How It Works
NRCan co-funded research to develop the Model National Energy Code for Houses which was published in November 1997, and the Model National Energy Code for Buildings which was published in September 1997. These Energy Codes specify comprehensive minimum energy-efficiency standards for new building construction. Depending on location and type of energy source, houses built to comply with the Energy Code use less, in some cases significantly less, space-heating energy than similar houses not built to code.

NRCan supports the development of user-friendly compliance software, assists provincial and territorial stakeholders in assessing the impact of new building regulations, and disseminates relevant energy code information through newsletter articles, consumer guides and other publications.

Progress
NRCan staff have distributed thousands of copies of the draft codes and explanatory pamphlets at trade shows across Canada. NRCan also maintains a list of speakers available to give presentations on the Energy Codes.

The department conducted a national consumer attitude study, which showed that Canadians strongly support energy-efficiency building standards.

NRCan has co-funded technical reviews and energy impact studies in British Columbia and Manitoba, produced a report examining code implementation in Quebec, and brought together stakeholders at all levels of government to identify areas where collaboration would be useful.

NRCan led and co-funded the development of Model Energy Code for Buildings compliance software, which will also help building owners determine the energy-saving benefits of building components and upgrades.

Contact
Residential, Regulatory and Information Programs Division, Office of Energy Efficiency
Fax: (613) 943-1590
E-mail: ener.code@nrcan.gc.ca