BC Energy Step Code

Design Guide
March 2018

Version 1.0
About this Guide Disclaimer Acknowledgements
The greatest care has been taken to confirm the accuracy This guide was funded and commissioned by BC Housing, BC Hydro, the City of Vancouver,
The BC Energy Step Code Design Guide is published
of the information contained herein. However, the authors, the City of New Westminster, and the Province of British Columbia. Acknowledgement is extended
by BC Housing in collaboration with BC Hydro, the funders, publisher, and other contributors assume no liability to all those who participated in this project as part of the project team or as external reviewers.
City of Vancouver, the City of New Westminster, and for any damage, injury, loss, or expense that may be incurred
or suffered as a result of the use of this publication,
the Province of BC. This guide provides information including products, building techniques, or practices. The views Produced by:
on the key strategies and approaches to meeting expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of any HCMA Architecture + Design Integral Group
the Energy Step Code in mid- and high-rise (Part 3) individual contributor, BC Housing, BC Hydro, the City of New Johnathon Strebly, Bonnie Retief, Tiffy Riel Dave Ramslie, Lisa Westerhoff
Westminster, the City of Vancouver, or the Province of British
wood-frame and noncombustible residential buildings Columbia. As products and construction practices change
within British Columbia. However, it is also a good and improve over time, it is advisable to regularly consult External Reviewers:
up-to-date technical publications on building science, products,
resource for larger or more complex low-rise (Part 9) AIBC Electricity and Alternative Energy Division, BC
and practices, rather than relying solely on this publication. Maura Gatensby Tom Berkhout
wood-frame residential buildings and buildings with It is also advisable to seek specific information on the use of
EGBC E3 Eco Group
other occupancies. The guide is intended to provide a products, the requirements of good design and construction Harshan Radhakrishnan Troy Glasner, Einar Halbig
practices, and the requirements of the applicable building codes
clear and easy-to-read resource for a range of actors before undertaking a construction project. Retain consultants
Aviva Canada FortisBC
Ralph Moore Dan Bradley
in British Columbia, including local governments, with appropriate engineering or architectural qualifications, as
BC Housing Glave Communications
well as the appropriate municipal and other authorities,
architects, and developers. Bill MacKinnon, Deborah Kraus, James Glave
regarding issues of design and construction practices, and Remi Charron & Wilma Leung GVHBA
compliance with the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) and
BC Hydro Mark Sakai
While the strategies outlined in the guide are designed to Vancouver’s Building By-law (VBBL). The use of this guide does Bertine Stelzer, Gary Hamer, Robyn Wark,
Morrison Hershfield
not guarantee compliance with code requirements, nor does the Toby Lau
help buildings across the province meet the requirements Christian Cianfrone
use of systems not covered by this guide preclude compliance. BCIT
of the Energy Step Code, they are also applicable to those Alexandre Hebert, Mary McWilliam
National Research Council of Canada
Mihailo Mihailovic
seeking compliance with the City of Vancouver’s Zero Building Safety & Standards Branch, BC
Qualico
Zachary May
Emissions Building Plan. Additional information on Jonathan Meads
CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada RDH
strategies of particular relevance to designers working in Anil Parekh Graham Finch, Elyse Henderson,
Vancouver is provided at key points throughout the guide, CHBABC Kimberly Wahlström, Torsten Ely,
Vanessa Joehl James Higgins
and in Supplement S (pg 45).
City of New Westminster Travelers Canada
Norm Connolly Don Munich
City of Richmond UBC
Brendan McEwen Ralph Wells
City of Vancouver UDI
Patrick Enright, Chris Higgins Jeff Fisher, Clement Chung
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE

Table of Contents

01 SECTION 1 04 SECTION 4
Introduction to the BC Energy Step Code Design Guide Design Strategies for High-Rise and Mid-Rise MURBs
What is the BC Energy Step Code? Page 05 04.1 Introduction Page 27
Why do we need a Design Guide? Page 06 04.2a Building Massing: High-Rise MURB Page 28
Who is the Guide for? Page 06 04.2b Building Massing: Mid-Rise MURB Page 29
What does the Guide cover? Page 07 04.3 Fenestration and Shading Page 30
04.4a Wall R-Values: High-Rise MURB Page 31
02 SECTION 2 04.4b Wall R-Values: Mid-Rise MURB Page 32
Introduction to the BC Energy Step Code Design Guide 04.5 Window U-Values Page 33
04.6 Thermal Bridges Page 34
How to Use this Guide Page 09
04.7 Airtightness Page 35
A Resource for Local Governments Page 09
04.8 Ventilation Systems Page 36
A Resource for Architects and Developers Page 10
04.9 Mechanical Systems Page 37
04.10a The High-Performance High-Rise MURB Page 38
03 SECTION 3 04.10b The High-Performance Mid-Rise MURB Page 39
Designing for the BC Energy Step Code
03.1 Primary Objective Page 12 05 SECTION 5
03.2 Performance Metrics Page 13 The Benefits of Energy Efficient Design
03.3 Achieving the BC Energy Step Code Page 14
Improve Health and Comfort Page 41
Reduce Costs Page 41
Key Strategies
Provide Consistency to the Industry Page 41
03.41 Minimize Heat Loss through Simplified Massing and Orientation Page 15 Achieve Better Performance with Today’s Technologies Page 41
03.42 Consider Unit Density Page 17 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Page 41
03.43 Optimize Fenestration Page 18
03.44 Increase Building R-Values Page 20
A APPENDIX
03.45 Reduce Thermal Bridging Page 21
03.46 Increase Airtightness Page 22 A1 Glossary of Terms Page 43
03.47 Recover Heat During Ventilation Page 23 A2 Image Sources Page 44
03.48 Separate Heating and Cooling from Ventilation Page 24
03.5 Summary of Key Strategies Page 25 S SUPPLEMENT
S1 Complying with the City of Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan Page 46
S2 Summary of Key Strategies: Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan Page 47

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE SECTION 01.

SECTION 01.

.
Introduction to the

1
BC Energy Step Code
Design Guide

0
01 Introduction
What is the BC Energy Step Code?
Why do we need a Design Guide?
Who is the Guide for?
What does the Guide cover?

04
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE INTRODUCTION SECTION 01.

01 Introduction

1 Introducing the BC Energy Step Code

What is the BC Energy Step Code?
9JCVKUVJG$%'PGTI[5VGR%QFG! 2017 2032 Additional References
In April 2017, the Province of British Columbia adopted
The BC Energy Step Code-9!683=-2$-!£9;!2&!8&'2!$;'&
-268-£‰‡ˆ;,!;683=-&'9!2-2$8'1'2;!£!2&$329-9;'2; The Energy Step Code Council, the Provincial Government, and third
the BC Energy Step Code as a series of amendments to the
!6683!$,;3!$,-'=-2+138''2'8+@f'ă$-'2;#<-£&-2+9;,!;+3
 Һ  parties such as BC Housing have produced a series of publications and
#'@32&;,'8'7<-8'1'2;93(;,'#!9'<-¡&-2+3&'W,-9
Building Act and the Local Government Act. Local governments
2'>9;!2&!8&-9!=-;!£1'!9<8';3'2!#£';31'';;,'    
83=-2$-!£+3!£;3$329;8<$;2';fA'83'2'8+@8'!&@#<-£&-2+9  

 presentations to increase awareness and understanding of the BC Energy
may now use the standard, if they wish, to incentivize or ;&3'993#@'9;!#£-9,-2+!9'8-'93(1'!9<8!#£'T
#@‰‡Š‰W require Step Code in local government and industry audiences. A few of these are
6'8(381!2$'f#!9'&'2'8+@f'ă$-'2$@8'7<-8'1'2;9(38
a level of energy efficiency in new construction that$329;8<$ধ32;,!;$311<2-ধ'91!@$,339';3!&36;>,'2
goes above listed below. For additional materials, visit www.energystepcode.ca
8'!&@W
and beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code. The BC Energy Step Code groups these
Builders may also adopt the standard voluntarily. GPGTI[GHƓEKGPE[TGSWKTGOGPVUKPVQC Provincial Policy: Local Government Implementation
series of “steps."
;'6ˆ'2;!-£913&'££-2+'2'8+@6'8(381!2$'!2&1'!9<8-2+ of the BC Energy Step Code (PDF 903KB)
The standard consists of a series of steps, representing !-8ধ+,;2'99;3'29<8';,!;!#<-£&-2+>-££1'';38'?$''&
;,'1-2-1<1'2'8+@f'ă$-'2$@8'7<-8'1'2;9-2;,'#!9'BC Office of Housing and Construction Standards,
increasing levels of energy-efficiency performance. By adopting
1
<-¡&-2+3&'W'!2>,-£'T!;;,'36639-;''2&3(;,'9$!£'T;,'
,-+,'9;9;'68'68'9'2;9![2';fA'83'2'8+@8'!&@\9;!2&!8&g! Province of British Columbia
one or more steps of the standard, local governments and 9;!2&!8&;,!;-9#'-2+1';#@;,'139;'2'8+@f'ă$-'2;683/'$;9 STEP April 2017
#'-2+&'='£36'&;3&!@W
BC BUILDING
builders can increase building performance requirements CODE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
in their communities. The Energy Step Code: A Best Practices Guide
for Local Governments (PDF 3.8MB)
Local governments and builders may apply the BC Energy Building and Safety Standards Branch, Province of British
Step Code to new residential construction across the province. Columbia, with the Energy Step Code Council
They may also apply the standard to multi-unit and commercial September 2017
buildings in the Lower Mainland and on southern Vancouver Island.
8
Consumer Guide to High-Performance Homes
The Province of British Columbia has set a goal that all new (PDF 540 KB)
buildings must reach a “net-zero energy ready” level of efficiency BC Housing
by 2032. The BC Energy Step Code serves as a policy pathway April 2016
and technical roadmap to reach that target. Please visit
www.energystepcode.ca to read about the standard BC Housing Design Guidelines and Construction Standards
and access presentations and additional resources. BC Housing 2014
Revised July 2017 to accommodate the BC Energy Step Code

Guide to Low Thermal Energy Demand for Large Buildings

BC Housing
February 2018

WHAT IS THE BC ENERGY STEP CODE? 05

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE INTRODUCTION SECTION 01.

Why do we need a design guide? Who is the guide for?

