Energy codes and regulations in Canada are becoming stricter, with lower U-factor requirements on the horizon. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) hosted a webinar recently titled, “Canadian Energy Codes and Regulations – Where are They Going?” to give professionals a better understanding of recent energy trends across the country.

Jeff Baker, president of Westlab and technical consultant for Fenestration Canada, began his presentation by explaining the difference between codes, which apply to anything that needs a building permit, and regulations, which apply to products sold.

The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change was signed

December 2016. In an effort to meet climate goals, the framework was agreed upon by federal, provincial and territorial governments. Goals include:

• Net-zero energy codes for new buildings;
• Energy codes for existing buildings;
• Labeling/disclosure of energy use in buildings; and
• High-efficiency equipment and appliances.

Codes

Canada’s National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) was first written as a standalone document in 2011, then updated in 2015 and 2017. The 2017 update instated stricter U-factor requirements, by lowering them to 0.37 in Zone 4; 0.33 in Zones 5-7b; and 0.25 in Zone 8.

“For commercial buildings this is going to be a challenge,” Baker said. “It is my belief that when they come up with the 2020 update, they’re likely to push these down a little farther.”

Alberta and Manitoba have adopted NECB 2011, although Manitoba modified the code by reducing the U-factor requirements in Zones 7a and 7b. Nova Scotia has adopted NECB

2015 and Saskatchewan uses the 2017 version of NECB 2015. All provinces use the U-factor requirement for compliance.

British Columbia has a step code, which groups measurable efficiency targets into steps by increasing levels of energy performance. Steps two through four require a full performance calculation to determine energy requirements, rather than a prescriptive requirement. The province’s goal includes reaching net-zero in new construction by 2032. The step code could be included in NECB 2020. It would get rid of prescriptive compliance in favor of full energy modeling and add an air-tightness testing requirement for all buildings. Baker said fenestration suppliers should understand how they’re going to provide detailed performance information to the building energy modelers.

Ontario uses SB-10, which is a complicated mix of the NECB and ASHRAE 90.1.

“The mix results in a range of U-factors that could comply depending on building type, location [climate zone] and frame material type,” said Baker.

Any building not covered by Part 11 in Quebec must comply with an older requirement, created in 1983, that requires double glazing with a half-inch air space, and at least a thermally broken metal frame.

Another major update for the industry to look out for includes the updated Energy Star requirements, which are slated to go into effect January 1, 2020, creating one zone and performance target for the entire country. While this will simplify Energy Star, overall it will create much stricter energy targets. According to Baker, many manufacturers are working hard to achieve those upcoming requirements.

Regulations

The British Columbia Energy Act has requirements for both residential and commercial windows. Windows, sliding glass doors, curtainwall, window wall and storefronts must meet a U-factor requirement of 0.32 and skylights must meet a U-factor of 0.55 in order to be sold in the province. Ontario requires that residential windows meet a U-factor requirement of 0.35 to be sold in the providence. They must also be certified.

National Resources Canada is proposing a national energy regulation for windows and sliding glass doors. A national regulation under the federal energy act would cover any residential windows and sliding doors sold in Canada across a provincial border, or across a national border. The current proposed draft would implement tougher U-factor and energy ratings (ER) over the next six years.