‘Red Alert’ Regarding the National Energy Code for Buildings
If you build large buildings, the new National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) could have a big impact on your business. This new Code will affect new apartment buildings over 4 stories in height as well as larger commercial buildings. It does not affect houses or other Part 9 buildings. Over the last year, CHBA has intervened vigorously as the new NECB was being developed, expressing a high level of concern over many aspects of what is being proposed, and the lack of a proper analysis and data that would allow the homebuilding industry to understand what the construction and cost impacts will be. These concerns have not been addressed, so these impacts remain unclear.
In October 2010, there will be a public consultation period on the new NECB. This may be the last opportunity to improve the clarity and practicality of the new Code. Comments coming directly from builders and developers, who can best determine how they will be affected, will make a substantial and significant difference. CHBA is encouraging members to review the proposed NECB as soon as it is released, and let the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) know how it will affect you and your customers. CHBA will advise you when the consultation documents become available. The CHBA brief on this critical issue in its entirety is available on the CHBA website.
