National Model Codes are key in pursuing sustainability and energy efficiency mandates in the built environment.
By / Jessica Kirby • Photo: Tight 5 Insulation
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), made up of representatives from provincial, territorial, and federal governments, is responsible for the development of Canada’s National Model Codes. These Codes contain objectives related to health, safety, accessibility, the protection of buildings from fire or structural damage, and the protection of the environment. The National Model Codes are as follows:
National Building Code of Canada (NBC) – sets minimum requirements that address safety, health, accessibility, energy efficiency and building protection.
National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) – includes provisions for the safe installation of potable water systems, the removal of wastewater to municipal or private sewage water systems, and water use efficiency.
National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) – addresses fire safety during the operation of buildings and facilities.
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NEBC) – sets out acceptable requirements for energy use of large buildings.
National Farm Building Code of Canada (NFBC) – applies to farm buildings of low human occupancy and contains minimum requirements on matters affecting human health, fire safety, and structural sufficiency.
TIAC Times interviewed representatives from CBHCC about the role the national codes play in sustainability and quality control, updates and improvements to the codes, and opportunities to become involved in their development.
- What role do the National Model Codes play in shaping sustainability, quality control, and quality workpersonship in the construction industry?
The National Model Codes are objective-based codes, meaning each code document has objectives that the technical requirements set out to achieve. The objectives are related to safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, and the environment. They do not directly address sustainability; however, sustainability may be impacted indirectly through the Codes’ Environment objective, the recently approved Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGe) objective, and the requirements linked to those objectives.
The technical provisions of the National Model Codes establish the minimum acceptable measures required to adequately achieve building functions related to the above-listed objectives once the Codes are adopted in whole or in part by an authority having jurisdiction (for example, a provincial or territorial government). The requirements in the National Model Codes are generally design requirements applicable at the time of construction or significant alteration. The Codes generally do not address quality control or workmanship. Those are enforcement considerations that apply once authorities having jurisdiction enforce the Codes. - How often and under what circumstances are the National Model Codes reviewed and updated?
The National Model Codes evolve to accommodate new technologies, materials, construction practices, research, and the changing needs of Canadian society in response to code development priorities established by the Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy. The Codes are developed on a five-year cycle, with the next editions expected to be released in late 2025. More information about the code development process can be found on the CBHCC website. - Are there upcoming revisions, working groups, or research initiatives at NRC/CBHCC focused specifically on improving thermal performance or insulation requirements in mechanical systems?
The CBHCC is responsible for the development of the National Model Codes. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) provides secretarial services to the CBHCC through Codes Canada, an administrative unit under the NRC’s Construction Research Centre, and also conducts research to inform code development.
The National Model Codes focus on the overall minimum performance (such as efficiency, coefficient of performance) of HVAC equipment. In addition to the current requirements on duct sealing and duct, piping and plenum insulation, the 2025 edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings will require motorized dampers to be thermally insulated. - How does the CBHCC determine which industry standards and best practice guides—such as TIAC’s Mechanical Insulation Best Practices Guide—are referenced in the National Model Codes?
The National Model Codes reference industry documents, such as best practices guides, typically in explanatory notes, to provide additional information, which can help code users meet or interpret the code requirements. These documents are considered by National Model Codes Committees as part of the code development process. - What level of authority or weight do these references carry in enforcement once a national model code is adopted provincially?
The provisions of the National Model Codes become enforceable regulations only once adopted, in whole or in part, by a provincial or territorial authority, and a designer should consult with the appropriate regulatory authorities in their jurisdiction. However, generally, documents that are explicitly referenced in regulatory provisions carry the same regulatory weight as the provisions themselves, where they relate to buildings and the regulation’s objectives, since compliance with them is required to meet the regulation. Other referenced documents may provide supplementary or explanatory information to support the regulation’s objectives, but do not carry the same enforcement implications as the regulatory requirements themselves. - What role does industry play in the development, review, and updating of National Building Codes? What is the importance/significance of this participation?
Canada’s code development system is a consensus-based process that relies on expertise and input from industry, the regulatory community, general interest groups, code users, interested organizations, and the public. This rigor is a strength of Canada’s approach to code development.
Industry representatives are eligible to participate on the Standing Codes Coordination Committee, National Model Codes Committees, and task groups. Members are selected by the CBHCC based on their knowledge, experience, and ability to contribute to the scope and mandate of a committee, with consideration of including broad technical and geographical representation.
In addition, the CBHCC receives advice on policy and implementation related to the National Model Codes from the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes (Advisory Council). The Advisory Council consists of individuals from a range of national organizations representing municipal officials, emergency responders, material interests, the building industry, and other organizations with an interest in the regulation of building construction and operation. Membership of the Advisory Council is approved by the CBHCC. - Considering the role of mechanical insulation in lowering energy use and carbon emissions, how, if at all, does CBHCC give priority to this area in the National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings?
Climate change mitigation, which includes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, was a priority for 2025 National Model Codes development and continues to be a code development priority area for the 2030 National Model Codes.
The National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings include provisions related to mechanical insulation. The inclusion of requirements for mechanical insulation in the current and forthcoming editions of the Codes is based on consideration of the minimum acceptable measures to address the Codes’ objectives and analysis of the associated impacts. - How can industry get involved with National Building Code development and enforcement? What role do you see organizations like TIAC playing in helping bridge the gap between policy and the codes, and on-site implementation?
Industry plays a critical role in the code development process, and there are many ways to get involved. In addition to participating through the Standing Codes Coordination Committee, National Model Codes Committees (and their task groups and working groups), and the Advisory Council, interested organizations are encouraged to attend public meetings, submit code change requests, and review proposed code changes during public reviews.
We also encourage anyone with an interest in the Codes to monitor the CBHCC website and LinkedIn channel, where updates are shared about upcoming public meetings and volunteer opportunities. By staying informed on the activities of the code development system, TIAC and its network can provide input in a variety of ways throughout the code development cycle.
Learn more at cbhcc-cchcc.ca/en and connect on LinkedIn @cbhcc-cchcc ▪
