Starting May 1st, 2023, the Town of Creston, in accordance with the revised BC Building Code, will require every new Part 9 building (residential and small commercial/industrial) to meet Step 3 of BC’s Energy Step Code. The change will ensure new buildings are 20% more energy efficient than an equivalent building constructed to the 2018 Building Code. The move follows the BC Energy Step Code – a standard based on a series of energy efficiency performance targets, or "steps”, for new construction and major renovations in the province. The steps 1 to 5 represent increasing levels of performance related to building energy efficiency. The Town of Creston will remain committed to engaging with our local builders to instill the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve these higher levels of energy efficiency in new home construction. 

The change will not affect existing (in-progress) building permits, but applications received after May 1st, 2023 will need to follow the new code requirements. Further changes to the codes will be implemented in 2027 and 2030 with energy efficiency levels doubling each time. You can find more information on the BC Energy Step Code at www.energystepcode.ca. 

If you have any questions about the new building code and how it will affect you, please don't hesitate to contact Brandon Vigne, the Building Official for the Town of Creston. You can reach him at 250-428-2214 ext. 431.