While increasing numbers of builders, developers, and architects are embracing This guide is a resource for local governments, architects, and developers interested in pursuing the
high-performance construction practices, there is still considerable opportunity to grow BC Energy Step Code.
awareness and capacity. The purpose of this guide is to provide an accessible resource
to clearly illustrate a variety of techniques and strategies that industry can consider in
meeting the BC Energy Step Code’s performance requirements.

The guide will help local governments and industry understand the benefits and impacts of key design strategies
necessary to achieve each step of the standard, including both mechanical and envelope strategies. It also offers
a graphic explanation of more detailed implementation tactics related to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
(HVAC) solutions and strategies.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPERS

British Columbia local governments, subject to the BC Industry may voluntarily adopt the BC Energy Step Code as an
Provincial Policy:
Best Practices Guide Design Guidelines and Building Code and covered by the Community Charter, may alternate compliance path to meeting the minimum performance
Local Implementation of
for Local Governments Construction Standards reference the BC Energy Step Code in their policies and bylaws.¹ requirements of the BC Building Code.
the BC Energy Step Code
Effective December 2017, Section 5 of the Building Act rendered
all bylaws that referenced energy-performance programs other Many developers already voluntarily adopt advanced
than the BC Energy Step Code to be unenforceable. performance standards to meet the growing demand for
high-performance buildings. The consistent approach of
By adopting one or more steps of the standard, local governments the BC Energy Step Code allows industry to gradually build
will be able to improve the energy performance of the built capacity and skills in a coordinated and predictable manner.
environment in their communities, while contributing to occupant This will help developers control costs and minimize disruption.
comfort, lowering utility bills, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. Local governments can choose to adopt any one or
more steps of the standard, but should consider existing policies
BC Energy Step Code
Local Government Architects and Developers and market conditions in their communities when doing do.
Design Guide

Until 2020, the province is discouraging local governments

from requiring Upper Steps on a community-wide basis,
but Upper Steps may be used in connection with an incentive
¹ At the time of this guide’s production, the City of Vancouver had announced that,
program. Higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code are expected
subject to Council approval, it would allow builders to reference the BC Energy
to be adopted more widely as industry capacity increases and Step Code as an alternate performance pathway to demonstrate compliance
services and products for the design and construction of with its Zero Emissions Building Plan. For more information on Vancouver’s Zero
high-performance buildings become more readily available. Emissions Building Plan, please see Supplement S.

WHY AND WHO? 06

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE INTRODUCTION SECTION 01.

What does the guide cover? +

While the BC Energy Step Code applies to a 12

H
IG
number of Part 3 and Part 9 building types,

H
-R
IS
11

E
M
this guide outlines key principles and strategies

U
R
B
for meeting the Upper Steps of the BC Energy 10

Step Code for two of B.C.’s primary Part 3 9

6
building types: High-Rise and Mid-Rise Multi-Unit
8
Residential Buildings, or MURBs. 5

M
ID
-R
8

IS
E
4

M
The principles, strategies, and technologies depicted in this

U
R
B
guide are most relevant for construction in Climate Zones 4 7
3
and 5 (B.C.’s Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the southern
Thompson-Okanagan/Kootenay region, and the southern coast), 6
2
though several will also apply in higher Climate Zones. The guide
is structured to take the reader from high-level strategies through 5
a progression to greater levels of detail.
1
4
Several strategies included in the guide may be used or modified
to meet the requirements of the City of Vancouver’s Zero 3
Emissions Building Plan. Callout boxes are used to indicate where
the design strategies can be adapted to achieve the greenhouse 2
gas emission reduction requirements in that plan. For more
information on Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan,
please see Supplement S.

WHAT DOES THE GUIDE COVER? 07

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE SECTION 02.

SECTION 02.

.
How to Use
this Guide

02
02 How to Use this Guide
A Resource for Local Governments
A Resource for Architects and Developers

08
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE SECTION 02.

02 How to Use this Guide A Resource for Local Governments

Local governments should use this guide in two general ways: to inform policy
This guide outlines key design concepts that will design and development, and to review specific development applications to
meet the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code ensure proponents are complying with performance requirements.
as it applies to High-Rise and Mid-Rise MURBs.
It is intended as a quick reference for developers,
architects, and local governments.

GO TO SECTION 03 FOR:
Overarching design principles necessary to meet
BC Energy Step Code targets, and a diagram
showing the importance of each design strategy in
relation to the three key metrics of the BC Energy
Step Code.

GO TO SECTION 04 FOR: Review Specific

Inform Policy Design Development
Detailed design strategies for High-Rise Applications

and Mid-Rise MURBs.

GO TO SECTION 05 FOR:
An overview of the benefits of
energy efficient design.
Elected officials, policy-makers, community Community and energy planners should consult Area and energy planners should consult this
GO TO APPENDIX A FOR: planners, and energy planners may wish to use the guide when creating local area plans to guide when reviewing rezoning and development
A glossary of terms, and image sources. this document to help establish guidelines for highly determine how planned and proposed buildings applications, to ensure proponents have applied
energy efficient urban form and development policies will be impacted by the application of the the principles and strategies necessary to meet
in official community plans and other documents. BC Energy Step Code. BC Energy Step Code performance targets.
GO TO SUPPLEMENT S FOR: Local governments may wish to quickly adopt Lower
Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Steps, while planning to adopt higher steps in the
future. Consulting this and other BC Energy Step Code
and to comply with the City of Vancouver's resources early will help inform policy development.
Zero Emissions Building Plan.

A RESOURCE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 09

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE SECTION 02.

A Resource for Architects and Developers

This Guide is designed to help architects and developers understand and use the key considerations and design strategies necessary to meet
the BC Energy Step Code’s performance targets. It offers clarity on the most cost-effective and straightforward strategies to reduce building
energy demands and improve airtightness. As such, mechanical and envelope engineers may also find it helpful in their work.

While the guide provides some of the lowest cost strategies performance targets. Practitioners can explore different These options should be considered early in the
to meet the BC Energy Step Code, it is important to note design strategies, or energy conservation measures, for design process to ensure the final building complies
that there are many ways of meeting the standard’s their ability to meet the TEDI, TEUI, and airtightness targets. with requirements.

Application Application Application Pre-Occupancy

Review Review Review Review

Development
Pre-Application Rezoning Building Permit Field Review Occupancy
Permit

Developers should review this Prior to submitting a rezoning application, At the development permit stage, designers will Final project design documentation is required for Building officials will require Prior to issuing an occupancy permit, local government
guide while acquiring land and developers, architects, and engineers should be required to use energy modelling to confirm the application of a building permit. By this stage, architects and engineers to officials may check that letters of assurance have
calculating a project’s proforma use this guide to consider the key design strategies that the proposed development meets the relevant all design strategies will be final, and the required review the project while it is been completed, and that the coordinating registered
analysis. It is important to begin that will reach a given performance step. While community’s BC Energy Step Code performance whole-building energy model will demonstrate that under construction, to ensure it professional has signed off on all design strategies
to explore different possibilities designs are rarely final at the rezoning stage, targets, and that any concerns identified at the the proponent’s chosen approaches will meet the substantially conforms with the needed to achieve the targeted step of the BC Energy
regarding the overall massing, massing, orientation, and fenestration should be rezoning stage have been addressed. performance targets. requirements of the BC Energy Step Code. Developers must also ensure that a
orientation, and unit density of identified as early as possible, along with broad Step Code. post-construction airtightness test is conducted, and
a prospective project at this mechanical, ventilation, and envelope strategies. that the results of the airtightness test are included in
stage, as all have implications for Local government staff and design panels may determining the final energy performance of the building.
energy performance. review applications to ensure the proponent has
considered BC Energy Step Code requirements.

A RESOURCE FOR ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPERS 10

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE SECTION 03.

SECTION 03.

.
Designing for the

3
BC Energy Step Code

0
03.1 Primary Objective
03.2 Performance Metrics
03.3 Achieving the BC Energy Step Code

Key Design Strategies

03.41 Minimize Heat Loss through Simplified
Massing and Orientation
03.42 Consider Unit Density
03.43 Optimize Fenestration
03.44 Increase Building R-Values
03.45 Reduce Thermal Bridging
03.46 Increase Airtightness
03.47 Recover Heat During Ventilation
03.48 Separate Heating and Cooling from Ventilation
03.5 Summary of Key Strategies

11
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.1 Primary Objective

Communities and developers can reduce the impact of new buildings on the built environment by embracing energy-reducing design techniques. Buildings currently account for approximately 22% of the
energy consumed in the Province of British Columbia, and 12% of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. The BC Energy Step Code has been designed to create a stepped approach to
reducing building energy consumption, while controlling costs and improving occupant comfort­­— particularly at the Upper Steps.

While there are countless possible combinations of energy conservation measures that can be used to reduce building energy consumption, the strategies and principles outlined below will yield significant results.

BC ENERGY STEP CODE

Primary Objective Performance Metrics Key Strategies

Reducing the impact of the built environment The BC Energy Step Code requires buildings to achieve Design strategies for achieving Step Code required
through the use of thoughtful design techniques that specific levels of performance in three key metrics: performance targets in each of the three metrics.
minimize building energy consumption.

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) Minimizing Heat Losses Through Simplified Massing Reducing Thermal Bridging

Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI) Minimizing Heat Losses Through Orientation Increasing Airtightness

Airtightness Considering Unit Density Using Compartmentalization

Optimizing Fenestration Using Heat Recovery In Ventilation

Increasing Building R-Values Separate Heating And Cooling From Ventilation

VANCOUVER’S ZERO EMISSIONS BUILDING PLAN (ZEBP) In addition to limits on heat loss and energy use, the City of Vancouver sets limits on greenhouse gases (GHG) to further target reductions in emissions.

Primary Objective Performance Metric Key Strategy

Minimizing GHG emissions Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI) Select Low-Carbon Mechanical Systems (See Supplement S, pg 45.)

Primary Objective 12
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.2 Performance Metrics

The BC Energy Step Code specifies levels of performance in Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI), Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI), and airtightness.
(See the Glossary of Terms for an explanation of each.) The key principles for achieving good performance in each of the three metrics are outlined below.

