Canada
Code Development
Summary |
Summary
Canada’s federal government does not have authority to pass mandatory building codes. Thus, both of the residential and commercial codes are model codes and have to be adopted by provinces and territories. The first attempt at a national energy code in Canada dates back to 1978, when the government approved Measures for Energy Conservation in New Buildings. Much of the code was designed based on the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard. The most recent version of a model energy code, National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), was released in 2011 and covers residential and commercial buildings. Smaller buildings are covered by energy efficiency provisions under Part 9 of National Building Code of Canada (NBC) that dates back to 2010. The most recent revision of the energy efficiency provisions of NBC Part 9 for Housing and Small Buildings took place in 2012. |
Start Year |
Exact Start Year
1 978
Start Year Range
< 1980
|
Revision Schedule |
Yes, a revision schedule exists
Revision Schedule Explanation
In Canada, model national building, plumbing and fire codes are updated on a five-year cycle. The next energy code will be published in 2015, which will align with the publication of all other national model codes. Such timing of the process is meant to simplify the adoption process for provinces and territories. |
Existing Code Coverage |
Commercial
Residential
|
Stakeholder Engagement |
Stakeholder Engagement
Websites
Public Meeting or Conference or Newsletter
|
Best Practices |
New Buildings
|
Code Implementation - Compliance & Enforcement
Administrative/Enforcement Structures |
Enforcement model: Mix of approaches (local government and third party). Typically, a local government inspector checks major phases of construction to completion. Provincial government provides training and certification for building practitioners. The national government provides tools and training resources. Some jurisdictions in Canada use third-party enforcements to ensure compliance with the local code. |
Compliance Checking on Design |
Yes, compliance is checked on Design
|
Compliance Checking on Construction |
Yes, compliance is checked on Construction
|
Compliance Checking on Pre-Occupancy | |
Air Tightness testingy | |
Commissioning before occupancy | NA, Check Country Information Sheet for details |
Commissioning after occupancy | |
Compliance Software Residential | NA, Check Country Information Sheet for details |
Compliance Software Non-Residential |
Yes, Software exists
|
Penalties for non-compliance |
Refusal Permission to construct
Refusal Permission to occupy
Publication of names of property owners who fail to comply
|
Incentives and Recognition program for compliance |
Incentives and Recognition program for compliance
Awards/Grants/Tax Breaks
Finance/Loans/Ratings
Canada offers tax credits, low-interest loans for building energy efficiency, and building energy rating programs. Buildings can apply for Building ENERGY STAR scores and get recognition for good performance. |
Compliance Rate monitoringe | |
Compliance Rate Publicised | NA, Check Country Information Sheet for details |
Compliance Lessons Learned | NA, Check Country Information Sheet for details |
Compliance Energy Use Statistics | |
Compliance Rate in % | NA, Check Country Information Sheet for details |
Capacity Building and Education
Awareness Raising |
Awareness raising
Resourse kits
Compliance Training
Online resources -
Online resources include: www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/buildings/capacity-building-resources/3709 www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/advisory/codes_centre_index.html Guide for energy auditing: www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/oee/pdf/publications/infosource/pub/cipec/energy-audit-manual-and-tool.pdf |
Building materials
Building Materials Ratings |
Energy Performance Certificates
EPC Implementation |