Builders say Step code energy efficiency too expensive

The local chapter of The Canadian Home Builders Association has released a report on the costs of the new energy efficient Step Code, and the news is not good. The home builders did their own research on what the Code would mean to the cost of building a home. The Kelowna CHBA found the Step Code Council estimate that it would add under 2% to building costs is way-off. Their own modeling suggests it would add between 4 and 9%. Association President Les Bellamy says it would make more sense to concentrate on older homes. "If the objective is reduced greenhouse gas emissions," said Bellamy, "it is better to focus on renovations." Cities in BC have until 2020 to come up with plans to implement the new code.