Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off

  Trade off method concerning the building envelope is available to large buildings.

• Performance Codes for Refurbishments

  Partially, calculations are based on a comparison with a prescriptive package (reference building).

• Performance Codes for New Builds

  Partially, calculations are based on a comparison with a prescriptive package (reference building).

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building

  Performance requirements are applicable if the design differs from the basic prescribed requirements, Sb-10 and SB-12. Performance refers to the alternative method of compliance - Energy Budget. Using this approach the designer must use recognized energy simulation software (such as HOT2000 V9.34c1.2 or newer), and submit documents which show that the annual energy use of the building is equal to a prescriptive package.

• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame
• Final Energy

  Site Energy - energy used onsite, renewable energy can be credited against total onsite energy used.

• Primary Energy
• Life Cycle Assessment considered (embedded energy)

  Partially, no requirements at the design stage for residential buildings, however, LCA is considered when the prescriptive requirements are established for a new code. Large buildings are required to consider LCA when designing the building envelope.

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  Minimum efficiency requirements for most systems in Residential and Commercial buildings.

• Cooling

  Minimum efficiency requirements for most systems in Residential and Commercial buildings.

• Dehumidification

  N/A

• Ventilation

  Minimum efficiency requirements for most systems in Residential and Commercial buildings. HRV Minimum Efficiency requirements.

• Airtightness

  2.5 air changes per hour at an air pressure differential of 50 Pa for detached homes, and 3.0 air changes per hour at an air pressure differential of 50 Pa for attached homes. Building Envelope Sealing requirements for commercial buildings.

• Thermal bridging

  No linear value, however it is considered. Two options, either a continuous layer of insulation surrounding theexterior of the building or additional insulation is added to the rest of the building. For large building a detailed u-value calculation is required which takes into accountthermal bridging averages.

• Hot water

  Residential - Domestic Hot Water Heater Minimum efficiency requirements. Commercial - hot water system equipment efficiency. All water heating equipment should meet efficiency requirements, including, hot water supply boilers used solely for heating potable water, pool heaters, and hot water storage tanks.

• Technical installations
• Lighting

  Lighting power density requirements for commercial buildings and Fluorescent lamp ballasts efficacy factor requirements.

• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building

  Partially, specific rating systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing south.

• Heat recovery

  No mandatory requirement, but most new residential buildings will install HRV systems or other similar packages that employ heat recovery. Commercial building requirements based on ASHRAE, efficiancy requirements depends on the level of outside air required.

• Passive solar

  Partially, specific rating systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing southystems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing south.

• Passive cooling

  Partially, specific rating systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing southg systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing south.

• Natural ventilation

  Partially, specific rating systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing southng systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing south.

• Solar protection

  Partially, specific rating systems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing southsystems will award points for passive design elements - i.e. EnerGuide for residential buildings. Large building are required to reduce number of glazing elements facing east and west and increase the number of elements facing south.

• Daylighting requirements

  Partially, no specifc daylighting requirements, however controls are required to reduce the level of electric lighting when daylight is sufficient.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  Partially, no mandatory requirements at this stage, there are many local incentive programs where renewable systems are supported financially. Renewable energy produced can be credited against the allowed energy budget.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  Local authorities are responsible for the plan and specification review process as well as onsite inspections which include checking energy efficiency requirements.
• Third party inspection
  Some jurisdictions use third party inspectors. The government run EnerGuide program uses certified speacialist inspectors, trained by the government - not private.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
  For particular energy using systems and thermal fabric performance.
• Post occupancy

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
• Inspection of boilers
  Partially, only at project completion to verify the system operates in accordance with design documentation. No ongoing testing requirements.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Partially, only at project completion to verify the system operates in accordance with design documentation. No ongoing testing requirements.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
  Fines can also be handed out for major offences, fines can be large if the entity responsible is a corporation or if it is a second or third offence.
• Imprisonment
• Refusal of permission to occupy
  Local authorities have the right to refuse permission to occupy.
• Refusal of permission to construct
  Local authorities have the right to refuse permission to construct.
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  Testing requirements upon completion.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
  Partially, only when the design is excedding code requirements is a blower door test required to prove extra performance.
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
  For most large commercial buildings.
• Training of Inspectors
  Inspectors all have to be accredited. There are many courses available where inspectors can become accredited in different areas, HVAC, envelope, lighting etc. No CPD program at this stage.
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance?

  Yes
  Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance Note

  Stakeholders are involved in the development process and informed of future targets as soon as possible.

Zero Energy Targets

• Are all end uses considered in the target?
• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB
• Special Requirements for public buildings

Supporting Measures

• Incentives/Rewards to Encourage People to go beyond Minimum Level?
• Involvement of Stakeholders in the Development of Codes
• Level of Training Provided to Stakeholders Following Implementation of Code?
• Provision of Appropriate Information for General Public
• Education Systems to Ensure Capacity
• Supporting Certification Schemes
• Codes Free to Access?