Energy Codes

Navigating Ontario's Energy Codes and Programs

As Canada continues to prioritize sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, various energy codes and programs are in place to guide building design and construction. Here’s what you need to know:

National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB)

The NECB, developed by the National Research Council of Canada, sets energy efficiency standards for:

• New construction and major renovations.

• Works in conjunction with the National Building Code to ensure sustainability in building design.

Ontario's Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Adoption of NECB:

• Ontario has adopted the NECB to drive energy efficiency in buildings.

• The province focuses on integrating energy-saving technologies to meet high standards.

Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) Program:

• Who: Mandatory for buildings 50,000 sq. ft. or larger.

• What: Annual reporting of energy and water usage.

• Tool Used: Energy Star Portfolio Manager for benchmarking performance.

• Why: Tracks energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Net-Zero Building Goals

Target: Ontario aims for all new buildings to achieve Net-Zero status by 2030.

How: Generate as much energy as consumed annually using:

• • Solar

  • Wind

  • Geothermal

Benefits: Offsets energy consumed by occupants, systems, and appliances with clean energy.

Tiered Code Implementation in Ontario

Ontario aligns with the 2020 National Model Codes using a tiered approach:

• Tier 1: For Part 3 Buildings (e.g., large, complex buildings over 600m² or more than three stories).

• Tier 3: For Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings (under three stories and less than 600m²).

Challenges:

• Incremental improvements aim for Net-Zero readiness by 2030 but may face hurdles due to existing high standards.

Toronto Green Standard (TGS)

What It Is:

• A tiered building code for sustainable design and construction in Toronto.

• Based on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

Who It Affects:

• Mandatory for all new construction and major renovations.

Beyond Code: High-Performance Building Options

Passive Houses:

• Minimal energy use for heating and cooling.

• Achieved through:

  • Super-insulation

  • Airtight construction

  • Heat recovery ventilation

R-2000 Homes:

• Built to specific government standards.

• Focus on:

  • High energy efficiency

  • Indoor air quality

  • Environmental responsibility

Both Passive Houses and R-2000 homes exceed typical code requirements, helping meet higher-tier energy performance standards like the NECB or TGS.

Resources for Further Information

• Canada's National Energy Code

• Efficiency Canada: Building Codes

• Ontario's EWRB Program

• Toronto Green Standard

• LEED Certification