WOBO members and fellow professionals note the date for implementation.
Any building that begins construction after December 27, 2021 will have to comply with the new requirements of the National Energy Code.
If you are an architect, this implies new professional responsibilities.
This is a major challenge since many very technical elements are appearing in this new version of the code.
As a professional, you should familiarize yourself with compliance methods, the thermal envelope construction guide and assess the impact of these changes on other disciplines as well as on construction budgets. An article to help you see more clearly.
On June 27, 2020, the Government of Quebec announced new standards aimed at improving the energy performance of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings as well as large residential buildings.
The Régie du bâtiment estimates that these modifications to the National Energy Code will improve the overall energy performance of the buildings concerned by 27.9%, on average, compared to existing requirements.
This same analysis predicts that operators, owners and tenants will thus be able to save approximately $ 20.2 million per year on their energy bill.
Thus, any building whose construction begins after December 27, 2021 must comply with these new requirements.
If you are an architect, this implies new professional responsibilities in terms of compliance with this new energy regulation. This is a major challenge since many very technical elements are appearing in this new version of the code.
As a professional, you should familiarize yourself with the compliance methods, the thermal envelope construction guide and assess the impact of these changes on other disciplines as well as on construction budgets.
A vagueness still remains on the application of the legislation by the Régie du bâtiment. However, failure to apply the new requirements could require significant design changes such as changes to the mechanical systems or envelopes of your project.
To avoid construction delays, as well as major changes to the budget, it is important to fully understand the new requirements. This will allow a preliminary analysis to be made to obtain guidelines and ensure the project’s compliance.
What projects are affected by the changes to the National Energy Code?
In general, the buildings targeted by the new requirements are new constructions and extensions that meet the following criteria:
• Commercial, institutional and industrial buildings
• Residential buildings of more than 3 floors or more than 600 m2
• Residential buildings of not more than 3 storeys and not more than 600 m2 housing housing and another use (for example a business, such as a convenience store).
• Swimming pools with an area of more than 100 m2.
These new requirements therefore do not apply to alteration, maintenance or repair work, greenhouses and extensions of less than 10 m2.
What aspects of a construction project are affected by the new energy regulations?
Many aspects are affected by the changes to the National Energy Code. However, certain elements should particularly attract your attention as a construction professional:
• Lighting controls;
• Heat recovery required in heating, ventilation and air conditioning installations;
• The continuity of the insulation with the obligation to reduce thermal bridges;
• Enhancement of the thermal characteristics of the windows, doors with and without glazing.
The requirements for these elements are particularly high and in many cases exceed the requirements for LEED projects.
How to ensure that a construction project complies with the requirements of the National Energy Code?
Project designers will need to choose one of the three compliance pathways that are preferred to comply with the code. These three methods are completely different in their application.