National Building Code Clarification

The Government of Saskatchewan has clarified the application of energy efficiency requirements for existing buildings.

Effective immediately, Section 9.36. of the National Building Code (NBC 9.36.) and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) do not apply to the renovation, repair, alteration, or relocation of any building to which building standards apply and for which construction began prior to January 1, 2019. Buildings that began construction after January 1, 2019, which are renovated, repaired, altered, or relocated are expected to maintain the energy efficiency standard that existed when they were first constructed.

For example:

• If a building constructed in the summer of 2011 undergoes a renovation in the summer of 2019, the building and any renovations to the building are not required to conform with either NBC 9.36. or the NECB.
• If a building constructed in the summer of 2011 has an addition added in the summer of 2019, the addition would be required to conform with NBC 9.36. or the NECB but the remainder of the building would not be required to be renovated in order to conform with NBC 9.36. or the NECB.
• If a building began construction in February 2019, it is required to conform with either NBC 9.36. or the NECB, whichever code is applicable.
• If a building began construction in February 2019 and is then renovated in the fall of 2020, it would be expected that all renovations would continue either the NBC 9.36. or the NECB that is applicable to that building and which was in force at the time of initial construction.

This clarification is a result of recent amendments to The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Regulations and is intended to ensure a more uniform application of energy efficiency standards across different local authorities. These amendments do not affect the application of any other section of either the NBC or NECB.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the new regulations, please contact Building Standards and Licensing Branch at building.standards@gov.sk.ca or (306) 787-4113.