BC ENERGY STEP CODE VANCOUVER’S ZEBP

TEDI TEUI Airtightness GHGI

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity is a measure of the Total Energy Use Intensity is a measure of the total In Part 3 buildings, professionals measure airtightness The City of Vancouver has authority over its
total heating energy necessary to maintain a comfortable amount of energy a building uses over the course of using the Normalized Air Leakage Rate, which tracks own building code, and has instituted its own
indoor temperature over the course of a year, measured and a year, per unit of building area. The metric considers the rate at which air leaks through the envelope. The air step code-like provisions described in the
expressed in kWh/m²/year. The metric considers both passive all energy used in a building, including plug loads leakage rate is measured per unit of envelope area and Zero Emissions Building Plan. In addition to
gains (e.g. incoming solar radiation, heat generated by indoor (e.g. lighting, appliances) and process loads (e.g. expressed as L/s·m² at 75 Pascals pressure differential. setting targets for TEUI and TEDI, the plan
appliances) and losses (e.g. heat losses through the building elevators, mechanical systems, fans). Like TEDI, also sets thresholds for performance in
envelope), as well as any energy needed to mechanically heat TEUI is measured and expressed in kWh/m²/year. Strategies for increasing airtightness include: greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI).
a building or warm incoming ventilation air. • Designing buildings with a more compact
Strategies for achieving TEUI targets: massing to reduce the number of corners GHGI is a measure of the emissions intensity
To achieve a TEDI target, professionals must maximize • Consider occupant and unit density • Limiting building-envelope penetrations of a building’s emissions, measured and
gains and minimize losses as much as possible, and reduce • Optimize fenestration • Paying careful attention to detailing expressed in tonnes or kilograms of carbon
reliance on mechanical systems. • Increase airtightness at interfaces dioxide equivalent per unit area over the
• Recover heat during ventilation • Ensuring strict adherence to course of a year (kg CO²/m²/year).
Strategies for achieving TEDI targets: • Separate heating and cooling from ventilation construction practices
• Minimize heat loss For more information, go to Supplement S,
• Consider occupant and unit density pg 45.
• Optimize fenestration
• Increase building R-values
• Reduce thermal bridging
• Increase airtightness
• Recover heat during ventilation

Performance Metrics 13
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.3 Achieving the BC Energy Step Code rm

an
ce
Step 4
fo Designers wishing to achieve Step 4’s more rigorous energy
er
The strategies presented in this guide represent the lowest cost strategies to achieve Steps erP efficiency and airtightness requirements will need to reconsider
gh
Hi multiple practices and systems. Although they can achieve this
2, 3, and 4 of the BC Energy Step Code in Climate Zone 4, as determined by the 2017 BC Step level of performance using wall systems applicable to the Lower
Code Metrics Study. However, this is only one set of strategies that can be used to achieve Steps, they will want to consider the building envelope first.
Designers should look to the strategies we suggest for Step 3
the performance targets in the BC Energy Step Code. There are many different possible
and also:
combinations of measures that can be taken to achieve the same level of performance,
depending on the nature and goals of the project. Designers should use energy models
to explore the different trade-offs between strategies and identify the appropriate Specify very high levels of heat recovery efficiency
(e.g. at least 80%)
set of architectural, envelope, and mechanical strategies for their project.
Step 3
This chart presents a summary of the kinds of measures required to meet Source triple-glazed windows with high performance
frames and reduce frame elements
each step of the BC Energy Step Code. To comply with the requirements of Step 3,
designers will use many of the Step 2 strategies noted
here. However, they will also begin to take a more
integrated approach. To reach Step 3, they might also: Eliminate all significant thermal bridges

Step 1 Step 2 Consider sealing off individual building units and uses
from one another to improve airtightness, a practice
Step 1 is often referred to as “enhanced compliance”, Builders can achieve Step 2 using conventional practices known as compartmentalization
because it simply requires builders to demonstrate that and widely available materials. However, they will need
they have achieved the energy-efficiency requirements to improve the building’s overall airtightness and use
Reduce thermal bridging
of the existing BC Building Code. In a Step 1 project, additional measures. For example, they should:
builders must supply officials with an energy model
to demonstrate that their design will meet the code
requirements. Upon substantial completion, a builder Design for a lower overall window-to-wall ratio
(e.g. 40% WWR)
must also submit the results of an airtightness test.
He or she would ideally do so before installing drywall
or other interior surfaces, to allow opportunities to
Require higher building R-values (e.g. minimum
address leaks. effective R-10 for walls and effective R-20 for roofs)

Improve window performance (e.g. double-

and triple-glazed windows with lower U-values)

Improve heat-recovery efficiency

(e.g. 60%)

Achieving the BC Energy Step Code 14

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.41 Minimize Heat Loss through Simplified Massing and Orientation

CASE STUDIES

A High-Performance Building
Two key factors that should be considered early in the design process are the proposed building’s massing and its orientation. Massing refers to a Need Not Be Boring
building’s overall shape, form, and size. Orientation refers to the alignment of a building’s principal axis. (See page 16 for Orientation).
A building doesn’t need a lot of bells and
whistles to be attractive. Design professionals
can use a wide variety of strategies — such as
exterior colours or textures — to create visually
interesting buildings that maintain a compact
building form.

Top The Spot, Vancouver, B.C.

Bottom Kiln Apartments, Portland, OR

Simpler Form Lower VFAR Larger Floor Plate

A building’s massing can influence the achievement of TEDI Massing can also be thought of in terms of a building’s vertical In general, smaller and narrower floor plates make TEDI
performance targets: the more complex a building shape, the surface area to floor area ratio (VFAR). A lower VFAR decreases performance targets harder to achieve. Increasing a building’s
greater the number of opportunities for heat loss through the overall heat loss potential, because vertical surfaces (walls) tend floor plate size and simplifying its external shape and form both
KEY TAKEAWAY
envelope. A building with several complex junctions and corners to have lower R-values than horizontal ones (floors and roofs). help improve a building project’s ability to meet the BC Energy
will lose far more heat through the envelope than a building that Higher VFAR values are often a function of the building’s floor Step Code targets.
Reduce the complexity of the building facade,
has been designed as a simple, solid form, such as a cube or plate size, as well as the level of articulation, or the complexity
and increase the floor plate as much as
rectangle. Compact buildings also reduce the total number of its overall form.
possible to reduce the potential for heat loss
exterior walls — where heat is lost — as well as the number of
through the envelope.
ledges and other horizontal surfaces where accumulations of
moisture can degrade the building envelope.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Airtightness Minimize Heat Loss through Simplified Massing and Orientation 15
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

N N N N
30º 30º

Professionals who orient their buildings to maximize solar-gain potential from the south can reduce heating demands by as much as 30 to 40%. While this
strategy does not minimize heat losses per se, it does take advantage of passive heat gains that can provide a benefit when reaching for a TEDI target.

Take Advantage of Natural Light Maximize Solar Gains Avoid Overheating

Thoughtful building orientation can also help designers reach To maximize the potential for solar gains, designers should At the same time, designers taking advantage of solar gain
TEUI targets, by taking advantage of natural light to reduce orient a proposed building’s longest facade as close to due must be careful to avoid overheating in the summer months,
lighting loads. south as possible. Ideally, the south-facing facade should by specifying the use of thermally-broken external shading
be within 30 degrees of due south. While many sites are (see Exterior Shading callout).
constrained by existing adjacent buildings and street grids,
opportunities may exist to orient upper floors to the south.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Orient the longest facade of the building

towards south as much as possible.
Shade south-facing facades to mitigate
the risk of overheating.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI TEUI Minimize Heat Loss through Simplified Massing and Orientation 16
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.42 Consider Unit Density

Occupant and unit density significantly influence a proposed Higher density buildings will achieve TEDI targets more easily
building’s TEDI and TEUI performance. as a result of higher rates of passive heating, but can experience
challenges in achieving TEUI targets.

Higher occupant density can make it easier to achieve a TEDI target, while pushing
a TEUI objective farther out of reach. This is because a building’s occupants drive
plug loads, as more people switch on more appliances, and turn on hot-water Lower
faucets. As such, the higher a building’s occupancy, the more difficult it may be TEDI
to achieve a specified TEUI. While this trend can be inhibited by poor ventilation, Higher
=
designers should nevertheless look for opportunities to reduce hot-water demand Unit Density
when planning high-occupancy buildings.
Higher
TEUI
On the flip side, the higher a given building’s occupancy, the greater the potential
for passive internal heat gains. Those appliances and all that hot water — and
even the warmth generated by human bodies — all help passively heat buildings.
As such, in cooler months, higher occupancy can also reduce a building’s heating
requirements. Designers should therefore carefully consider expected occupant
Lower density buildings experience the opposite, and have
and unit densities when calculating TEDI and TEUI.
greater ease in achieving TEUI due to a lower overall demand
for energy.

Lower
TEUI

Lower
=
Unit Density

Higher
TEDI

KEY TAKEAWAY

Consider trade-offs between TEDI and TEUI

carefully in building energy modelling.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI TEUI Consider Unit Density 17

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.43 Optimize Fenestration

Top Cornerstone Apartments, Vancouver, B.C.
Middle Girard, 600 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA
Bottom Marquis Lofts, Portland, ME

Fenestration refers to the number, size, and placement of windows on a building’s facades.
Size and placement are key factors when considering passive heat gains and daylighting.

Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) Orientation and Site Specific Considerations

When compared with opaque walls, windows offer low thermal resistance. As such, a lower Designers should also consider the direction the building’s windows will face, as well as site-specific
window-to-wall ratio (WWR) reduces heat gain and loss through the envelope by increasing the considerations, such as shading from nearby buildings. Buildings with a high WWR on the southern
area of insulated wall. As a rule of thumb, designers working to comply with the Lower Steps of elevation will maximize their solar gains in the cooler winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.
the BC Energy Step Code should target no more than a 50% WWR. Buildings intended to meet As north-facing windows have the lowest potential for solar gains, WWR on north facades should be
Upper Steps should target a WWR of less than 40%. more modest if possible. Abundant glazing on south and west facades will support solar heat gains
during the winter months.

More than 40% WWR

50% WWR or less

While many building designs emphasize much larger WWR (e.g. floor-to-ceiling windows), Reducing the size of windows can actually help to improve occupants’ comfort by reducing glare
larger windows can provide harsh light at certain times of the day. and providing a more comfortable indoor temperature, without requiring any additional indoor
lighting or losing the potential for views.

