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Construction and Renovation

The construction or renovation of a home offers the ideal opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient features that will save you energy and money from the moment the project is completed.

Construction and Renovation

The construction or renovation of a home offers an ideal opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient features that will save you energy and money from the moment the project is completed.

Homes and buildings in municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador must meet the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada. In 2012, this code was updated to include energy efficiency requirements for houses and small buildings (i.e. buildings smaller than 600m2 in area or less than four storeys). Examples of these requirements include increased insulation and air tightness requirements, as well as more efficient windows.

In addition to these requirements, there are a number of voluntary standards and rating systems that can help you achieve significant energy savings when constructing a new home or completing renovations.

EnerGuide Home Rating System

EnerGuide Home logo

The EnerGuide Home Rating System is a voluntary system developed by the Government of Canada that evaluates the energy efficiency of new and existing houses by giving them scores from 1 to 100, with 1 being the least efficient and 100 the most efficient. To obtain a score, the builder or homeowner must contact an energy adviser that is certified by the Federal Government. For a fee, the energy adviser will come to your home and examine the things that affect your home's energy use, such as insulation levels, windows, and heating systems. When the evaluation is complete, the house is given an EnerGuide Label for Homes with its score and a report that includes advice on any upgrades that could improve the home's energy efficiency. Find out more on the EnerGuide Home Rating System from Natural Resources Canada.

R-2000 Home Building Standard

R-2000 Home logo

Since 1982, the R-2000 label has been a symbol of the most energy-efficient homes in Canada. Developed by the Government of Canada, R-2000 is a performance-based standard, which means you collaborate with a certified builder on the design, construction and final testing of your home. The program includes technical guidelines that exceed the National Building Code, a network of federally certified service providers, and stringent testing requirements. The R-2000 standard goes beyond just energy performance to include other beneficial measures, like the use of environmentally friendly paints, building materials and ventilation systems. Find out more on R-2000 from Natural Resources Canada.

ENERGY STAR Homes

ENERGY STAR Homes logo

ENERGY STAR is an internationally recognized brand and a trusted symbol for identifying energy-efficient products, such as appliances and electronics. An ENERGY STAR-qualified new home is, on average, 20% more energy efficient than a home constructed to the National Building Code. These homes are constructed by trained builders who are licensed by the Government of Canada. Typical features include efficient heating systems, high-performance windows and well-insulated walls. Find our more on ENERGY STAR Homes from Natural Resources Canada.

LEED Canada for Homes

LEED Canada for Homes logo

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is one of the premier rating systems for environmentally sustainable buildings in Canada and the United States. LEED Certified Homes lead to significant energy and cost savings each month. The requirements also go beyond energy efficiency and include water efficiency, building materials and indoor environmental quality, with potential benefits including better indoor air quality, greater durability and better resale value. Find out more on LEED Canada for Homes from the Canada Green Building Council.

Case Study

Net Zero Logo

In fall 2016, the Canadian Home Builders' Association celebrated the qualification of the province's first Net Zero Energy Ready home under its Net Zero Home Labeling Program.

Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes produce as much as energy as they consume on an annual basis. They are designed and built to be very energy efficient, reducing their energy needs to a minimum, and have on-site renewable energy systems.

Net Energy Zero "Ready" (NZEr) homes are so energy efficient that a renewable energy system could offset all of their annual energy consumption, once one is actually installed.

Built in Flatrock by K&P Contracting Ltd., this NZEr home features solar heat capture, wastewater heat recovery, ultra-efficient insulation, and mini-split heat pumps. It cost about 3 per cent more to build than a conventional home, but these features will save over $300 a month in energy costs - effectively paying for themselves in about 6 years!

Helpful Resource

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The Guide to Building Energy-Efficient Homes and Small Buildings outlines the National Building Code of Canada's energy efficiency requirements in a provincial context.