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Preparing for the 2020 National Building Code of Canada

September 27, 2021

With the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada coming up quick, the construction industry must prepare to begin focusing on creating energy efficient buildings and comply with the guidelines set out in the new tiered system.

The biggest change to the 2020 NBCC is a proposal to require airtightness testing for all tiers of the system. For construction projects falling under tier 1, an air tightness test is required but a target is not specified. The reason for this is to encourage better planning of construction projects regarding energy performance. However for all tiers, air leakage rates are handled in various metrics. With different metrics being allowed this will create better flexibility to use one that works well with the type and scale of the project.

With airtightness becoming a key feature, this will result in jobs becoming available to help complete these requirements. Currently in some provinces and territories air tightness testing isn’t being completed simply because there aren’t professionals in the area that can complete them. With the NBCC proposing this as part of the guidelines, it’s only a matter of time before the energy sector will start looking to hire professionals to fill these roles.

Tiered codes give the industry a heads up that energy efficient construction will be the new normal and will provide the time needed to adjust accordingly. Manufacturers can prepare to make high-performance products and processes widely available. Tradesmen and professionals will also have ample time to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to produce high performing homes. Due to COVID-19, the updated codes won’t come into effect until the end of 2021, however folks in the industry can still choose to get ready for these changes to take place.

The biggest change to the 2020 NBCC is a proposal to require airtightness testing for all tiers of the system.

Preparing for the 2020 National Building Code of Canada will result in:

  • Provincial and territorial leaders being encouraged to adopt a high performance tier
  • An increased size of a specific area’s network of building officials, energy advisors, building sector associations, etc
  • An established network of building performance advocates
  • More incentives to get homeowners and builders to build with energy efficiency in mind

Canada’s building codes will drive high performance building construction and create a market demand for energy efficient building materials, like the Greenstone ICE Panel. Doing this will create new job opportunities in Canada’s clean-growth economy.

Interested in building with ICE Panels? Let’s chat! Give us a call at 204-726-1426 or send us an email at sales@gsbp.ca.

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