Maple Ridge Advances Climate Action with New Zero Carbon Step Code Requirements

Maple Ridge, B.C., July 3, 2025 – As part of its commitment to implementing its Resilient Future 2050 climate action plan, the City of Maple Ridge is introducing new low-carbon building requirements for residential construction along with training, tools, and support for the building industry. 

Starting July 1, 2025, all new Part 9 and Part 3 residential buildings must meet Emissions Level 3 (EL-3 – Strong) under the provincial Zero Carbon Step Code, which requires primary space heating, cooling, and water heating systems to be electric or zero-carbon. These changes do not apply to commercial or industrial buildings. 

“By adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code now, we’re getting ahead of future regulations, improving how homes perform during extreme heat and reducing carbon emissions,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “We know this is a big shift for the residential building industry, and the City is stepping up to support that transition with training, tools, and hands-on help. This is a key step forward in implementing our new Climate Action Plan—one that helps protect residents, supports builders, and prepares Maple Ridge for the challenges ahead.” 

The City’s decision to prioritize the Zero Carbon Step Code aligns with the strategic direction set by the Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Action, established in 2024 to guide the development the City’s first climate action plan. The Task Force endorsed the Zero Carbon approach as the most effective path forward, delivering significant emissions reductions while minimizing cost impacts for the residential construction sector. 

Key Highlights of the New Requirements: 

• Applies only to new Part 9 and Part 3 residential construction (single-detached homes, townhouses, low-rise, and larger apartment buildings) 
• Requires zero-carbon primary systems for residential space heating, cooling, and water heating (typically electric systems) 
• Backup systems, such as gas fireplaces or furnaces, are still permitted but not as the primary heating/cooling system 
• Cooking appliances, such as residential gas stoves, are permitted at this level (EL-3) 
• Addresses risks to human health from indoor heat by aligning with new mandatory space cooling requirements in the BC Building Code 
• This change advances a key action in the Resilient Future 2050 climate action plan, directly targeting emissions from buildings—the largest source of community greenhouse gases 

Supporting the Industry Through the Transition 

The City recognizes this is a big shift for the residential building industry. To support implementation, Maple Ridge will provide: 

• Training sessions for builders and designers. 
• Guides, checklists, and resources to assist with permitting and compliance. 
• Ongoing technical support through the City’s Building Department. 

Maple Ridge plans to advance to Emissions Level 4 (EL-4 – Zero) in September 2026, pending a review of EL-3 implementation. EL-4 will eliminate the use of fossil fuels entirely for space heating, cooling, water heating, and cooking in new residential construction.  

These changes are separate from provincial regulations regarding the BC Energy Step Code.  

Learn More: 

• Zero Carbon Step Code: MapleRidge.ca/ZCSC 
• Energy Step Code: MapleRidge.ca/ESC 
• Provincial resources: EnergyStepCode.ca 

For additional information, contact Hasib Nadvi, Deputy Director of Planning and Building at BuildingEnquiries@MapleRidge.ca or 604-467-3822.