Executive Council
February 10, 2016
Supporting Energy Efficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador
Province Launches New Energy Efficiency Guide for Builders, Consumers
The Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency today launched a new guide to help homeowners and homebuilders incorporate energy efficiency into the construction and renovation of homes and small buildings. The new Guide to Building Energy Efficient Homes and Small Buildings was released at the annual general meeting of the Canadian Association of Homebuilders - Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John�s.
�The Provincial Government is committed to helping residents increase the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses. Incorporating energy efficiency into construction and renovations saves money for property owners and potentially raises the market value of their properties. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps tackle climate change.�
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister Responsible for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Energy used in houses and buildings accounts for approximately 18 per cent of the total energy consumed in the province (excluding offshore petroleum). The guide will support municipalities, builders, contractors, inspectors and consumers in understanding the benefits of energy efficiency and the energy efficiency requirements of the National Building Code.
�This new guide is a key resource which will assist our industry in communicating the benefits of building energy efficient homes and small buildings while also helping home owners to understand those benefits. Consumers are increasingly looking for energy efficiency in houses and this guide will assist builders in meeting this demand.�
- Warrick Butler, President, Canadian Home Builders Association Newfoundland and Labrador
The new guide is available online at www.turnbackthetide.ca in the Publications section under Tools & Resources.
This work is part of government�s strategic approach to tackling climate change while helping diversify the economy.
Additional information about energy efficiency and the National Building Code is provided in the backgrounder below.
QUICK FACTS
- The Office for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has launched a new Guide to Building Energy Efficient Homes and Small Buildings.
- Energy used in houses and buildings accounts for approximately 18 per cent of the total energy consumed in the province.
- The guide will support municipalities, builders, contractors, inspectors and consumers in understanding and communicating the energy efficiency requirements of the National Building Code.
- The new guide is available online at www.turnbackthetide.ca .
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Media contacts:
Emily Timmins Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency 709-729-2575, 693-1292 emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca |
Victoria Belbin CEO, Canadian Home Builders Association - Newfoundland and Labrador 709-753-2000 ceo@chbanl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Energy efficiency requirements under the National Building Code
- The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) addresses the design and construction of new buildings and the substantial renovation of existing buildings. The NBC is developed by the Canada Commission on Building and Fire Codes.
- All the requirements in the NBC are linked to one of five objectives; safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, and energy efficiency. A complete update of the NBC is published every five years. Energy efficiency requirements were included for the first time in December 2013.
- Newfoundland and Labrador�s Municipalities Act, 1999 and corresponding legislation for cities requires that municipal councils adopt the NBC and supplements or amendments to the NBC when making regulations concerning the design, construction and alteration of buildings. This means that implementing the new energy efficiency requirements for residential homes is now required under the act.
- Improving the energy efficiency of new houses and buildings is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs by reducing fuel bills. It also brings additional benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The new guide updates a guide released in 2013 and adds important new elements including information on the energy efficiency requirements of the National Building Code that apply to small buildings (i.e., three stories or less and less than 600 meters squared).
- It also includes new checklists that building designers, contractors and inspectors can use to ensure that building components and systems meet the energy efficiency requirements of the National Building Code that apply to houses and small buildings.
2016 02 10 1:15 p.m.