In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable building design, achieving net-zero ready structures isn’t just a goal, it’s an imperative. At Allester Energy Advising, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, equipping our clients with the tools and insights needed to build resilient, energy-efficient large-scale projects. We’re thrilled to announce a milestone in our team’s capabilities: qualifed proficiency in Part 3 large building energy modeling and large building airtightness testing. These specialized skills position us to deliver even more precise, code-compliant solutions for complex developments across British Columbia.

These combined capabilities give developers, architects, and owners working on mid- to high-rise residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects across British Columbia an unbeatable advantage, especially in jurisdictions like the City of Surrey where the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code are enforced.

                       

BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 Buildings: Comprehensive Compliance Support

Part 3 buildings such as apartments, hotels, offices, and retail spaces must demonstrate energy performance that satisfies the BC Energy Step Code’s tiered requirements. In Surrey, for instance, residential Part 3 buildings (including hotels and motels) require Step 3 or Step 2 via the Low-Carbon Energy System (LCES) Pathway, while commercial office and mercantile buildings need Step 2. Additionally, as of March 2025, Zero Carbon Step Code Step 1 (EL-1: Measure Only) applies to these building types, emphasizing greenhouse gas emissions tracking.

Our new expertise means we can seamlessly deliver:

· Whole-building energy models that satisfy BC Energy Step Code performance requirements, including Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI), Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI), and Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI) targets.

· Tailored reports for LCES Pathway compliance, ensuring systems like district energy or on-site renewables meet efficiency and carbon intensity criteria.

· BC Energy Step Code reporting for Upper Steps, while incorporating Zero Carbon Step Code elements for emissions benchmarking.

· Clear documentation packages that authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) require.

 

Certified Large Building Airtightness Testing: Closing the Performance Gap

Even the most sophisticated energy model is only as good as the building envelope it assumes. That’s why every member of our team has been trained Passive House Canada’s intensive Large Building Airtightness Testing training in Vancouver.

This hands-on training, supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Codes Acceleration Fund, equips professionals to plan, execute, and verify airtightness on buildings of any size and complexity using multiple blower-door arrays and whole-building pressurization techniques.

With these qualified professionals now in-house, Allester Energy Advising offers:

· Pre-drywall and final airtightness testing for Part 3 buildings, as required for BC Energy Step Code compliance.

· Full adherence to standards such as ISO 9972 and ASTM E779 for large-volume testing.

· On-site diagnostics and immediate feedback loops that catch leaks before they become expensive change orders.

· Verifiable test reports accepted by jurisdictions, Passive House Institute, and inspectors, including post-construction tests mandatory for occupancy.

 

Why This Combination Is a Game-Changer for Your Project

When you work with Allester Energy Advising, you get a single point of accountability that covers:

• BC Energy Step Code compliance for Part 3 buildings (including LCES and Zero Carbon elements)
• Energy Design Reports completed by Qualified Modellers (QMs) or Energy Modelling Supervisors (EMSs)
• Whole-building airtightness strategy and third-party verified testing
• Energy benchmarking setup using tools like ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
• Incentive and rebate documentation (CMHC, CleanBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC, NRCan, etc.)

Send us a message at [email protected] or visit www.allesterenergy.com to connect about your next Part 3 project.

– Allen Rabi NZEA, Certified Passive House Consultant