Designers should specify lower window sills to sit 24 inches or more above the floor helps to reduce
unnecessary solar radiation at foot-level, while still allowing light and views while occupants are KEY TAKEAWAY
sitting or standing.
Target a 40% window-to-wall ratio (WWR)

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Optimize Fenestration 18

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

CASE STUDIES

How to Cut the Rays When

They Aren’t Wanted

Exterior shading devices can be used to block unwanted

solar gains and keep indoor temperatures comfortable in the
summer months. These will become even more important as
B.C.’s climate warms, and the number of days of extremely
high temperatures we experience over the course of a
summer rises. Designers can use solar shading devices
such as louvres, overhangs, eaves, and balconies to improve
occupant comfort, as well as programmable motorized
shades placed on the exterior of a building. On lower floors,
deciduous trees can provide shade in summer months.

In some cases, designers may also use horizontal shading

devices as “light shelves” to direct light deeper into building
interiors, reducing the need for artificial illumination.

NORTH FACING EAST/WEST FACING WEST FACING SOUTH FACING

Shading devices aren’t necessary on north-facing Designers can use vertical fins to block incoming Programmable motorized shades can be Designers should place shading devices along a
facades, but designers can reduce the WWR to summer sun on western elevations. placed on the outside of a building to shade building’s southern elevation to block incoming
reduce heat losses through the envelope. interiors when necessary. Shades automatically solar radiation in the summer, while welcoming
Reference The Spot, Vancouver, B.C. extend or retract according to the amount of solar gains from lower winter sunlight.
Reference Girard, 600 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA incoming solar radiation.
Reference Muse Apartments, Portland, OR
Reference 181 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, B.C.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Use external shading devices to minimize

unwanted solar gains.

Optimize Fenestration 19
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.44 Increase Building R-Values

CASE STUDIES

Is everyone comfortable?
R-values indicate an envelope’s thermal resistance, or its ability to prevent heat from moving from one side to the other. The higher the R-value, the better
Higher performance wall and window systems
the envelope is in terms of its insulating effectiveness. By selecting building-envelope components with higher R-values, designers can improve a building’s improve a building’s energy efficiency, but they
thermal performance and help reach TEDI targets. Higher R-values also help to improve occupant comfort by keeping building interiors warmer in the can also greatly improve the comfort of its
occupants by maintaining a more consistent and
winter, and cooler in the summer.
comfortable indoor temperature.

R-values depend on many variables, including a given wall As window areas (glazing) offer lower thermal resistance In general, wall systems that are scalable with respect to their Image Kiln Apartments suite, Portland, OR
system’s insulation type, thickness, and overall density. than opaque wall assemblies, designs that feature a lower insulation allow greater flexibility in balancing glazing and wall
However, there are two different ways to measure and present WWR and high-performance windows will also improve performance throughout the design process. These primarily
a given material’s R-value. Nominal R-values indicate the overall envelope performance. Professionals typically evaluate include wall systems that can easily accommodate more
insulating effectiveness of the material itself, while effective window performance in terms of U-value — a measure of how insulation without substantially changing their cost or form.
R-values convey its performance in conjunction with framing well a given window allows heat to pass through. U-values are When selecting a window system, designers should consider
members and/or other materials. Designers should carefully the inverse of R-values. As such, the lower the U-value, the composition and arrangement of framing elements.
select envelope systems for their effective R-values, and to the better a window’s performance. Low-conductivity frames and fewer framing elements can
minimize or even eliminate thermal bridges. help to reduce the potential heat loss through the windows.

W
INT ARM
ER
IOR

INS
IDE
WA
LO LL W
OU W
TS R-V ITH
ID AL
E UE
W
INT ARM
S

ER
S
LO

IOR
T
EA
H
H
IG
H

W
HIGALL
H R WIT
-VA H
LU KEY TAKEAWAY
E
S
S
LO
T

Select envelope systems with high effective

EA
H
W

INS
LO

IDE R-values. Select windows with low U-values.

OU
TS
IDE

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Increase Building R-Values 20

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.45 Reduce Thermal Bridging

A thermal bridge refers to an area in a building’s envelope that interrupts the building’s continuous insulation layer, causing heat to escape the interior of
the building to the outside.

Examples of thermal bridges include concrete balconies and Designers can mitigate thermal bridging by choosing a Professionals should avoid slabs that extend the floor plate
beams that run from the building’s interior to exterior. To prevent compact building design that reduces articulations and beyond the heated building envelope, and choose thermally
excessive heat loss, designers should avoid or “break” these junctions. They should also require continuous insulation broken balconies in situations where balconies are required.
thermal bridges with insulating materials, or specify thermally around floor edges, and position window frames in line with
broken building products. building insulation. Doing so will minimize heat loss through
the frame-to-wall connection.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Software tools and resources such as

BC Hydro’s Building Envelope Thermal Bridging
Guide are useful in identifying and mitigating
thermal bridging.

KEY TAKEAWAY
Balcony with high thermal bridging Thermally broken balcony Continuous insulation
Break all thermal bridges with
insulating materials.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Reduce Thermal Bridging 21

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.46 Increase Airtightness

Buildings designed for a compact shape, form, and size
not only improve thermal performance, but can improve

Residential
airtightness as well. Complex forms with more corners Buildings with a continuous air
barrier around the entire facade
have a greater overall potential for air leakage through will improve airtightness and
the building envelope. minimize heat losses

Retail
Designers should create an airtightness plan to detail the installation of a
continuous air barrier, and clearly indicate it on section drawings.

Parking
Designers might also consider a compartmentalization strategy to improve
a proposed project’s airtightness. Compartmentalization refers to the
practice of isolating individual suites or units in a building from one another,
such that they are individually ventilated. The approach minimizes transfer
of air — and therefore smoke, smells, and contaminants — from adjacent
units or spaces. It also helps to mitigate the “stack effect” in taller buildings.

Residential
Separating building uses
(e.g. parking, retail, residential)
from one another further
improves airtightness and
reduces the stack effect

Retail
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Parking
The Illustrated Guide to Achieving Airtight
Buildings, published jointly by BC Housing,
BC Hydro, and the City of Vancouver,
offers additional resources on how
to create effective air barriers.
Residential

Compartmentalizing individual units KEY TAKEAWAY

provides the highest level of airtightness and
improve occupant comfort by reducing the Install a continuous air barrier to minimize heat
transfer of noise and smells between units losses through the building envelope. Seal off
residential units from each other and from other
Retail

building uses.
Parking

Most important metric(s) to consider Airtightness Increase Airtightness 22

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.47 Recover Heat During Ventilation

Typical Ventilation Compartmentalized Ventilation Heat Recovery
Historically, MURBs have been ventilated using a centralized pressurized corridor In contrast, the compartmentalization of unit ventilation helps to control the overall With HRVs, designers can limit centralized, conditioned ventilation to corridors
system, in which positively pressurized corridors on each floor force air into individual flow of air in a building, reducing overall energy demand and improving the health and and common areas only, reducing energy that is often wasted through redundant
units through gaps under entrance doors. While it is still common in some areas, comfort of unit occupants. heating. These systems also provide a direct source of fresh air to individual suites,
this approach has been found to be inefficient in effectively or evenly distributing reducing the transfer of smoke, smells, and sounds between units and improving
air throughout the building. Leakage along the distribution system ductwork wastes Designers working to meet the performance targets of the BC Energy Step Code should air quality. They minimize heat loss in ventilation, improving a building’s overall
large amounts of energy, and leads to inadequate ventilation across a building’s units. specify high-efficiency heat recovery ventilators (HRV) for either the whole building or at TEDI and TEUI.
As of 2012, the BCBC also began requiring the provision of ventilation to individual the suite level. Buildings will not likely achieve the Upper Steps of the code without some
rooms within a unit, making this approach less feasible. kind of highly efficient heat recovery.

Centralized ventilation systems Centralized systems that use heat Decentralized ventilation systems
without heat recovery can lead to recovery achieve higher levels of that make use of heat recovery are
significant heat losses through the energy efficiency the most efficient
building envelope, and can increase
the stack effect

KEY TAKEAWAY

Use a heat recovery ventilation system at

whole building or individual unit scales to
reduce heat losses.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Recover Heat During Ventilation 23

 BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.48 Separate Heating and Cooling from Ventilation Selecting Low-Carbon

Mechanical Systems for the City
of Vancouver’s Zero Emissions
To achieve TEUI targets, designers should separate heating and Of all mechanical space-conditioning systems, heat pumps Beyond improving a building’s TEUI, heat pumps often offer the Building Plan (ZEBP)
cooling systems from ventilation systems. In addition to the generally do the most effective job of lowering TEUI scores. added benefit of providing occupants with air-conditioning in the
ventilation strategies noted in Section 03.47, designers striving to Options include geo-exchange, air-source, and variant refrigerant summer months. However, prior to selecting mechanical systems, The selection of mechanical strategies is of
achieve TEUI targets should consider high-efficiency mechanical flow (VRF) systems. Systems that connect to district energy designers should take an envelope-first approach to reducing central importance to the achievement of GHGI
systems. This separation allows for continuous ventilation, systems also tend to incorporate some type of heat pump. energy demand as much as possible. performance targets in the City of Vancouver
regardless of whether a suite requires heating. ZEBP. See Supplement S (page 45) for more
details on the City of Vancouver’s ZEBP.

Heat pump technologies are Heat pumps can efficiently

desirable in that they can also provide heat to buildings in
provide cooling in summer months cooler months

AT AT
HEMP HEMP
PU PU
CO WA
ST OL ST RM
AL H AL H
EA ES EA ES
IR FRL AIR IR FR AIR
O O ARM
C W

V V
HR HR

H H
ES AIR ST ES IR ST
FR RM AL
E FR OL A AL
E
CO WA AIR HE C O AIR
OL AT
ING ING
AIR AIR
ESH ESH
FR FR KEY TAKEAWAY

Separate heating and cooling systems from

ventilation systems

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Separate Heating and Cooling from Ventilation 24
ation

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGNING FOR THE STEP CODE SECTION 03.

03.5 Summary of Key Strategies Not Important More Important

While certain design strategies will help

Architecture
meet a single BC Energy Step Code performance
Minimizing Heat Losses Through Simplified Massing
target (e.g. TEDI), others will help accomplish all
three. Practitioners should consider these core
strategies — addressing building shape, orientation,
and envelope, as well as mechanical and Minimizing Heat Losses Through Orientation
ventilation systems — early in the design process.
Proponents must retain the services of an energy
modeler at the design and permitting stages.
To ensure overall compliance, designers Considering Unit Density
should rely on hourly energy modelling tools.

