Whereas the Building Code is being changed to include higher energy standards in accordance with the Energy Step Code, and successful implementation of the Energy Step Code requires: 1. Preparedness of the building community; 2. Energy advisors that are readily accessible; 3. Availability and affordability of required materials; 4. Staff capacity within local governments; And whereas discussion with local governments and the building community in rural, remote and northern regions have identified the following barriers to successful implementation: 1. Lack of local training opportunities for the building community; 2. Lack of qualified Energy Advisors, and the possibility that some small and remote communities will not have an adequate workload to entice an Energy Advisor to do business in the area; 3. Lower availability of materials and higher material costs in rural communities leading to concerns of affordability among residents; 4. Lower capacity within small local governments; And whereas local governments want to be a part of the solution in implementing the Energy Step Code, but often lack required resources, leading some jurisdictions to consider seeking exemptions from the Step Code: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to assist communities with Energy Step Code implementation in an equitable way by working with communities to address barriers.
Ministry of Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Ministry staff continue to work with industry and local government partners to understand and consider the unique needs and capacity constraints of rural, remote and northern communities as part of policy development and implementation activities. The BC Energy Step Code came into force through a collaborative process with many organizations, including UBCM. The members of that multi-sector collaboration now form the Energy Step Code Council which guides the implementation of the BC Energy Step Code. The Ministry is committed to finding ways to support the successful implementation of the BC Energy Step Code across the province. Keeping in mind the collaborative nature of the BC Energy Step Code, one of the ways the Ministry supports rural, remote and northern communities is by actively working with our Energy Step Code Council partners. Together with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the Province offers the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs which provide rebates and loans for space heating, water heating and building envelopes. BC Hydro and FortisBC also provide financial assistance so organizations such as the Community Energy Association can provide on-the-ground training and support. The Community Energy Association chairs the Local Government Step Code Peer Network which is available to local governments at no cost. The Network is designed to support local government staff with BC Energy Step Code implementation through the exchange of ideas, issues, expertise and resources. Through these and other activities, ministry staff will continue to work with local governments to identify and address barriers to the successful implementation of the BC Energy Step Code.