March 6, 2015 – The regulations that clear the way for implementing the Alberta Building Code 2014, National Energy Code for Buildings 2011, Part 9 changes for energy efficiency and Fire Code 2014 were passed by the Alberta Provincial Cabinet. (Thanks to ECAA [Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta] for the heads up!)

The province also adopted the national version of the Energy Code without change.

Implementation of these codes will be staggered over the next year and-a-half; each code has a coming-into-force date and a transition period. The coming-into-force date is the date on which the codes apply in Alberta, allowing for permits to be issued under the new code. The transition period is to allow construction under the previous code or the new code.

After the transition period, all new construction is required to be under the 2014 Alberta Building Code.

The timelines for the various codes are:

Alberta Building Code 2014
• Implementation date: May 1, 2015
• Transition period end date: November 1, 2015

Alberta Fire Code 2014
• Implementation date: May 1, 2015
• No transition

National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011
• Implementation date: November 1, 2015
• Transition period end date: May 1, 2016

Section 9.36 Energy Efficiency, Alberta Building Code 2014
• Implementation date: May 1, 2016
• Transition period end date: November 1, 2016

The National Energy Code for Buildings 2011 is available through the National Research Council website. The Alberta Building and Fire Codes 2014 are not yet available (but is expected to be available from NRC—both online and in hard copy—some time in April 2015). Purchase orders will be accepted earlier. Municipal Affairs will be providing updates and additional information over the next few weeks.

— With files from Joan Maisonneuve, manager, Policy & Industry Issues, Canadian Home Builders’ Association (Alberta)