Diagram Description
The figure to the right shows the importance of Optimizing Fenestration
each design strategy in relation to the three key
metrics of the BC Energy Step Code (TEDI, TEUI,
and airtightness). To explore the impact of different
Increasing Building R-Values
design decisions interactively, visit the
Building Pathfinder website.

Reducing Thermal Bridging

LEGEND

Increasing Airtightness
TEDI
Building Envelope

TEUI
Using Compartmentalization
Airtightness

Architecture Using Heat Recovery in Ventilation

Building Envelope
Mechanical

Separate Heating and Cooling from Ventilation

Mechanical

Summary of Key Strategies 25

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE SECTION 04.

SECTION 04.

.
Design Strategies
for High-Rise and

4
Mid-Rise MURBs

0
04.1 Introduction
04.2a Building Massing: High-Rise MURB
04.2b Building Massing: Mid-Rise MURB
04.3 Fenestration and Shading
04.4a Wall R-Values: High-Rise MURB
04.4b Wall R-Values: Mid-Rise MURB
04.5 Window U-Values
04.6 Thermal Bridges
04.7 Airtightness
04.8 Ventilation Systems
04.9 Mechanical Systems
04.10a The High-Performance High-Rise MURB
04.10b The High-Performance Mid-Rise MURB

26
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.1 Introduction +

12

H
IG
H
This section presents details on the key design strategies

-R
IS
11

E
M
necessary for designers of MURBs to meet the BC Energy

U
R
B
Step Code. 10

9
High-Rise MURB 6

In this guide, High-Rise MURB refers to multi-unit residential buildings of 8

5
six storeys or higher, designed and built using concrete construction techniques.

M
ID
-R
Such buildings often consist of one to two storeys of commercial space at 8

IS
E
4

M
U
grade, with up to several dozen setback storeys of residential units above.

R
B
Exclusively residential high-rise MURBs often include common areas such 7
3
a lobbies and shared-use facilities, such as gyms and common rooms,
alongside or in addition to ground-level suites. 6
2

Mid-Rise MURB 5

Mid-Rise MURB refers to multi-unit residential buildings of three to six storeys, 1

4
and designed and built using wood-frame construction techniques. Mid-rise
MURBs can be configured with a concrete first storey and wood construction 3
above. While many mid-rise MURBs are purely residential, others can host
small businesses in the first and second storeys. 2

Key Design Strategies

The strategies presented in this section represent some of the lowest cost
design solutions to meet TEDI, TEUI, and airtightness performance targets in
the province’s Lower Mainland (Climate Zone 4). However, it bears repeating 1
that designers can turn to nearly endless combinations of energy conservation
measures to meet BC Energy Step Code requirements. Site conditions, the owners’
performance requirements, and many other factors impact a given design’s
potential to meet BC Energy Step Code requirements.

As such, designers should consider a variety of strategies to determine the best

response to meet their specific needs. Hourly energy modelling tools will prove
invaluable in doing so.

Introduction 27
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.2a Building Massing: High-Rise MURB

Top Marine Gateway, Vancouver, B.C.
Middle Budzey Building, Vancouver, B.C.
Bottom Olympic by Windsor, Los Angeles, CA

A building with several complex junctions and corners will lose Complexity of shape and
The design of high-rise residential towers is often far more heat through the envelope than a building that has size of floor plate both
constrained by existing site conditions, including the size been designed as a simple, solid form (e.g. cube, rectangle) impact Step Code targets

of the lot and its orientation with respect to the existing

street grid. However, designers can take measures to
improve a proposed building’s ability to meet the
BC Energy Step Code’s TEDI targets.
x2

Lower VFAR
High-rise residential towers designed with a lower vertical surface area to
floor area ratio (VFAR) have a lower overall potential for heat loss through
the building envelope. Towers with smaller, narrower floor plates tend to lose
more heat through the building envelope. In tower forms, any floor plate of
600m² (6,500ft²) or less can be considered to be a “smaller” floor plate. As
cities often emphasize smaller floor plates to help maximize daylight to the
street, building designers will need to strive for a balance between municipal
requirements and a building’s energy performance.
x2

Simpler Form
Heat loss through the building envelope is also influenced by the complexity
of the building’s shape, or massing. High-rise MURBs tend to have simpler
forms than low- or mid-rise residential buildings. Nonetheless, designers
should still work to minimize the number of junctions, indents, and
intersections in the building envelope.
x2

Optimized Orientation
Finally, high-rise MURBs that are designed in such a way that incoming solar
gains are maximized in the winter will reduce heating requirements in the
wintertime, helping to achieve TEDI performance targets. The orientation
of residential towers should allow the longest facade of the building to align
with due south as much as possible, while ensuring precautions are taken
to address the potential for overheating (see Fenestration and Shading).
While orientation is often highly constrained by existing street grids
and other considerations, high-rise MURB can be designed in
such a way that the building’s podium aligns with the grid,
and the tower is oriented to align towards south.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Airtightness Building Massing: High-Rise MURB 28
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.2b Building Massing: Mid-Rise MURB

CASE STUDIES

Compact Charisma
Mid-rise residential buildings are usually the most constrained by existing site conditions, setback requirements and lot size, and the existing street grid.
However, designers can begin to consider the massing and proportions of the building’s design early on to improve its ability to meet the BC Energy Building designers can make use of different
colours and textures to enhance the visual
Step Code’s TEDI targets. interest of a building while keeping its form
simple and compact.

Top Cornerstone, Vancouver, B.C.

Bottom Kiln Apartments, Portland, OR

Simpler Form Maximize Solar Gains

The complexity of the building’s shape, or massing, significantly influences heat loss through the building envelope. Mid-rise MURB designers should seek to maximize solar gains in
Traditionally, mid-rise MURB designers design multiple junctions and articulations in the envelope to enhance visual interest the winter to reduce heating requirements; doing so will help achieve
and/or assimilate the building into the urban landscape. However, the fewer such junctions, indents, and intersections, TEDI performance targets. This is often challenging given existing site
the easier time a designer will have reaching TEDI and airtightness targets. Designers should aim to reduce the overall conditions, but may be a consideration for upper floors. Designers
complexity of the building’s shape by replacing complex envelope designs with simpler, compact forms. must also be careful to avoid overheating.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Airtightness Building Massing: Mid-Rise MURB 29
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.3 Fenestration and Shading

Top Cornell Tech Residential, NYC
Middle Girard, 600 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA
Bottom Cornerstone, Vancouver, B.C.

The size and placement of windows can influence a Strategies to address these issues include increasing sill heights, Designers can also consider existing adjacent buildings and
MURB’s TEDI and TEUI performance. To reduce a building’s and ensuring that operable windows are on multiple facades trees in a shading strategy, so long as they recognize that neither
TEDI, windows should be placed in such a way as to optimize or walls wherever possible. Moving corridors and elevators to strategy may be permanent. (Adjacent trees and buildings are
incoming solar gains in the winter, and minimize solar gains in the north side of a building can also help to minimize areas that subject to change!)
the summer. Careful placement of windows can also improve require glazing and daylight access.
cross-ventilation, support daylighting, and reduce the need for
artificial lighting, all lowering total energy demand.

H -R
M

IG IS
ID

H E
-A M
N UR
D B

NORTH FACING EAST FACING

Minimize the WWR on Increase WWR on east facades,
north facades, to reduce to increase daylighting potential and
winter heat losses. lower lighting loads. Shading on the
east facade has minimal impact on
TEUI, but can improve occupants’
thermal comfort.

OVERALL WWR
40% or less

WEST FACING SOUTH FACING

Externally shade windows on Externally shade windows on
south and west facades to prevent south and west facades to prevent
unwanted solar gains in summer. unwanted solar gains in summer.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Fenestration and Shading 30

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.4a Wall R-Values: High-Rise MURB

To improve the ability to meet the TEDI performance targets for
all steps of the BC Energy Step Code, designers should select

6 in Exterior Insulation (with Clips) R-19.2

Uninsulated Steel Stud Framing R-0.79

wall systems with a minimum value of R-10 effective, and

3/4 in Ventilated Air Space R-0.90

Exterior Gypsum Board R-0.55

Interior Gypsum Board R-0.45

consider roof designs with a minimum value of R-20 effective.

Total Effective R-Value 22.9

Exterior Air Film R-0.17

Interior Air Film R-0.68

Cladding R-0.15
Historically, window wall systems have not achieved high R-values and, as a
result, do not typically achieve the higher levels of performance that steel stud
and exterior insulation or concrete panel systems can achieve. That said, there are + + + + + + + =
a small number of high-performance window wall systems that are currently on
the market in B.C. that can be designed and installed to achieve insulation levels
capable of achieving Steps 2 and 3.

Wall systems that exhibit the most favourable characteristics for achieving
better building performance include concrete assemblies with exterior insulation,
concrete sandwich panes, and steel-stud with exterior insulation wall systems.

Concrete Assemblies Concrete Steel-Stud with

with Exterior Insulation Sandwich Panels Exterior Insulation
Cast-in-place concrete wall assemblies In this approach, insulation is sandwiched Steel stud wall assemblies are commonly
are common on high-rise MURBs. between two layers of pre-cast reinforced used in High-Rise MURB construction.
In this approach, cladding and exterior concrete panels. Sandwich panels offer In this approach, cladding and exterior
insulation is attached to the concrete higher levels of thermal performance than insulation is attached to the steel stud wall
wall with intermittent thermally efficient solid pre-cast panels, as the sandwiched with intermittent thermally efficient clips.
clips. A continuous layer of insulation layer provides for continuous insulation. Steel stud walls can either be built on-site,
around the entire envelope is necessary They also achieve good levels of airtightness. or made as prefabricated panels off-site and
to achieve higher levels of thermal lifted into place. A continuous layer of insulation
performance and minimize around the entire envelope is necessary to
thermal bridging. Above achieve higher levels of thermal performance
Ponderosa Commons, and minimize thermal bridging.
Above Vancouver, B.C.
Terrace 459, Chicago, IL Above
Mclaren House, Vancouver, B.C.

