Photo courtesy CertainTeed Corp.

Feedback will determine whether residential projects need to reach new energy-efficiency parameters to meet code.

As the design/construction industry and general public alike continue to focus on sustainability and cost efficiency, the need for responsible energy consumption has come to the forefront. Now, with the next edition of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) scheduled for 2011, input is being sought for a new code to deal with similar requirements in residential projects.

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) is currently updating the 1997 MNECB, which applies to non-residential buildings within the scope of Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). However, during a 2008 meeting, the commission received requests to address energy efficiency in houses at the provincial and territorial levels. In a bid to encourage consistent regulations across the country, these energy-related requirements would then be included in an objective-based model code.

Consequently, CCBFC has invited stakeholders—ranging from developers, contractors, and municipal authorities to architects, engineers, and homeowners—to take part in proposing requirements. Earlier this month, a task team was formed to bring together representatives from across the country; now, further input and participation is required. For more information, contact Anne Gribbon, the commission's secretary at (613) 993-5569 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .'; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text10706 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it