Eligible Credits

  • 1.5 CPD Points

    BC Housing

  • 1.5 CPD Points

    BOABC

  • 1.5 CPD Points

    AIBC

Course Description

Susan MacDougall and Andy Chong of Focal Engineering presents findings from a recent study for the Township of Langley on how higher BC Energy Step Code (ESC) and Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) requirements affect Part 3 buildings. Using archetype modelling, the session highlights anticipated impacts on envelope and mechanical design, capital cost, peak electrical demand, and the influence of EV charging on electrical infrastructure. This course aims to help community members understand how buildings are expected to evolve under higher code levels and what strategies can support their successful implementation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain how higher ESC and ZCSC levels affect Part 3 building envelope and mechanical system design.
  • Evaluate how advancing Step Code tiers influence capital cost and why ESC impacts cost more than ZCSC.
  • Describe how higher performance affects peak electrical demand, including the role of electrified DHW.
  • Assess how EV charging readiness increases peak demand and identify key mitigation strategies.
  • Apply practical planning and design approaches to support effective implementation of higher code levels.

Disclaimers:

  1. If you attended this event live at the date above and reported for credits, you cannot claim any additional credits from this on-demand course.
  2. Please note that, for the concerned organizations you are responsible for sending your CPD credit request to the concerned organizations; The Township of Langley does not submit CPD credits on your behalf.  (Excluding AIBC LUs)
  3. The content of this video is accurate to the date upon which it was presented. As codes, standards, bylaws, and requirements change, certain aspects of this course may no longer be accurate. Please, check with your consultants and municipality if you are unsure of requirements noted in the video.

Instructor(s)

Susan MacDougall

P.Eng., FEC, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC | Principal, CEO

Susan has worked in the building industry for two decades and started Focal Engineering in 2015. She is an experienced mechanical engineer, energy modeller and project manager with a passion for sustainability, which has been her career focus. Outside of Focal, Susan is a regular presenter, instructor and volunteer with organizations that support sustainability and supporting diversity in engineering, for which she has received numerous awards.

Andy Chong

Principal | P.Eng., LEED AP

Andy Chong is a mechanical engineer with nearly two decades of experience delivering high-performance buildings across British Columbia. Based in Victoria, he works hands-on with architects, developers, and public agencies to integrate low-carbon mechanical systems into new construction projects across commercial, institutional, and residential sectors. Andy’s expertise includes heat pump technologies, electrification strategies, and hybrid systems aligned with evolving BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements. He has been regularly engaged as a subject matter expert by local municipalities and industry groups, helping building owners and design teams navigate the practical implications of rising energy performance standards.