Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Building Code Regulation 2024 · in-force

Building code regulation 2024

This Order in Council enacts the new Building Code Regulation, declaring the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 (with variations) in force, repealing the previous Buildin…

High impactCentralization of powerLocal autonomyMunicipalitiesThe public, directly

What changed

  • The Building Code Regulation (AR 5/2024) is made, declaring the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition in force for buildings.
  • The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 is declared in force for buildings, with specific amendments to clauses 1.1.2.1.(1)(c) and 10.1.2.1.(1) to specify 'at least Energy Performance Tier 1'.
  • Accredited agencies, municipalities, and regional services commissions are prohibited from imposing energy performance requirements higher than 'Energy Performance Tier 1' as specified in the declared codes.
  • The previous Building Code Regulation (AR 31/2015) is repealed.

Why it matters

  • The Order centralises authority over building energy performance standards by establishing a uniform minimum (Tier 1) across Alberta.
  • It reduces the discretion of accredited agencies, municipalities, and regional services commissions to set higher energy efficiency standards for new construction within their jurisdictions.
  • This shift may impact local initiatives aimed at promoting more stringent environmental building standards or reducing energy consumption beyond the provincial minimum.
  • The repeal and replacement of the previous regulation updates the provincial building code framework, aligning it with newer national standards while introducing specific provincial variations.

Other governance concerns

  • Reduction of local government authority to set building energy efficiency standards.
  • Centralization of regulatory decision-making regarding building codes.
  • Potential impact on local environmental and climate change mitigation efforts.

Primary sources (1)

Secondary sources (2)