Energy Efficiency and Energy Code for Buildings

The National Energy Code for Buildings 2020 and energy efficiency requirements of Section 9.36 of National Building Code (Alberta Edition) 2023 have been introduced by the Government of Alberta as part of the greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy.

NBC(AE) 2023 and NECB 2020 introduced new tiered energy performance levels. Tiers are set by the provincial government. Effective May 1, 2024, applicants must meet the following tiers:

Energy Code Requirements
 NBC(AE) 2023 9.36NECB 2020
Tier 1*1
% energy improvement0%0%
% heat loss reduction0%Not applicable

*Alberta Tier 1 applicants may follow 9.36.2 to 9.36.4, 9.36.5, 9.36.7, or 9.36.8

This table is provided for convenience and effort will be made to ensure timely updates for tier changes. Provincial direction overrides this table. Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to legislative updates to ensure they meet the applicable requirements.

These codes are the minimum standard for construction effective May 1, 2024.

National Building Code (Alberta Edition) 9.36 (NBC(AE) 9.36)

Energy efficiency includes requirements affecting building envelope, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and service water heating.

These are intended to address:

Air leakage

Uncontrolled thermal transfer

Unnecessary energy demand or consumption for heating and cooling, service water heating, and electrical equipment and devices

Inefficiency of equipment and systems

Unnecessary rejection of reusable waste energy

The same provincially-trained and certified Safety Codes Officers who issue building permits and inspect construction also administer the new energy codes.

The following paths are available to achieve the energy efficiency requirements:

  • Prescriptive Path
  • Prescriptive with Trade-Off Path
  • Performance Path
  • Tiered Performance Path
  • Tiered Prescriptive Path

Learn more about the paths in the NBC(AE) 9.36 Energy Efficiency Requirements Guide.

Required Documents

NBC(AE) 9.36 Prescriptive Path Checklist

NBC(AE) 9.36 Energy Efficiency Tradeoff Calculator

NBC(AE) Performance Path Summary and Checklist

Other Documents

NBC(AE) 9.36 Letter of Assurance No PI

National Energy Code for Building 2020 (NECB 2020)

The National Energy Code for Buildings 2020 (NECB 2020) is Alberta’s minimum standard for energy efficiency of larger residential and commercial buildings. NECB 2020 applies to new buildings, as well as additions to existing buildings.

Components covered in NECB 2020 are:

  • Building envelope - such as windows, walls, roofs, and doors
  • Lighting
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
  • Service Water Heating
  • Electrical Motors

There are three paths to comply with NECB 2020:

  • Prescriptive Path
  • Trade Off Path
  • Performance Path

Learn more about the 3 paths in the NECB 2020 Energy Efficiency Requirements Guide.

Required Documents

NECB 2020 Prescriptive and Trade-Off Checklists

NECB 2020 Performance Path Checklist

Other Documents

NECB 2020 Letter of Assurance No PI

Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Calculation Spreadsheet

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