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:
| NBC(AE) 2023 9.36 | NECB 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | 1* | 1 |
| % energy improvement | 0% | 0% |
| % heat loss reduction | 0% | 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.
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
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
Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements.
Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)
Contact Us
Edmonton Service Centre
Email buildingsafetycodes@edmonton.ca
Phone In Edmonton: 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311