Alberta has adopted the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2017 (NECB 2017), which will come into effect on April 1, 2019. A transition period will occur until October 1, 2019, when enforcement of the legislation begins.
The province began addressing climate change when NECB 2011 was adopted in 2016. According to Canada’s National Research Council (NRC), the potential energy improvement in NECB 2017 is 10.3 to 14.4 per cent greater than NECB 2011.
“In the two years since Alberta implemented NECB 2011 – the province’s first energy efficiency code for buildings – the industry has pushed toward more energy efficient buildings,” says Footprint Project Manager Mohammad Al Masri. “With NECB 2017, the industry will be held to an even higher standard for high-performance building design and operation. This will require project teams to be consistent, yet flexible, when complying with the new code.”
The Pan-Canadian Framework includes actions to support Canada’s 2030 target of a 30 per cent reduction below 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, federal, provincial, and territorial governments will work to adopt increasingly stringent energy codes, starting 2020, with the goal of adopting “net-zero energy ready” building code models by 2030. Enforcing NECB is one of the tools designed to achieve that goal.
To achieve compliance under NECB 2017, communication between the project teams through a more integrated design process is needed more than ever before.
In early March, Footprint – part of the Smith + Andersen Group of Companies – held a seminar in Calgary to help guide colleagues through the meaning and implications associated with NECB 2017 changes. Led by Footprint Associate Mark Gad, the seminar provided an overview of the new legislation itself, reviewed possible technology challenges that require awareness, and outlined recommended strategies for moving forward.
“For the last decade, Footprint has been actively contributing to the growth of the sustainability movement within the Canadian buildings community, with services that help Canadian organizations achieve their sustainability goals. We are recognized as “experienced energy modellers” by the Canada Green Building Council, making us one of the few market experts when it comes to NECB energy modelling services,” says Mark.
Footprint is a sustainability consulting practice comprised of a highly-specialized team of professionals that lead and support the Canadian sustainability industry. Leaders within the Footprint team have helped establish many of the sustainability standards that are regularly referenced by industry professionals today. The team is well-positioned to guide clients and fellow industry professionals through the energy code changes on the horizon.
To learn more about NECB 2017’s impact on Alberta projects, please contact:
Mark Gad // Associate
Mohammad Al Masri // Project Manager