Fire Safety All exterior wall assembly materials must be non-combustible.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Wall R-Values: High-Rise MURB 31

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.4b Wall R-Values: Mid-Rise MURB

Mid-rise MURB designers can improve TEDI performance by selecting wall and roof systems that offer a minimum effective R-20 insulation value. Mid-rise MURBs are commonly constructed using either
wood-frame or concrete wall assemblies. Wood-frame construction typically achieves higher thermal performance than concrete wall systems, because the thermal conductivity of wood is lower than that of
concrete and steel. Mid-rise MURB designers seeking BC Energy Step Code compliance will want to consider four major wall approaches:

Wood-Stud with Split Insulation Deep Wood-Stud Assemblies Steel-Stud with Exterior Insulation Concrete Assemblies with Exterior Insulation
This conventional construction method achieves high thermal Designers can achieve higher thermal performance with deeper Steel-stud wall assemblies are commonly used in MURB Exterior insulated concrete walls score well on durability and
performance with standard 2x4 or 2x6 studs. Crews install stud walls (e.g., 2x8, 2x10, 2x12, or I-joists), and/or double stud construction. In this approach, cladding and exterior insulation thermal performance. Designers choosing this option can
insulation within the stud cavities, and also apply a continuous framing with an interior service wall. Contractors then fill these is attached to the steel stud wall with intermittent thermally minimize thermal bridging through the exterior insulation by
layer of rigid or semi-rigid insulation to the building’s exterior. deeper stud cavities with mineral-fibre batt insulation, blown-in efficient clips. Steel-stud walls can either be built on-site, carefully selecting cladding attachments and ensuring interface
fibrous insulation, or spray-foam insulation. or made as prefabricated panels off-site and lifted into place. details are thermally improved.
A continuous layer of insulation around the entire envelope is
necessary to achieve higher levels of thermal performance
and minimize thermal bridging.

Above Above Above Above

Riverport Flats, Richmond, B.C. Orchards at Orenco, Portland, OR Richardson Apartments, Portland, OR Knickerbocker Commons Passive House, NY

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Wall R-Values: Mid-Rise MURB 32

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.5 Window U-Values

The U-value of the glazing selected for use in building design will have a significant impact on the ability of the building to achieve the performance targets of the BC Energy Step Code.
In general, energy modelling will reveal the level of window performance needed to meet a given step’s TEDI target.

Select the Right Windows: Reduce the Number of Opportunities for Thermal Bridges to Occur:

For Designers Targeting Step 2 or Step 3: For Designers Targeting Step 4: Align Windows with Insulation Reduce Framing Elements by Having Fewer,
Select Double Pane Windows Select Triple Pane Windows Larger Windows

Windows frames that are out of The greater the number of

line with the building’s insulation window framing elements,
layer increase the chances of the greater the opportunities
heat loss through the envelope. for thermal bridging.

High-Rise MURBs High-Rise MURBs

Designers targeting Step 2 or Step 3 should Designers aiming for Step 4 will want to
consider the use of double pane windows investigate the use of triple pane windows
with a maximum U-value of USI-2.5. with a maximum U-value of USI-1.6. Place windows in line with Minimize the number of
the building’s insulation layer framing elements to reduce
to minimize heat losses. heat losses through the
Mid-Rise MURBs Mid-Rise MURBs
building envelope.
Designers targeting Step 2 or Step 3 should Designers aiming for Step 4 should consider
consider the use of double pane windows the use of double or triple pane windows
Wherever possible, window
with a maximum U-value of USI-2.5. with a maximum U-value of USI-2.0.
design should emphasize
fewer, larger windows in
lieu of a greater number of
In mid-rise MURBs, designers can also reduce thermal bridging by specifying window frame
smaller windows.
materials, such as vinyl or fibreglass, which offer lower thermal conductivity.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Window U-Values 33

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.6 Thermal Bridges

MURB designers will be required to identify and minimize instances of thermal bridging in building designs. This can be accomplished in three ways:

Compact Massing Continuous Insulation Mounted Balconies

First, building massing should be as compact Second, continuous insulation should be placed across the entire Third, building designs that cantilever floor slabs to form balconies without a thermal break should be avoided. Instead, designers should mount
as possible in order to minimize the number of building envelope to create a barrier between structural materials balconies so that they do not create thermal bridges. New methods of mounting balconies are becoming more available, and include:
junctions and articulations in the building facade. and the building exterior.

Exterior supported balconies (or self- Exterior hung balconies (or suspended Thermally-broken balconies use
supporting balconies) are supported from balconies) are attached to the building by lower-conductivity materials (such as
below. This allows the size of the tie-backs tension cables. These allows for continuous stainless steel) to attach the balcony
that connect the balcony to the building to be insulation across the building envelope. to the building, reducing heat losses
minimized, reducing thermal bridging. through the envelope.

Mid-rise MURBs that make use of

wood-frame construction methods will
have less of an issue with thermal bridging,
because wood materials exhibit lower
thermal conductivity overall. However, the
key strategies for reducing incidences of
thermal bridging are the same as those
used for high-rise MURBs.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Thermal Bridges 34

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

Top Kiln Apartments, Portland OR

04.7 Airtightness
Bottom 100 Pike, Seattle, WA Below Cornell Tech Residential, NYC

Designers should target a level of airtightness corresponding

to the required step of the BC Energy Step Code.

Minimum Requirements
While there are no prescriptive airtightness targets associated with any of
the Steps for Part 3 buildings, designers should use the airtightness value
recommended in the City of Vancouver Energy Modelling Guidelines, as
referenced by the BC Building Code, in the initial energy modelling. The value
represents a target air leakage rate of 2.0 L/s m² at 75 Pascals and translates
to a design infiltration rate of approximately 0.00025 m³/s m². On-site testing is
required to determine the as-built building airtightness, and the energy model must
be updated. If the tested values differ from the initial airtightness value assumed,
it may impact the building’s ability to achieve Step Code performance targets.

Findings reported in the 2017 BC Step Code Metrics Research report have
shown that targeting a higher level of airtightness is one of the most cost effective
energy conservation measures. This translates into a design infiltration rate
of 0.0001 m³/s m².

Step 4 Requirements
Designers seeking to comply with Step 4 should target an airtightness level on
par with that permitted by the Passive House standard. This requirement varies
with building geometry, but translates into a design infiltration rate close to
0.00001 m³/s m².

Compact building massing and a high-quality building envelope are two

key design strategies that contribute to an improved level of airtightness.
Designers should plan air barriers that will remain intact through minor repairs
or occupant upgrades. For example, a resident hanging a picture on a wall
should not be able to puncture an air barrier.

Compartmentalization
Designers seeking to meet the improved airtightness requirements of the Upper
Steps should consider compartmentalization. MURB designers can significantly
improve airtightness by sealing off and separating each individual unit.

Most important metric(s) to consider Airtightness Airtightness 35

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.8 Ventilation Systems

Ventilation is important to the achievement of BC Energy Step Designers targeting any level of the BC Energy Step Code are The efficiency of an HRV is determined by the efficiency of the As noted, an HRV’s design and installation
Code performance targets. Designers must plan to route direct advised to use heat recovery ventilation (HRV), because it ventilation equipment, and the quality of its installation. A wide impacts its effectiveness. Designers should
ducting into each room within a dwelling unit. The conventional significantly reduces heat losses by recovering the heat energy range of high efficiency HRV systems exist for larger buildings, be careful to avoid short circuiting and
approach of simply providing exhaust ventilation in bathroom and from ventilation air before it is expelled from the building. including those that use thermal wheels. circuitous routing:
kitchen areas will not meet BC Energy Step Code requirements. Designers seeking to achieve Upper Steps should consider higher
Similarly, corridor-pressurization ventilation strategies will not efficiency HRV systems. A minimum of 60% HRV efficiency SHORT CIRCUITING refers to a design in which
likely meet the standard’s performance targets. should be considered for designs targeting Steps 2 and 3, while ventilation air enters and leaves a space or duct
those aiming for Step 4 should seek minimum efficiencies of 80%. before it has a chance to mix well enough with
room air to adequately dilute pollutants and
replace stale air. In MURB construction, short
circuiting occurs as a result of the placement
of the ventilation supply too close to the
For more compact residential applications, designers should investigate three forms of high-efficiency HRV technology: ventilation exhaust.

CIRCUITOUS ROUTING occurs when too many

Vertical Flat Panel HRV Horizontal Flat Panel HRV Cellular HRV corners and complex runs are placed within
the duct work. This requires an increase in fan
These represent some of the least costly HRV systems These can be more expensive than vertical flat panel systems, Although these are not yet widely available and can be even more power to properly ventilate a space, which in
but achieve higher levels of performance costly, they offer the highest available performance turn reduces the overall effectiveness of the
ventilation design. Direct duct routes make the
most of fan power and improves the overall
efficiency of the system.

While these two issues are some of the

most problematic when designing ventilation
systems, other issues such as improper sizing
or excessively long duct runs can present
problems. Designers should carefully review the
ventilation design with the project’s mechanical
designer and contractor. All ducts should be
DESIGNERS TARGETING STEP 3 DESIGNERS TARGETING STEP 4
insulated to improve the overall efficiency of the
Both the vertical and horizontal flat panel systems will achieve performance targets. Designs using only a cellular-based technology
system. It is also recommended that special
will achieve the required levels of efficiency.
attention be paid to the location where the
ducting meets the envelope to prevent
thermal bridging.

