BC Building Code - Step 3 & Cool Room
The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial standard that provides an incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient buildings. It provides a common pathway that local governments may use to ensure British Columbia delivers on its goal of net-zero energy-ready performance by 2032.
You can learn more about the province of BC and these Step Codes here.
Sunshine Coast, BC, customers can look at these links to see how the rules pertain to their project:
Please remember to check with your local authority to ensure your Click Home meets all the compliance requirements as determined by your municipality.
The Cool or Refuge Room Requirement
The BC Building Code (BCBC) now requires that all new residential buildings in British Columbia include at least one living space designed to stay below 26°C during summer heat events. This "cool room" or "refuge room" is intended to provide a safe space for occupants during heat waves. This new requirement is a response to the 2021 heat dome that caused many deaths.
Here is a link to the Government of BC Bulletin about Cool Refuge Rooms.
The Step 3 Compliance
The key components that make up the Step 3 Compliance package are:
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An upgraded window package throughout the home to a lower LoE (low emissivity) coating of 1.19 USI for fixed windows and 1.36 USI for sliding windows that will meet the required Step 3 energy standard.
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HRV/ERV duct work and venting that your energy contractor will use to connect the compliant energy recovery system you have selected to the home This is for the interior ducting and venting only and does not include the cost of the HRV or ERV unit itself or the contractor's installation fees.
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Enhanced Envelope Compliance: Click Homes are already built to a higher standard than most site-constructed homes, but to further ensure our energy capture and recovery consistently meets or exceeds the Step 3 requirements.
The Cool Refuge Room
All Click Modular homes now come Heat Pump Ready with pre-installed infrastructure for a single-head heat pump system. This includes conduit, mounting chase, and exterior siding box details, allowing for easy installation once your home is delivered.
Your Options:
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Complete System Purchase: Include a fully installed single-head heat pump system with your home purchase directly from Click
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Self-Installation Option: Opt out of our system and arrange your own heat pump purchase and installation
Important Note: A heat pump system is required by building codes to receive your Occupancy Permit from your municipality or regional district. If you choose the self-installation option, you'll need to ensure your system is installed and inspected before occupancy approval.