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BC Building Code Update Effective May 1
Building and Safety Standards Branch
Effective May 1, 2023, the BC Building Code (the Code) will require 20%-better energy efficiency for most new buildings throughout the province. The Zero Carbon Step Code, also available on May 1, provides tools to local governments to incentivize or require lower greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings.
This is a significant milestone in B.C.’s transition towards energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings. You can read a convenience copy of the changes here.
To help interpret the Code changes, the Province has released three technical bulletins which provide further information. Two bulletins provide clarity regarding the application of the new energy efficiency compliance pathways and the Zero Carbon Step Code, while a third is an overview of interest to planners and other local government staff regarding how the BC Building Code changes may affect local bylaws or incentives. Read them here.
To facilitate compliance with the Code, updated compliance tools for Part 9 and Part 3 buildings have also been released for user testing and feedback.
In the coming days, bccodes.ca will be updated to include the new Code language. For questions regarding the new Code language or feedback regarding the new Energy Design Checklists, please email [email protected].
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Register for CHBA BC Webinar on Building Code Changes
CHBA BC
 CHBA BC is hosting a free webinar next week to prepare our members for the Building Code changes which will require most new construction in B.C. to be 20% more energy efficient than base 2018 BC Building Code.
The Zero Carbon Step Code is a new addition to the BC Building Code that allows Authorities Having Jurisdiction to limit operational carbon from new buildings. While an optional standard at this time, the Province intends to make operational carbon limits mandatory over time, with the ultimate objective for all new buildings to be zero carbon by 2030.
Please join us for an overview of the changes, including information on the new Zero Carbon Step Code, presented by the Building and Safety Standards Branch. This session will include time for Q&A, so come prepared with your questions.
Webinar Details:
Topic: BC Building Code Changes: Part 9 Energy Efficiency and Zero Carbon Step Code
Date: May 9, 2023
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Cost: Free
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Province Releases Skills and Education Plan
Government of BC
 This week, the Province released the new StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan which outlines five priorities to address the skills and labour gap the province is facing:
- making post-secondary more affordable, accessible, and relevant,
- providing the innovation and skills needed to fill the jobs of tomorrow faster,
- breaking down barriers so everyone can find a job that works for them
- addressing Indigenous People’s workforce priorities, and
- making it easier for people new to Canada to find a job in the field they are trained in.
The StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan is supported by $480 million in new funding over three years through Budget 2023. Concerning training the trades, actions the province has taken to date include:
- Launching the Skilled Trades Certification system.
- Modernizing trades training and workforce development. The Skilled Trades BC Act (2022) modernized B.C.’s trades training system by expanding the mandate of SkilledTradesBC, the provincial authority on trades training.
- Increasing the number of SkilledTradesBC Apprenticeship Advisors working across all regions.
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LIMITED-TIME OFFER. Become a Coast Capital business member and get up to $400 cash*, plus up to $450 in waived account fees* to support your business. If you’re a trades business, get approved for a line of credit in as little as 30 minutes. *Conditions apply.
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Short-Term Contractions in B.C.'s Construction Sector are Short-Lived, with Residential Sector Poised to Drive Growth To 2032
BuildForce Canada
 Buildforce Canada’s latest research report shows B.C.’s construction sector enjoyed another strong year of growth in 2022, with investment levels in both the residential and non-residential sectors rising to peaks. However, the recently released 2023–2032 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward report for British Columbia does show some warning signs for the province in the short term.
Construction demands are expected to contract in the near term, with elevated interest rates curbing residential demand and work concluding on key major non-residential projects. The residential sector is expected to recover swiftly after 2024 as interest rates ease, and consumer
wages adapt.
As for employment in the sector, BuildForce Canada projects B.’s construction industry will need to recruit 52,600 additional workers over the next 10 years to keep pace with expansion and replacement demands. More than 38,000 of those workers — or 20% of the 2022 construction labour force — are expected to retire during this period. Although the addition of almost 34,000 workers under the age of 30 from local recruitment efforts will help to offset these retirements, the labour force faces a near-term need for large numbers of experienced skilled workers. By 2032, the industry could face a deficit of 18,700 workers unless anticipated recruitment is increased. Highlights of the report are available on the BuildForce Canada website.
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Wildfire Danger and Construction Site Safety
BCCSA
 As we approach the summer months and building activity increases along with the temperature, it’s important to review the risks heat can pose to construction sites, including heat stress, air quality and wildfires.
Wildfires can quickly spread from the forest to a community, including construction sites. It is important during the summer wildfire season to keep your site as prepared as possible in the event of a wildfire. To prepare effectively, proper fire safety planning must be done before the summer months.
BC Construction Safety Alliance has a series of fire safety resources that are valuable to review at this time of year, covering wildfire risk, working in smoky conditions, and also working in the heat.
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CBHCC Seeking Input on Policy Considerations in the National Model Codes
National Research Council
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking input from stakeholders, experts, code users, and the general public on the Wave 2 draft policy recommendations for developing and implementing greenhouse gas emissions provisions in the National Model Codes before finalizing the policy framework.
- Consultation on wave 1 policy recommendations began on February 6, 2023, and ended on March 30, 2023.
- Consultation on wave 2 policy recommendations begins on May 1st, 2023 and ends on June 15, 2023.
More information on the consultation is available by clicking on the following link: Consultation Overview document
To provide input on the policy recommendations, please follow the steps below:
- Open and/or download the policy recommendations by clicking on the following link: CBHCC Policy Recommendations for consultation
- Submit comments to the CBHCC Secretary by email and attach any supportive material: [email protected]
Your comments will be reviewed by the Working Group on Climate Change Mitigation who will report to the CBHCC.
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May 1st to 7th is Mental Health Week
Canadian Mental Health Association
 The first week of May is Mental Health Week. Whether it's in our homes, school or on the job site, it's ok to ask for help. This year's Mental Health Week is focused on sharing stories to build connections and strong communities.
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7701 Las Colinas Ridge, Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063
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Join us on May 20th at the Hyatt Regency as we celebrate and hand out the awards for the best in BC’s residential construction.
