Email this pageThe Building Code - Energy Efficiency And Barrier-Free Access

January 2010

Energy Efficiency - Fact Sheet - Printable version (40KB)

The 2006 Building Code strengthened Ontario’s leadership in requiring energy-efficient buildings with the introduction of higher standards for houses and larger buildings. Changes to the Code are being implemented through December 31, 2011 to give industries time to prepare. Other government priorities such as barrier-free access in buildings were also reflected in changes to the Building Code.

Ontario Leads the Way

Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to mandate EnerGuide 80 levels. This means that homes built after 2011 will have a 35 per cent increase in energy efficiency compared to homes built before 2006.

Ontario Households and Businesses Will Save Energy and Money

By 2012, 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.

The higher energy-efficiency requirements balance energy efficiency with affordability. The extra cost to build a home to the new higher energy-efficiency standards in the 2006 Building Code will be recovered in three years through reduced energy bills. This will result in substantial long-term savings as well as reduced greenhouse gas production.

Improved Energy Efficiency In Houses

• More energy efficient windows / sliding doors.
• Higher insulation requirements for ceilings, walls, foundation walls and basements.
• Limitations on thermal bridging (e.g. the loss of heat through studs).
• High-efficiency gas and propane-fired furnaces (90 per cent).
• Higher standards for electrically heated houses.

Alternative ways to build to an EnerGuide 80 standard were added to the Building Code in 2009. These alternatives will make it easier for builders to comply with the Code, while achieving the same or higher levels of systemic energy efficiency.

Use of Green Technologies

Ontario’s Building Code promotes the use of green technologies and is undergoing continuous revision to reduce barriers to green technologies. For example, recent changes promote the installation of solar-energy systems, encourage the re-use of grey water, and prohibit the use of non-low flush toilets in renovations.

Maintaining Ontario’s Leadership

Work has begun on the development of the new edition of the Building Code, which is anticipated for release at the end of 2011. The new Building Code Energy Advisory Council, established under the Green Energy Act, 2009 will provide strategic advice on how the Building Code might be enhanced further to increase energy efficiency and promote green technologies.

More Accessible Buildings In Ontario

Significant changes were made to the 2006 Code in order to move closer to a barrier-free, accessible Ontario. For example, 10 per cent of the units in a new apartment building or hotel are now required to include accessible features.

Through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, a proposed accessibility standard has been drafted by a wide range of stakeholders. The government will be reviewing the proposed standard. Enhanced requirements for access in buildings could be included in future editions of the Building Code.