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Energy Efficiency in New Buildings
New buildings can be designed to substantially reduce overall energy consumption. A performance of 25 percent better than the minimum requirements of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) is a common target in the marketplace, and can be achieved cost-effectively in most building types. Over 1,000 building design models validated by Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) have averaged a design efficiency that is even higher – 35 percent better than the MNECB.
Given the lifespan of a building, the accumulated annual energy savings from this order of efficiency will amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Technology is only part of the answer. Following an Integrated Design Process (IDP), in which design professionals work closely together from day one, has been shown to reduce final costs by reducing revisions and optimizing the value of energy saving opportunities. Improved air quality and indoor environments that result in higher productivity are other valuable co-benefits.
The OEE, as part of the ecoENERGY for Buildings and Houses, promotes stakeholder networks, provides information for owners and professionals, training and feedback on energy simulation, and tracks baseline data for new commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential buildings. These activities include:
| If you have registered with a previous program for new buildings such as the Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) or the Industrial Building Incentive Program (IBIP) and you have questions about your project, please contact us. |
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