By Tristan Bertram, Director of Industry Affairs • 825-522-4834 • tristan.bertram@tiac.ca
Canada’s building codes are tightening—and that’s good news for the mechanical insulation industry. Across the country, provinces are adopting more rigorous versions of the National Building Code (NBC) and National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB). Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions are now becoming central to compliance, not just for building envelopes, but for mechanical systems, too. This shift has a direct impact on the mechanical insulation industry, presenting a significant opportunity to deliver value, grow your business, and showcase to the country what our industry can do.
The 2025 editions of the NBC and NECB are expected to be released later this year and will include significant changes. Minimum thermal performance standards are increasing, retrofit projects will be subject to new energy upgrade requirements and energy use intensity (EUI) calculations, and even carbon emissions may become code-mandated targets. Several provinces are already moving ahead—Ontario’s 2025 Building Code took effect in January, and BC, Alberta, Quebec, and New Brunswick have adopted or announced tiered energy performance codes that increase opportunity for the mechanical insulation industry.
TIAC’s Quality Assurance Certificate (QAC) program—developed in partnership with the Association d’isolation du Québec (AIQ) and inspired by the leadership of the British Columbia Insulation Contractors Association (BCICA)—couldn’t come at a better time. As the 2025 building code updates raise the bar on performance, the QAC program provides a practical way for TIAC members to elevate and certify installation quality. For building owners and engineers, the QAC offers confidence that insulation systems perform as designed. For contractors, it’s a tool to differentiate your work, catch potential issues early, and guarantee compliance, especially in an era where code-enforced energy performance is becoming non-negotiable. Over the next few years, TIAC will continue to work with provincial associations to promote broader adoption of QAC programs across the country.
As energy and carbon performance become part of code compliance, mechanical insulation contractors may find new opportunities to offer energy audit services, especially in retrofit markets. One path to take advantage of this is the Insulation Energy Appraisal Program (IEAP), delivered by the National Insulation Association (NIA). This certification trains professionals to assess the energy loss and savings potential of existing mechanical insulation systems. These types of services will become increasingly relevant as building owners seek to reduce emissions and qualify for retrofit incentives. Visit insulation.org for more information on NIA’s IEAP Certification.
As code development accelerates, TIAC is taking steps to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. On behalf of the association, I am actively seeking engagement with both the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Our goal is to promote the crucial role of mechanical insulation in achieving Canada’s climate and energy objectives. At the same time, our Technical Committee continues to update the TIAC Best Practices Guide, a key industry guide referenced in the national codes.
The path forward is clear: mechanical insulation is no longer a supporting detail—it’s a strategic component of high-performance, low-carbon building design. With the right tools, such as QAC programs and updated best practices, we can step confidently into a future of higher expectations and greater opportunities.
If you have questions or are interested in getting involved with TIAC’s advocacy efforts to strengthen our industry, please don’t hesitate to reach out! ▪