The size of the HRV’s core also has an influence on the level of the In high humidity environments, Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems can be used in place of HRV systems.
system’s efficiency. Larger cores tend to achieve higher efficiencies. See BC Housing’s Heat Recovery Ventilation Guide for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings for more details.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Ventilation Systems 36

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.9 Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems for MURBs can take four major forms:

Hydronic* Delivery Hydronic* Delivery

Using Natural Gas Using Electricity Preventing Overheating
These systems use a central natural gas These systems use some form of heat in High-Rise MURBs
boiler to heat and provide domestic hot pump to generate heat, including air-source,
If not considered carefully, the use of highly
water to units. They are generally among geo-exchange, and most district energy
efficient building envelopes can be at risk of
the lowest cost systems to install and systems. They tend to be the most efficient
overheating in the summer months.
operate, because they reliably handle large of the available options. They also provide
loads using relatively low-cost natural gas. cooling, making them popular with occupants.
To prevent the risk of overheating,
While other systems may require some Heat pump systems will struggle to deliver
designs should consider specifying:
redundancy, boilers typically do not. heating to large buildings when outdoor
temperatures are below freezing.
• Electrically powered mechanical
cooling systems
• Shading devices on southern
and western elevations
* “Hydronic” refers to the practice of using a water-based medium to distribute heat throughout a building.
• Natural ventilation and cooling
Hydronic systems can use either radiators, in-floor systems, and in some cases, in-ceiling systems.
strategies, such as operable windows

Forced Air Electric Baseboards

Forced air systems driven by a two or Electric baseboard heaters are often the Need to Comply with
four-pipe fan coil are also used to heat cheapest and most flexible systems to install. the City of Vancouver’s Zero
and cool MURB units. Mechanical engineers Given the low carbon intensity of electricity in Emissions Building Plan?
must combine these systems with either most parts of British Columbia, they are also
a centralized or suite-level heat recovery very climate-friendly to use. Hydronic delivery and electric baseboard systems
ventilation system to achieve the desired are low-carbon mechanical systems that will also
level of efficiency. However, designers should The current cost differential between electricity conform to the City of Vancouver’s Zero
note that suite-level heat recovery requires and natural gas can make these systems more Emissions Building Plan, as natural gas based
more ducting space and can therefore be expensive to operate. They are typically not used systems typically yield the highest carbon
challenging in buildings with low for common areas, and require an additional intensity. However, gas-based systems can be
floor-to-ceiling heights. solution to heat domestic hot water. selected where designers pursue a higher step
than they are required to under the Plan.
Given their higher operating costs,
baseboards work best in buildings that
have low heating demands.

Most important metric(s) to consider TEDI Mechanical Systems 37

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.10a The High-Performance High-Rise MURB Checklist

Massing and Orientation Wall and Window Systems Heat Recovery

Focus on simple, compact forms that minimize the number Select wall systems with a minimum effective R-10 insulation Use heat-recovery strategies to improve system
of junctions and articulations. Wherever possible, target a low value; for roof systems, look for those rated to a minimum efficiency and occupant comfort. Carefully configure
VFAR to reduce envelope heat loss. effective R-20. To meet the performance requirements of the HRV systems and ensure they are properly installed
Upper Steps, designers will need to specify triple-pane, and provide fresh air to all rooms.
high performance windows.

Unit Density Thermal Bridges Mechanical Systems

Higher occupant and unit densities (i.e. buildings with Specify continuous insulation to minimize envelope Specify highly energy efficient mechanical systems.
many small one-bedroom and/or bachelor units) make TEDI heat loss, and thermally broken balconies. Consider using electricity-based systems that reduce
targets easier to achieve, but make TEUI targets more difficult. greenhouse gas emissions when designing for a zero
Consider these trade-offs early in the design process. emissions building.

Fenestration and Shading Airtightness

Aim for an overall WWR of 40%. Use thermally broken external Create an airtightness plan to detail the installation of a
shading devices on south and west facades to reduce risk of continuous air barrier, and clearly indicate it on section drawings.
summer overheating. Consider sealing off building uses and units from one another,
an approach known as compartmentalization.

The High-Performance High-Rise MURB Checklist 38

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-RISE AND MID-RISE MURBS SECTION 04.

04.10b The High-Performance Mid-Rise MURB Checklist

Massing and Orientation Wall and Window Systems Heat Recovery

Focus on simple, compact forms that minimize the number Select wall and roof systems with a minimum effective R-20 Use heat-recovery strategies to improve system
of junctions and articulations. Where site conditions support, insulation value. Specify double- or triple-paned windows to efficiency and occupant comfort. Carefully configure
designers should attempt to maximize solar gains to reduce meet the BC Energy Step Code performance targets. Units should HRV systems and ensure they are properly installed
wintertime heating requirements. use minimal framing elements wherever possible, and utilize and provide fresh air to all rooms.
low-conductivity framing materials such as vinyl and fibreglass.

Unit Density Thermal Bridges Mechanical Systems

Higher occupant and unit densities (i.e. buildings with Specify continuous insulation to minimize envelope Specify highly energy efficient mechanical systems.
many small one-bedroom and/or bachelor units) make TEDI heat loss, and thermally broken balconies. Consider using electricity-based systems that reduce
targets easier to achieve, but make TEUI targets more difficult. greenhouse gas emissions when designing for a zero
Consider these trade-offs early in the design process. emissions building.

Fenestration and Shading Airtightness

Aim for an overall WWR of 40%. Use thermally broken external Create an airtightness plan to detail the installation of a
shading devices on south and west facades to reduce risk of continuous air barrier, and clearly indicate it on section drawings.
summer overheating. Consider sealing off building uses and units from one another,
an approach known as compartmentalization.

The High-Performance Mid-Rise MURB Checklist 39

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE SECTION 05.

SECTION 05.

.
The Benefits of Energy
Efficient Design

05
40
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN SECTION 05.

05.0 The Benefits of Energy Efficient Design

Improve Health and Comfort Reduce Costs Achieve Better Performance with
Today’s Technologies
The strategies outlined in this guide can yield High-performance buildings help owners and occupants save money
healthier and more comfortable buildings. by lowering the amount of energy needed to provide a comfortable The strategies outlined in this guide draw on technologies and practice
indoor temperature. They do so through improved insulation levels and that are already used across B.C. From building envelope systems to
HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS: more efficient mechanical systems. Buildings with thicker, higher-quality mechanical strategies, high-performance buildings can be achieved
envelopes also tend to last longer, which lessens the need for costly using familiar products.
repairs and upgrades over time.
Eliminate transfer of smells, fumes, and smoke
between units by sealing them off from one another.

Improve occupant health by supplying abundant

Provide Consistency to the Industry Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
fresh air and removing stale air.
The standard provides a clear set of steps and a shared “language” Although the BC Energy Step Code does not explicitly target greenhouse
Reduce noise from other units and the outside on energy efficiency between local governments. It serves as a gas emissions by reducing energy demand, it will lower emissions
via thicker, better insulated walls. clear roadmap to 2032, when all new construction must be built in jurisdictions where natural gas is used for heat. Buildings that rely
to a net-zero-energy-ready level of performance. Its staggered on electrical systems such as air-source heat pumps will help reduce
Improve comfort by reducing heat loss through approach gives the industry the time it needs to upgrade skills, carbon emissions, contributing to the province’s overall climate goals.
the envelope. adopt new techniques, and identify new products and suppliers.

The Benefits of Energy Efficient Design 41

BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE APPENDIX

Appendix

A1
A2
Glossary of Terms
Image Sources

A .
42
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE APPENDIX

A1 Glossary of Terms
AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP A highly energy efficient heat pump-based EFFECTIVE R-VALUE A measure of an envelope’s thermal resistance, HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR (HRV) A ventilation device that STACK EFFECT A phenomenon that occurs in taller buildings,
system that uses low-grade heat from the ambient air and uses it as a considering the effectiveness of the insulation when it is used in captures heat from stale exhaust air as it leaves a building and uses the this pressure differential between the interior and exterior drives
source of heat to condition building interiors. combination with other building materials, such as framing members. warmth to temper or pre-heat incoming fresh supply air before circulating the movement of interior air. In cooler months, it often creates
it to occupants. positive pressure, which forces warmer air out of the enclosure at
AIRTIGHTNESS The measure of an envelope’s resistance to the ENERGY EFFICIENCY A measure of the effectiveness of energy use. the upper portions of walls and the building, and draws cooler air
leakage of air in or out of a building. A building with high energy efficiency requires less energy to perform HIGH-RISE MURB A multi-unit residential building of six storeys or into lower portions.
the same tasks (e.g. heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.) as a building with higher, and designed and built using concrete construction techniques.
ARTICULATION An approach to building design that uses joints lower energy efficiency. THERMAL ENERGY DEMAND INTENSITY (TEDI) A measure of
between different sections of a building’s form such that they stand out HYDRONIC The practice of using a water-based medium to distribute the total heating energy necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor
individually. Highly articulated buildings have several transition points that ENERGY PLANNER In this guide, a broad category of energy-related heat throughout a building. Hydronic systems can use either radiators, temperature over the course of a year, expressed in kilowatt hours per
create opportunities for thermal bridging to occur. local government positions, including energy managers, energy advisors, in-floor systems, and in some cases, in-ceiling systems. square metre per year (kWh/m²/year).
community energy managers, sustainability coordinators,
BCBC British Columbia Building Code and sustainability planners. HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning, (usually refers TOTAL ENERGY USE INTENSITY (TEUI) A measure of the total
to equipment). amount of energy used by a building over the course of a year, per unit
BUILDING ENVELOPE (ENCLOSURE) The elements that make up ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) A ventilation device that of building area, measured and expressed in kilowatt hours per square
the outer shell of a building that separate indoor from outdoor spaces. captures the energy from stale air as it leaves a building and uses the MASSING A building’s general shape and size.
metre per year (kWh/m²/year). TEUI encompasses all energy used in
A building’s envelope prevents or controls the entry of heat, water, air, noise, warmth to temper or pre-heat incoming fresh supply air before circulating
MURB Multi-Unit Residential Building a building, including plug loads (e.g. lighting, appliances) and process
and light from entering or leaving. it to occupants. It also captures some of the humidity in the air to help loads (e.g. elevators, mechanical systems, and fans).
temper indoor climates — in summer, humidity is removed from incoming NATURAL VENTILATION The process of intentionally exchanging air
BUILDING FORM See massing.
air prior to being injected into a building; in the winter, the reverse in a building to replace stale air with fresh air from the building exterior, THERMAL BRIDGING The transfer of heat through materials and
CLIMATE ZONE A region of the country defined by its average process occurs. using non-mechanical means such as stack effect, cross ventilation, structures that interrupt the building’s continuous insulation layer,
temperature (based on heating degree days) and moisture. Climate zones design elements, and operable windows. causing heat to escape the interior of the building to the outside air.
ENVELOPE See building envelope. Thermal bridges lower overall building energy efficiency.
in British Columbia range from Climate Zone 4 in Vancouver to Climate
Zone 8 in the far north. PART 3 BUILDING A building over three storeys in height or over 600
FACADE The exterior face of a building. THERMAL BREAK The placement of a material of low
square metres in footprint. Part 3 also includes some buildings of three
COMPACT FORM A building form that is characterized by a low storeys or less in height or under 600 square metres in area that are of conductivity (such as insulation) to prevent the transfer of heat
FENESTRATION The placement or arrangement of windows on a
surface-to-volume ratio. a specific use. This includes larger buildings intended for residential, through a building envelope.
building, including their general size and number.
commercial or medium-to-low hazard industrial activities, as well as
COMPARTMENTALIZATION The isolation of individual U-VALUE A measure of how well a building element conducts
GEOEXCHANGE A heat pump-based heating and cooling system buildings intended for public gatherings, residential care, detention, or
suites or units in a building from one another such that they heat. The lower the U-value, the greater the material’s insulating
that uses low-grade heat stored in the ground to condition interior high-hazard industrial activities.
are individually ventilated. properties. U-values are expressed in SI units of W/(m²K) and
building spaces.
PART 9 BUILDING A building three storeys and under in height and with U.S. units of BTU/(hr °F ft²). U value is the inverse of R value.
CONDUCTIVITY A measure of a material’s ability to conduct heat. GEOMETRIC THERMAL BRIDGE A thermal bridge that occurs where a footprint of 600 square metres or less. Part 9 buildings include small
VENTILATION The process of introducing fresh air to replace stale
two planes meet, such as at a corner. buildings intended for residential, commercial or residential, commercial
COOLING DEGREE DAYS The total number of days per year that air in a building by mechanical or natural means.
or medium-to-low hazard industrial activities.
the average outdoor temperature is above a certain threshold as to GREENHOUSE GAS INTENSITY (GHGI) A measure of the emissions
require cooling. VFAR A building’s vertical surface area to floor area ratio. A building’s
intensity of a building’s emissions, measured and expressed in tonnes R-VALUE The capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow, or its
VFAR influences a building’s heating energy use, as buildings in B.C. lose
or kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per square metre per year ability to prevent heat from moving from one side to the other. The higher
CONDITIONED SPACE Any space within a building in which the the most heat through their vertical surface areas.
(CO2e/m²/year). the R-value, the greater the material’s insulating properties. R-values can
temperature is controlled to limit variation in response to the exterior
be expressed in h•ft²•°F/Btu (RSI units K•m²/W). U-value is the inverse VFR Variable Refrigerant Flow, or a highly energy efficient
ambient temperature by the provision, either directly or indirectly, GLAZING Windows on a building. of R-value. refrigerant-based heating and cooling technology.
of heating or cooling over substantial portions of the year.
HEATING DEGREE DAYS The total number of days per year that SOLAR HEAT GAIN The increase in thermal energy in a building as it
DAYLIGHTING The practice of placing windows or other openings WWR Window-to-wall ratio, or the percentage of a building’s facade
the average outdoor temperature is below a certain threshold as to absorbs incoming solar radiation.
in the building envelope to allow the use of natural light and reduce that is made up of glazing.
require heating.
the need for artificial lighting.

