New National Energy Code for buildings

New buildings in Canada will become more energy efficient with the introduction of some 90 changes to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015.

“As Canada’s go-to research and technology organization, the National Research Council is providing Canadians with solutions based on sound scientific knowledge and industrial innovation,” says Richard Tremblay, General Manager of Construction at the National Research Council of Canada.

“The construction industry is asking for more energy efficient design and building solutions, and this new code will help them get there.”These changes also harmonize the Code with Canada’s energy efficiency regulations and industry standards. Updates can be found in standards for lighting, service water, and HVAC systems, such as gas-fired units on rooftops, and for ventilation systems in enclosed spaces like parking garages or warehouses.

The Code builds on Canada’s commitment to work closely with the provinces and territories on the Canadian Energy Strategy, which protects Canada’s energy security and encourages energy conservation. Provinces and territories are free to adopt the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings or adapt it to create a code that meets their specific needs.

The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 is published by the National Research Council and developed by the Canadian Commission of Building and Fire Codes in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada.

Quick Facts

• New buildings constructed to the updated code will be 27 percent more energy efficient than those constructed in 1997.
• Energy efficiency in Canada’s commercial and institutional sector increased by 33 percent between 1990 and 2012. The energy savings accumulated could power 45.5 million computers for 1 year.
• The National Model Construction Codes, now called Codes Canada, are published approximately every five years to ensure that the latest innovations are applied safely by the construction industry.