BC adopts National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings

British Columbia has adopted the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB 2011), which will take effect in December 2013. Although BC is the first to adopt the code, the adoption process is underway in other jurisdictions. NECB 2011 provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of energy efficient buildings, excluding those that are covered in Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. It is a model code intended for provinces and territories to adopt and adapt for their needs. The 2011 version is an update of Canada’s first building energy code, introduced in 1997. The original code was modeled after the U.S. ASHRAE regulations, which some provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario had already incorporated into their building codes. Canada-wide adoption of the NECB 2011 would bring uniformity to building energy performance and its measurement. The adoption process is lengthy, starting with research on issues such as industry readiness, followed by public consultations, adaptation of the code, and a final public review prior to adoption. Ten provinces and three territories have been involved in the adoption process, with all but one territory indicating their intent to adopt the NECB. Manitoba will be ready to adopt by the end of 2013 and Ontario has an equivalent standard that is as stringent as the NECB 2011.