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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