From CHBA – Alert on Changes to National Energy Code for Buildings

7/14/2010 10:00:00 AM

If you build large buildings, the new National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) could have a big impact on your business. This new Code will affect new apartment buildings over four stories in height as well as larger commercial buildings. It does NOT affect houses or other Part 9 buildings.

Over the last year, the CHBA has intervened vigorously as the new NECB was being developed. CHBA has expressed a high level of concern over many aspects of what is being proposed, and the lack of a proper analysis and data that would allow our industry to understand what the construction and cost impacts will be. Builders are in the best position to determine if this is the case – you know what it costs to build today. CHBA concerns have not been addressed, so these impacts remain unclear.

In October 2010, there will be a public consultation period on the new NECB. This may be the last opportunity to improve the clarity and practicality of the new Code. Comments coming directly from builders and developers, who can best determine how they will be affected, will make a substantial and significant difference.

While we wait for the public consultation process to begin, you may wish to contact your provincial PTPACC representative to express concern that, to date, our industry has not been provided with clear and meaningful information on the cost impacts of the proposed new NECB. CHBA BC’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be supporting CHBA on addressing our mutual concerns. We will advise you when the consultation documents become available. A brief description of the main features of the new NECB is available following this link. For specific concerns or interest in working with CHBA BC’s TAC on this issue, please contact the CHBA BC office at 604-432-7112, or by email at info@chbabc.org.

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