Why do we have a Step Code?
In 2020, Richmond City Council declared a climate emergency and adopted the following greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets:
- 50% below 2007 GHG emission levels by 2030
- Net zero GHG emissions by 2050
Since adopting the Step Code in 2018, Richmond has been gradually increasing energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission requirements, doing so in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
In February 2022, Richmond Council adopted the Community Energy and Emissions Plan 2050 (CEEP), which includes Strategic Directions and actions, in order to achieve these overall emission reduction targets.
Our carbon neutral new buildings target is: “All new buildings will be serviced by low carbon energy systems and built to the top performance level of the BC Energy Step Code by 2027.”
To find out more about the Community Energy and Emissions Plan 2050, click the top right CEEP 2050 button.
Options for future Step Code requirements
The City has multiple options to help builders achieve success while meeting the City's Step Code requirements for highly efficient and low-GHG emission buildings. Here are a few:
- having multiple compliance options
- specific regulatory requirements (administrative procedures)
- potential opportunities for reduced construction costs
- additional training support for developers, contractors and/or construction workers
- incentives for exceeding Step Code requirements
- more frequent small incremental changes vs. less frequent large incremental changes
Q&A
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Nicholas Heap
Sustainability Project Manager
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