BC Step Code · live calculator

Spec the window.
See if it meets your target.

Dial in glass type, frame system, cavity fill, and spacer. The four performance metrics — U-value, SHGC, VT, and air leakage — recalculate in real time and check against BC Step Code 3 / 4 / 5 hard targets. SHGC is shown as an informational design input; the Step Code doesn't prescribe a strict SHGC range. Recommended Catalyst products at the bottom update with the spec.

Climate zones 4–7 Targets verified May 2026 Source energystepcode.ca

Configuration

Build the spec. The performance side updates as you go.

Performance

Compared against the BC Step Code target you selected.

Targeting: BC Step Code 3
U-value
1.42W/m²K
Target: ≤ 1.40 · Just below
SHGC · solar heat gain (design input)
0.40
Suggested: 0.35 – 0.45 · In suggested range
VT · visible transmittance
0.70
Target: ≥ 0.40 · Exceeds
Air leakage
0.20L/s·m²
Target: ≤ 0.20 · A440 commercial
Meets all Step Code 3 targets

Suggested Catalyst products

1
Cortizo COR Vision Plus Sliding
U 0.90 SHGC 0.30 VT 0.50 Air 0.08
Meets all
Get a real quote with this spec

Targets verified May 2026 · source energystepcode.ca

How the calculator works

Hard targets vs. design inputs — what the BC Step Code actually says.

Hard targets

U-value, VT, Air leakage

These three are checked as pass/fail. Step 3 / 4 / 5 set increasingly stringent maximum U-values and air-leakage limits, and a minimum VT for daylighting. Colder climate zones tighten the U-target further (zone 7 subtracts 0.20 from the baseline).

Design input

SHGC — informational only

The Step Code does not prescribe a strict SHGC range. SHGC feeds the energy compliance model (HOT2000, NECB), not pass/fail. Lower SHGC favours cooling-dominant facades; moderate SHGC helps with passive winter heating. We surface it as a suggested range, not a hard target.

Product match

Approved Catalyst products only

The Suggested-products block draws from our internal catalogue, filtered to manufacturers we have sale and advertising clearance to surface customer-facing. Pending and internal-only entries are excluded by design. Ask us about a system you have in mind — we may have it catalogued already.

Like the spec? Let's price it.

Bring the configuration over to a quote request. Upload drawings or photos and our team will come back with a price range and lead time inside one business day.