Episode Snapshot
Buck talks with energy advisor Mark Bernhardt about Energy Step Code, Zero Carbon Step Code, real costs, comfort, and why design choices beat bigger mechanical systems.
Guest
Mark Bernhardt, Energy Advisor, Bernhardt Contracting
Energy Step Code vs Zero Carbon Step Code
Step Code lowers energy use through envelope and design improvements. Zero Carbon Step Code steers projects to low-carbon, all-electric systems that are often cheaper to install and run, even in colder regions when the design is optimized.
Incentives and Financing
Past BC Hydro grants accelerated learning but are currently exhausted. CMHC Eco Plus can rebate mortgage insurance for Step 3+ homes, offering meaningful savings for typical buyers below the mortgage cap.
Cost, Design, and Trade-Offs
Early integrated design can reduce both build and operating costs. Start with compact massing, moderate window-to-wall ratios, and generous attic insulation before jumping to exterior insulation or triple-pane glazing unless modeling shows clear payback.
Health, IAQ, and Comfort
All-electric homes avoid indoor combustion byproducts. Planned ventilation (HRV/ERV) keeps indoor CO₂ near outdoor levels. Aim for an insulated slab around R-20 for warm floors and use high-performance windows to eliminate cold downdrafts.
Windows, Views, and Smarter Glazing
Right-size glass to the actual view cone. Raise the bottom rail and lower the head height where possible. Break up large openings with small wall sections to improve comfort, simplify structure, and control costs without losing the view.
Form, Rooflines, and Curb Appeal
Big, boxy, and beautiful: a simple, compact thermal box is easier to air-seal and heat. Decorate the envelope with porches, pergolas, and trim rather than carving the box with bump-outs. Keep primary roof geometry simple; add covered entries and porch roofs as attachments.
Builder Workflow Tips
Bring the energy advisor in at concept stage. Model early, iterate quickly, and lean on what the crew already does well. Sell comfort and health benefits, not just efficiency.
Family Health Story
Moving from a 1940s house to a high-performance, well-ventilated home dramatically reduced a child’s allergy symptoms and kept indoor air clear during smoke events with activated-carbon HRV filtration.
Resilience: The Next Frontier
Design for passive survivability so homes maintain safe temperatures during outages, heat domes, cold snaps, fires, and floods. A strong envelope and filtration are the foundation.
