BC Energy Step Code 5: Net-Zero Ready

Key takeaway: Step 5 is Passive House-adjacent. Target: 1.0 ACH50. Adds 8% to 15% to construction costs. FortisBC rebates up to $20,000 per dwelling unit. Triple-pane windows and aerosol sealing are essentially mandatory.

Airtightness

Target: 1.0 ACH@50Pa. Comparable to Passive House (0.6 ACH50). Every seam, penetration, and transition must be meticulously sealed. Builders typically use a dedicated continuous air barrier membrane supplemented with AeroBarrier for distributed micro-leaks. Pre-drywall testing is essential.

Building Envelope

Walls: R-30 to R-40 effective. Double-stud or 2x6 + substantial continuous exterior insulation. Thermal bridging minimized.
Roof/attic: R-60 to R-80. Careful air sealing at ceiling plane.
Foundation: R-10 to R-20 under-slab, or R-25+ insulated basement walls.
Windows: Triple-pane, U-value 0.8 W/m2K or better. Low-E coatings, argon/krypton fill, insulated spacers.

Mechanical Systems

High-efficiency HRV/ERV with 80%+ sensible recovery. Space heating demand is so low many homes heat primarily through the ventilation system or a small heat pump.

What It Takes

Integrated design from earliest stages. Energy advisor, architect, and builder collaborating.
Trade coordination. Every trade understands the air barrier.
Quality assurance. Mid-construction blower door tests, thermal imaging, regular inspections.
Material selection. Tapes, membranes, sealants rated for the life of the building.

Cost and Value

8% to 15% construction cost premium. FortisBC rebates of up to $20,000 per unit (hybrid pathway). Energy bills 50% to 70% lower than code minimum. Superior comfort with consistent temperatures and no drafts.

Use our rebate calculator to estimate your Step 5 numbers.