Professional Building Inspections (PBI)
Energy Code compliance - General Information
Requirements
As of January 1, 2024, most new buildings in Saskatchewan must be energy code compliant.
*** NOTE: Renovations and additions to existing buildings constructed prior to January 1, 2019 do not need to meet energy efficiency compliance. Energy code requirements are only applicable to renovations and additions to buildings constructed after January 1, 2019.
There are two National Building Code editions that address energy efficiency:
- National Building Code of Canada (NBC 2020) - Section 9.36. Energy Efficiency
- National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB 2020)
The Code edition applicable for the project is determined by factors such as building use, size, height, etc. There are also three compliance options (paths) that the owner or designer can potentially choose from.
Applicants must submit the required forms for the Code edition used and compliance path selected with their plans for building permit review. NOTE: A building permit cannot be approved without this information.
Forms are available for download below.
Anyone can choose to use NECB 2020 for their building project; however, there are additional requirements:
- NECB projects must be designed or reviewed, and sealed, by an Architect or Engineer licensed to practice in Saskatchewan.
- NECB projects must be inspected by the professional designer to confirm compliance. Commitment for Field Review form must be completed, sealed and submitted by the professional designer BEFORE a plan review will be completed by the Building Official.
Climate Zones:
The climate zone in Saskatchewan is Zone 7A, as per the Building and Energy Regulations.
Ensure that the project is designed/modelled for the right climate zone.
Energy efficiency compliance options
Prescriptive
Prescriptive
Prescriptive
NBC 2020 (9.36)
- Part 9 - Group C buildings up to 600 m² in horizontal area and 3 storeys or less in building height.
National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB 2020)
- Part 3 - All
- Part 9 - All other than Group C
Trade-Off
Prescriptive
Prescriptive
NBC 2020 (9.36)
- Part 9 - Group C buildings up to 600 m² in horizontal area and 3 storeys or less in building height
National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB 2020)
- Part 3 - All
- Part 9 - Group C
Performance
Prescriptive
Performance
NBC 2020 (9.36) - Energy Modelling
- Part 9 - Houses* with or without a secondary suite.
- Part 9 - Group C buildings containing only dwelling units and common spaces whose total floor area does not exceed 20% of the total floor area of the building (NBC A-9.36.1.3.(3).
* Houses (as defined for the Performance option).
National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB 2020)
- Part 3 - All
- Part 9 - Group C
definitions
Houses
For the purpose of application of NBC 9.36.5. (Performance Compliance Option) the term “houses” includes:
- individual detached houses (with or without a secondary suite),
- semi-detached houses or duplexes (doubles) where each house may contain a secondary suite,
- triplex, townhouse, or row house without secondary suites,
- triplex, townhouse, or row houses with secondary suites where firewalls are constructed in accordance with 2020 NBC 9.10.1.2.(1), and
- boarding houses.
Competent Person
Means a person, firm or corporation who is knowledgeable and experienced in the application of NBC Section 9.36. for the design of buildings and/or building systems.