WoodTALKS on the Energy Step Code, Mass Timber and Prefabrication

Day two of WoodTALKS—a wood design and construction education event held in conjunction with the GBM—focused on the future of energy codes, mass timber compliance and prefabrication. Presenting was Graham Finch with RDH Building Science, a construction expertise firm with energy and sustainability expertise. Using BC’s Energy Step Code as a guide—a regulation to incentivize or require energy efficiency of net zero energy in new building performance by 2032—Finch outlined the requirements and potential building solutions for each step. This includes requirement for air tightness, performance measurement and testing. Although wood and mass timber are well positioned to meet the 2032 energy requirements, Finch noted that manufacturing with prefabrication will be increasingly important.

WoodTalks participants rounded out the multi-day event by engaging directly with the wood manufacturers attending the GBM. Similar to “speed dating”, the participants rotate around the trade show floor to learn the latest on wood products and wood system. An evening networking event with the larger GBM crowd at the Audain Art Museum followed.

To view a summary of day one of Wood Talks on the benefits of wood and mass timber click here.