The 2006 Building Code enhances Ontario’s leadership in energy-efficiency requirements for buildings through the introduction of higher requirements than the 1997 Building Code and previous codes.
The higher energy-efficiency requirements balance energy efficiency with the affordability of a home. For example, the extra cost to build a home in 2007 to the new higher energy-efficiency standards will be recovered in three years through reduced energy bills. This will result in substantial long-term savings for Ontario households as well as reduced greenhouse gas production.
Over the next eight years alone, the Building Code’s increased energy-efficiency requirements will save enough energy to power 380,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to 250,000 fewer cars on Ontario's roads.
Houses:
A typical new house built in 2007 under the new Building Code will be over 21 per cent more energy efficient than one built under the current Building Code. This will be achieved through requirements for:
- More energy efficient windows (67 per cent increase in energy efficiency)
- Higher insulation levels (ceilings are being increased by 29 per cent, walls by 12 per cent and foundation walls by 50 per cent)
- High-efficiency gas and propane-fired furnaces (efficiency rating of 90 per cent).
Further Building Code changes related to energy efficiency will be phased in:
- New houses built under permits applied for in 2009 will require near-full-height basement insulation.
- New houses built under permits applied for in 2012 will be required to meet standards substantially in accordance with the national guideline, EnerGuide 80.
Estimated Increased Capital Costs, Energy Savings and Payback Periods for Houses
|
Estimated Energy Savings* |
Estimated Increased Capital Cost* |
Simple Payback Periods |
| December 31, 2006 |
21.5% |
$1,600 |
3.0 years |
| December 31, 2008 |
28% |
$2,700 |
4.4 years |
| December 31, 2011 |
35% |
$5,900 - 6,600 |
6.9 - 7.9 years |
Note: Figures are based on a typical 2000 square foot gas-heated house in the Greater Toronto Area
*Compared to the 1997 Building Code
Non-residential and Larger Residential Buildings:
Energy-efficiency requirements are being increased for non-residential buildings and larger residential buildings built under the new Building Code in 2007.
New non-residential and larger residential buildings built under permits applied for in 2012 will be required to meet standards 25 per cent higher than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings.
Estimated Increased Capital Costs, Energy Savings and Payback Periods for Non-residential and Larger Residential Buildings
|
Estimated Energy Savings* |
Estimated Increased Capital Cost* |
Simple Payback Periods |
| December 31, 2006 |
16 - 18% |
$0.98 - 1.11/ft2 |
3.3 - 4.7 years |
| December 31, 2011 |
25% |
$1.40 - 3.46/ft2 |
5.0 - 7.7 years |
Note: The range depends on the size, climatic location, quality and method of construction of the building. Estimated cost increases are based on typical high-rise residential and high-rise office buildings.
*Compared to the 1997 Building Code
Green Technologies:
New provisions will promote the use of green technologies such as:
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- Active solar hot water systems
- Rooftop storm water retention
- Storm and grey water use.
These changes come into force immediately.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing held province-wide public consultations on the energy-efficiency changes from February to April 2006. A technical advisory committee comprising designers, builders, regulators, manufacturers, and energy suppliers and advocates reviewed the input from these consultations. The technical committee’s recommendations were reviewed and are closely reflected in the Building Code changes.
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Contact:
David Brezer
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
416 585-6656