The need for energy-efficient homes has never been more evident. With the rise of environmental awareness and increasing energy costs, homeowners and builders alike are searching for ways to reduce their footprint without sacrificing comfort or quality. That’s where the Sask Energy Homes Beyond Code Program comes in, offering a commendable initiative designed to encourage energy conservation in home construction. But what exactly does this mean for those looking to build new homes, and how do ICE Panels fit into the equation?
Understanding the Homes Beyond Code Program
The Homes Beyond Code Program is an initiative by Sask Energy to promote the construction of homes that exceed the current National Building Code’s energy efficiency requirements. The are numerous benefits of building beyond code, including long-term savings on energy bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved indoor air quality.
To be eligible for this program, your project must meet certain criteria demonstrating superior energy performance compared to standard construction practices. This involves integrating advanced technologies and materials into your build that contribute to better insulation, airtightness, and overall energy consumption reduction.
Introducing ICE Panels: Innovation in Construction
ICE Panels serve as an exemplary answer to these prerequisites, as they are a high-performance building system that can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of new homes. Constructed from a combination of expanded polystyrene and steel framing, ICE Panels provide exceptional thermal resistance and airtightness—two key factors in reducing heating and cooling demands.
What makes ICE Panels particularly suitable for the Homes Beyond Code Program is their design that seamlessly aligns with sustainable building practices. By choosing ICE Panels, you have the potential to exceed the traditional energy performance levels, making your project eligible for the incentives offered by the program.
How Building with ICE Panels Makes You Eligible
When considering eligibility for the program, it’s crucial to understand how ICE Panels can influence the energy modeling of your home:
- Superior Insulation – ICE Panels deliver higher R-values—a measure of thermal resistance—compared to many conventional wall systems. This means less heat loss in winter and less heat gain in summer.
- Airtight Construction – The panelized nature of ICE allows for tighter seals at joints and connections, significantly reducing air leakage, which is a major contributor to energy waste.
- Thermally Broken – Traditional framing can introduce thermal bridges, areas where heat transfer occurs more readily, but ICE Panels offer a continuous layer of insulation, minimizing this effect.
Adopting ICE Panels in your construction project not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also aligns perfectly with programs like Homes Beyond Code, providing tangible benefits well into the future. It’s a smart investment for those looking to lead in the development of sustainable housing while enjoying the financial perks that come with energy-efficient building practices.
If you’d like to learn more about ICE Panels, connect with our customer service team by calling 204-726-1426 or click here to send us a message.
