Vista progress update No. 1

There's a lot going on and we are super excited to let you know that things are progressing really well! Phase 1 is now well past the lock-up stage and the drywall is starting next week on January 6. The siding installers are also starting next week and the concrete foundation crew is starting on Phase 2. Wow, that's a lot! Our primary contractor Elmworth Construction really knows their stuff and it shows.

One other major change is the addition of natural gas to the townhomes. This will include gas-fired back-up heating and a gas fireplace. All the homes will meet Step Code 4 of the building code which means...

Step Code 4 in the British Columbia Energy Step Code is a high-performance building standard focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. It represents the second-highest level of performance in the Step Code framework for new buildings.

Here's what it involves:

Key Features of Step Code 4

1. Energy Efficiency:

   • Buildings must be designed to use significantly less energy than those built to meet the base BC Building Code.

   • Targets are defined in terms of energy use intensity (EUI), mechanical system efficiency, and thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI).

2. Airtightness:

   • The building envelope must meet strict airtightness requirements, typically demonstrated through blower door testing.

3. Performance Metrics:

   • Energy performance is assessed through modeling and on-site testing rather than prescriptive measures.

   • Builders work with energy advisors to ensure designs meet the necessary metrics.

4. Design Intent:

   • Step Code 4 buildings are designed to be highly insulated, with advanced windows, optimized mechanical systems, and reduced thermal bridging to minimize heat loss.

5. Preparation for Net-Zero:

   • Although Step Code 4 doesn’t require net-zero energy performance, homes built to this standard are close to achieving net-zero-ready status.

Applicability

• Step Code 4 is typically applied to Part 9 residential buildings (low-rise homes and small buildings).

• Some municipalities in BC may mandate Step Code 4 as part of their local building regulations, particularly in areas prioritizing energy efficiency.

Step Code 4 is a significant step toward BC's goal of achieving net-zero energy-ready buildings across the province by 2032. If you're planning a project, working with an energy advisor early in the design process is crucial to meeting these requirements.