
Template_Event_Checklist.docx
Template_Event_Budget.xlsx
Template_Sign_In_Sheet.docx
Eventbrite_workshop_registration.pdf
Template_Sponsor_Acknowledgement.docx
Template_Workshop_Feedback_Form.docx
Content materials handouts:
Booklet_CEA_Roof_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
Booklet_CEA_Wall_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
List of potential topics (see Quick List reference sheet):
Resources:
BuildSmart_Logo.png
BuildSmart_Tailgate_info_sheet.pdf
BuildSmart_Tailgate_application_form_June2019.pdf
airtight_building_sign.pdf
BuildSmart Tailgate Meeting video example: view on YouTube
Tailgate Workshop Registration & Itinerary:
Example_invite_KCountry_blower_door.pdf
Template_Tailgate_Agenda.docx
Event Templates:
Template_Event_Checklist.docx
Template_Event_Budget.xlsx
Template_Sign_In_Sheet.docx
Template_Sponsor_Acknowledgement.docx
Template_Workshop_Feedback_Form.docx
Content materials handouts:
Booklet_CEA_Roof_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
Booklet_CEA_Wall_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
Real Estate Engagement:
Template_Stakeholders.xlsx
Template_Media-Release_realtor.docx
Template_Event_Checklist.docx
Template_Event_Budget.xlsx
Template_Sign_In_Sheet.docx
Eventbrite_workshop_registration.pdf
Template_Sponsor_Acknowledgement.docx
Template_Workshop_Feedback_Form.docx
Public Engagement:
Template_Stakeholders.xlsx
Template_Event_Checklist.docx
Template_Event_Budget.xlsx
Example_Ad2_social_media_Public.png
Example_Media_Release_public_info_night.pdf
Example_Poster_public_showcase.pdf
Example_Poster_public_showcase2.pdf
Presentation_ESC_Outreach_Event_2018.pdf
Template_Sign_In_Sheet.docx
Template_Sponsor_Acknowledgement.docx
Template_Workshop_Feedback_Form.docx
ESC Case Study Overview:
CaseStudy_ESC_Overview_2019.pptx
CaseStudy_ESC_Overview_2019.pdf
Building A Legacy - case studies on YouTube:
Hideaways Development Case Study
Fort Point Residence Case Study
Forest Crowne Case Study Part 1 of 2
Forest Crowne Case Study Part 2 of 2
Mark Street Townhome Case Study
Building A Legacy- case studies print:
CaseStudies_RDEK-four.pptx
CaseStudies_RDEK-four.pdf
CaseStudy_ESC_Kimberley_pathway_to_success_2019.pdf
CaseStudy_ESC_Invermere_Nov2018.pdf
More Case Study information on the Energy Step Code website
Policy:
2020_Step_Code_Policy_Recommendation_East-Kootenay_Final.pdf
Proposals & budget:
Coming soon
Final reports:
Coming soon
Quick Links
YouTube Channel
Building A Legacy playlist
BC Energy Step Code:
www.energystepcode.ca
BC Housing Resources:
Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide
Technical Resources
StepWin: https://stepwin.ca
StepWin is a web-based tool with an intuitive interface for Step Code Evaluation.
Shift: http://shift.opentech.eco
Shift helps building industry participants, investors, and policy makers to:
- understand the changing building codes by city
- identify the changing component landscape
- realize new opportunities
Find a local qualified energy advisor: https://betterhomesbc.ca/ea/
Roof Assemblies Technical Booklet:
Booklet_CEA_Roof_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
WallAssemblies Technical Booklet:
Booklet_CEA_Wall_Assemblies_Final_Version.pdf
BAL Consultant list:
BAL_Consultant_List_GC.pdf
ESC Case Study Overview:
CaseStudy_ESC_Overview_2019.pptx
CaseStudy_ESC_Overview_2019.pdf
Building A Legacy- case studies on YouTube
Hideaways Development Case Study
Fort Point Residence Case Study
Forest Crowne Case Study Part 1 of 2
Forest Crowne Case Study Part 2 of 2
Mark Street Townhome Case Study
CaseStudies_RDEK-four.pptx
CaseStudies_RDEK-four.pdf
CaseStudy_ESC_Kimberley_pathway_to_success_2019.pdf
CaseStudy_ESC_Invermere_Nov2018.pdf
More Case Study information on the Energy Step Code website
Logos and images are available for your use. Please do not remove credit.
BC Energy Step Code Graphics:
High Performance House Graphic
HighPerformanceHouseGraphic.png
Building A Legacy:
BALlogo.png
BALheader.png
BALfooter.png
BALpresentation-image.png
Building A Legacy Tailgate:
CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program (Part 9) – Up to $15K for eligible new homes
See https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/cleanbc-new-construction/
CleanBC Commercial Express (Part 3) - https://betterbuildingsbc.ca/incentives/cleanbc-commercial-express-program/
targeted to operators of small and medium-sized businesses with interest in fuel switching
CleanBC GoElectric (Part 9 and Part 3)
https://electricvehicles.bchydro.com/incentives/charger-rebates -
CleanBC Better Buildings – Custom, Custom Lite, New Construction (Part 3)
rebates for home (single family and MURB) and workplace EV charging
FortisBC
https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates/home/new-home-construction?utm_campaign=newhome&utm_source=collateral&utm_content=newhomeew Home Program
Part 3 (and soon large Part 9) FortisBC Commercial New Construction program: https://www.fortisbc.com/cnc
*check with your energy advisor and building official for any additional local incentives
“Building A Legacy” is an initiative of the Community Energy Association (CEA). This toolkit was created by CEA to enable customized replication of the successful outreach, policy, and education program first delivered in the East Kootenay. Credit to CEA.
Acknowledgements
This toolkit was developed and prototyped by the Community Energy Manager role in the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and prepared by CEA.
We gratefully acknowledge that this guide has been made possible with the direct financial support of BC Hydro, with various elements of the Building A Legacy East Kootenay program having been developed through financial contributions from BC Hydro, Columbia Basin Trust, RDEK, FortisBC, Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia and BC Housing.