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Energy Efficiency Design is the a code compliance path used by a designer to comply with energy efficiency requirements of the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This information typically must accompany the building permit application. OBC Supplementary Standard SB-12 details about building code compliance requirements.
Beginning January 1, 2012, a house designer must use one of four energy efficiency compliance options in the building code:
1. Comply with the SB-12 Prescriptive design tables,
2. Use the SB-12 Performance compliance method, and model the design against the prescriptive standards,
3. Design to Energy Star standards, or
4. Evaluate the design according to EnerGuide technical procedures and achieve a rating of 80 or more.
In design, you must Indicate the compliance option being used.
SB-12 Prescriptive requires that the building conforms to a package of thermal insulation, window and mechanical system efficiency requirements set out in Subsection 2.1.1. of SB-12. Energy efficiency design modeling and testing of the building is not required under this option.
SB-12 Performance refers to the alternative method of compliance set out in Subsection 2.1.2. of SB-12. Using this approach the designer must use recognized energy simulation software (such as HOT2000 V9.34c1.2 or newer), and submit documents which show that the annual energy use of the building is equal to a prescriptive package.
Energy Star houses must be designed to Energy Star requirements and be labelled on completion by Enerquality or other agency. The Energy Star BOP form must be submitted with the permit documents.
EnerGuide80 houses are validated by NRCan authorized energy advisors and must achieve a rating of 80 or more when evaluated in accordance with EnerGuide administrative and technical procedures.
Climatic Zone: The number of degree days for Ontario cities is contained in Supplementary Standard SB-1 Windows, Skylights and Glass Doors: If the ratio of the total gross area of windows, sidelights, skylights and glass doors to the total gross area of walls is more than 17%, higher efficiency glazing is required. If the ratio is more than 22% the SB-12 Prescriptive option may not be used. The total area is the sum of all the structural rough openings. Some exceptions apply. Refer to 2.1.1.1. of SB-12 for further details.
Fuel Source and Heating Equipment Efficiency: The fuel source and efficiency of the proposed heating equipment must be specified in order to determine which SB-12 Prescriptive compliance package table applies. Other Building Conditions: These construction conditions affect SB-12 Prescriptive compliance requirements.
Thermal Insulation: Indicate the RSI or R-value being proposed where they apply to the house design. Under the SB-12 Prescriptive option, RSI 3.52 wall insulation is permitted in certain conditions where other design elements meet higher standards. Refer to SB-12 for further details.
All houses must comply with increased air barrier requirements in the building code. Notice of air barrier completion must be provided and an inspection conducted prior to it being covered. The building code requires that a blower door test be conducted to verify the air tightness of the house during construction if the SB-12 Performance option is used and an air tightness of less than 2.5 ACH @ 50 Pa in the case of detached houses, or 3.0 ACH @ 50 Pa in the case of attached houses is necessary to meet the required energy efficiency standard. A blower door test must also be conducted if the EnerGuide 80 option is used.
Energy Star and EnerGuide issue labels for new homes constructed under their energy efficiency programs. The building code does not regulate new home labelling.
Further information about energy efficiency requirements for new buildings is available from the provincial building code website at www.mah.gov.on.ca, or the municipal building department.