NEW NATIONAL ENERGY CODE
Embracing Canada ’ s new Energy Code
THE GOAL IS FOR COMPLIANCE STANDARDS TO BE UNIVERSAL
FRANCK BOSTON / BIGSTOCKPHOTO . COM
By Jennifer Atkinson
For the first time in Alberta ’ s history , we have energy efficiency requirements in our building codes .
The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings ( NECB ) and section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code , which came into force on Nov . 1 , 2016 , were adopted as part of a commitment to improve energy efficiencies in buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions .
“ I think the most important part of having energy efficiency standards is that they become universal ,” says City of Calgary energy and environmental coordinator Justin Pockar . “ In the future , regardless of where you live , you are assured some level of energy efficiency . It won ’ t be a huge change , but it will be a change for the better . Buildings will have improved usability , energy performance and quality of construction .”
The new requirements will ensure buildings meet a minimum standard of energy performance .
“ Codes set minimum standards , so they have a much more severe effect on lower quality buildings than they do on the higher quality ones ,” says Pockar . “ For those already constructing energy-efficient buildings , you might see some of your competitor buildings increase in cost . This makes the better , more energy-efficient buildings more cost-competitive and therefore makes energy efficiency a much more sellable asset .”
Both codes cover a wide range of building components and systems , and can include building envelope , electrical and mechanical systems . Generally , the NECB applies to large commercial and residential buildings that are over 600 m2 in building area or three storeys in height , and section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code covers houses and small buildings .
“ For single-family homes , the code talks about minimum efficiency on your furnace , hot water heater , minimum standards on thermal performance for windows , walls , roofs and more . It ’ s basically a way to save energy on the day-to-day running of your home ,” says Pockar .
The NECB covers all the above as well as interior and exterior lighting , more complex heating , ventilation and air conditioning systems ,
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