Changes to the Province of Ontario’s building code could include requirements for solar-ready roofs, more stringent heating/cooling efficiency requirements, and graywater reuse.
Ontario’s code is scheduled to be replaced as of Jan. 1, 2019. New requirements will support the government’s Climate Change Action Plan unveiled in June 2016. The plan aims to reduce GHG emissions and implement energy-efficient measures in new homes and large buildings.
To be considered solar-ready, large building roofs will have to be able to support a larger dead load allowing for the weight of a future installation of a PV or solar hot water system. In addition conduits will have to be installed on all new houses and buildings. Another proposal is for all apartment buildings and condominiums to have a heat or energy recovery unit as part of their ventilation system.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs is seeking comments to be posted on their site during the 77-day comment period that closes September 29, 2017.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2021
Laws and regulations complicate growth of community solar gardens
New projects stymied by utility resistance and legislative restrictions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2021
Property owners need systematic approach to GHG emissions reduction
Energy hog buildings at risk for becoming stranded assets.
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2021
Design problems now the primary cause of construction claims and disputes
More likely to occur due to more tight timescales imposed upon third parties engaged in design.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2021
ABC releases guide to technology for improving safety performance
Provides details on how to identify, choose, and implement technology.
Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2021
Construction industry is the top target for cyberattacks
Smart building tech is a new avenue for criminals.
Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2021
Proposals to add more multifamily to Atlanta prompt drive for Buckhead to secede
City aims to increase housing as projections point to sharp population increase.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2021
Design problems now the primary cause of construction claims and disputes
More likely to occur due to more tight timescales imposed upon third parties engaged in design.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2021
New standard for Phase I environmental reports requires more research work on many sites
Update affects around 250,000 commercial real estate transactions a year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2021
Dept. of Energy publishes RFP for technical assistance on supporting better building codes
Addresses advanced standards to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2021
Ithaca, N.Y., votes to electrify, decarbonize all its buildings
First initiative of its kind in U.S.