Glossary of Terms 43
BC ENERGY STEP CODE DESIGN GUIDE APPENDIX

A2 Image Sources
PAGE 15 PAGE 30
The Spot, Vancouver, B.C. Cornell Tech Residential, NYC
Source http://www.tcpm.ca/the-spot-at-12th-and-cambie/ Source https://www.burohappold.com/projects/the-house-at-cornell-tech/
Kiln Apartments, Portland, OR Girard, 600 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA
Source http://kilnpdx.com/ Source http://www.sabmagazine.com/blog/2016/06/08/2016-regional-quebec-winner/
Cornerstone Apartments, Vancouver, B.C.
PAGE 18 Source http://www.cornerarch.com/passive-house/
Cornerstone Apartments, Vancouver, B.C.
Source http://www.cornerarch.com/passive-house/ PAGE 31
Girard, 600 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA Terrace 459, Chicago, IL
Source http://www.equityapartments.com/boston/south-end/girard-apartments Source http://www.holstenchicago.com/communities/terrace459.html

Marquis Lofts, Portland, ME Ponderosa Commons, Vancouver, B.C.

Source http://www.wright-ryan.com/blog/portfolio/marquis-lofts/ Source http://www.garibaldiglass.com/items/ubc-ponderosa-commons/
Mclaren House, Vancouver, B.C.
PAGE 19 Source http://www.streetohome.org/project/howe-street/
Girard, 600 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA
Source https://www.utiledesign.com/work/girard-at-600-harrison-avenue/ PAGE 32
The Spot, Vancouver, B.C. Riverport Flats, Richmond, B.C.
Source http://www.tcpm.ca/the-spot-at-12th-and-cambie/ Source https://riverportflats.com/

181 W 1st Ave, Olympic Village, Vancouver, B.C. Orchards at Orenco, Portland, OR
Source http://www.condoinvancouver.ca/181-west-1st Source http://www.housingfinance.com/developments/oregon-passive-house-project-lowers-residents-expenses_o

Muse Apartments, Portland, OR Richardson Apartments, Portland, OR

Source http://www.gbdarchitects.com/portfolio-item/muse-apartments/# Source https://www.archdaily.com/211129/richardson-apartments-david-baker-partners
Knickerbocker Commons Passive House, NY
PAGE 20 Source http://blog.eima.com/eifs-in-the-spotlight-knickerbocker-commons/
Kiln Apartments, Portland, OR
Source http://kilnpdx.com/ PAGE 34
Exterior supported balconies
PAGE 28 Source http://www.wright-ryan.com/blog/portfolio/marquis-lofts/
Marine Gateway, Vancouver, B.C. Exterior hung balconies
Source http://marinegatewaycondo.com/2016/07/marine-gateway-sale-prices-match-downtown-vancouver/ Source http://www.gbdarchitects.com/portfolio-item/landing-drive/
Budzey Building, Vancouver, B.C. Thermally-broken balconies
Source http://www.sabmagazine.com/blog/2016/06/08/2016-regional-quebec-winner/ Source https://kirhammond.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/balcony-photo-for-schock.jpg
Olympic by Windsor, Los Angeles, CA
Source https://www.olympicbywindsor.com/ PAGE 35
Kiln Apartments, Portland, OR
PAGE 29 Source http://kilnpdx.com/
Cornerstone Apartments, Vancouver, B.C. 100 Pike, Seattle, WA
Source http://www.cornerarch.com/passive-house/ Source http://www.cascadebuilt.com/project/thirteenandpike/
Kiln Apartments, Portland, OR Cornell Tech Residential, NYC
Source http://kilnpdx.com/ Source https://www.burohappold.com/projects/the-house-at-cornell-tech/

Image Sources 44
VANCOUVER ZERO EMISSIONS BUILDING PL AN SUPPLEMENT

Supplement

S1 Complying with the City of Vancouver’s

Zero Emissions Building Plan
S2 Summary of Key Strategies:
Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan

.
S 45
VANCOUVER ZERO EMISSIONS BUILDING PLAN SUPPLEMENT

S1 Complying with the City of Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan

Hydronic delivery¹ and electric baseboard² systems are low-carbon

mechanical systems that will conform to the City of Vancouver’s
Zero Emissions Building Plan. However, gas-based³ systems can
be selected where designers pursue a higher step than they are
required to under the Plan.

1 2 3

Reducing GHG Emissions Selecting a Low-Carbon Mechanical System Reducing Global Warming
The addition of a GHGI threshold requires building designers to consider not only In addition to GHGI, designers should also consider assessing
The City of Vancouver has authority over its
the quantity of energy that a building will demand, but the source of that energy. the global warming potential (GWP) of any refrigerants that may
own building code, and has instituted its own As such, the selection of mechanical strategies is of central importance to the be used, as reporting the GWP of refrigerants is a requirement of
step code-like provisions described in the Zero achievement of GHGI performance targets in the City of Vancouver’s ZEBP. One of the City of Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning.
the easiest ways to achieve the GHGI targets in the ZEBP is to select a mechanical
Emissions Building Plan (ZEBP). In addition system that runs on the low-carbon electricity available in British Columbia. Heat
to setting targets for TEUI and TEDI, the ZEBP pumps and electric resistance (e.g. baseboards) heating systems are readily
sets thresholds for performance in greenhouse available systems that can provide heat cost effectively, while reducing emissions.
In some cases, buildings can also connect to a low-carbon district energy system.
gas intensity (GHGI). GHGI is a measure of the
emissions intensity of a building’s emissions, Conversely, the selection of mechanical strategies that rely on energy sources
with higher carbon intensities will render the achievement of GHGI targets more
measured and expressed in tonnes or kilograms
difficult. Due to their higher emissions intensity, designs that incorporate natural
of carbon dioxide equivalent per unit area over gas-based systems may not be able to meet the City of Vancouver’s GHGI targets.
the course of a year (kg CO²/m²/year). While natural gas can still be used when necessary (e.g. for hot water heating),
designers looking to lower GHGI should try to minimize the combustion of natural
gas in the building wherever possible.

Complying with the City of Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan 46

VANCOUVER ZERO EMISSIONS BUILDING PLAN SUPPLEMENT

S2 Not Important More Important

Summary of Key Strategies:

Architecture
Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Minimizing Heat Losses Through Simplified Massing

Building Plan
Minimizing Heat Losses Through Orientation
The design strategies necessary to met the Step Code (p. 25) are also
applicable to designers seeking compliance with the City of Vancouver’s
Zero Emission Building Plan (ZEBP).

Considering Unit Density

While certain design strategies will help meet a single performance target
(e.g. TEDI), others will help accomplish a number of different targets, including
GHGI. Practitioners should consider these core strategies — addressing
building shape, orientation, and envelope, as well as mechanical and ventilation
Optimizing Fenestration
systems — early in the design process. Proponents must retain the services
of an energy modeler at the design and permitting stages. To ensure overall
compliance, designers should rely on hourly energy modelling tools.
Increasing Building R-Values
Diagram Description
The figure to the right shows the importance of each design
strategy in relation to the three key metrics of the BC Energy Step Code
(TEDI, TEUI, and airtightness), as well as for their emissions reduction Reducing Thermal Bridging
potential (GHGI) under the ZEBP.

The impact of each design strategy on GHGI depicted here assumes

the use of a natural gas-based system. To explore the impact of different Increasing Airtightness
Building Envelope

design decisions interactively, visit the Building Pathfinder website.

Using Compartmentalization
LEGEND

TEDI Architecture

Using Heat Recovery in Ventilation

TEUI Building Envelope

Airtightness Mechanical
Mechanical

Separate Heating and Cooling from Ventilation

GHGI

Summary of Key Strategies: Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan 47