INFORMATION BULLETIN NOVA SCOTIA’S NEW ENERGY BUILDING CODES
What’s new?
Nova Scotia is adopting updated energy efficiency codes designed to reduce energy use in housing and small buildings.
When do the new codes take effect?
The new energy efficiency codes will come into effect on April 1, 2026.
Why are the new codes being adopted?
These changes support provincial targets for reducing greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. They also align Nova Scotia’s standards with national energy efficiency goals. The implementation is part of a four-year phased plan to improve the energy performance of buildings across the province.
What do the new codes include?
Nova Scotia will adopt Tier 2 of Section 9.36 of the 2020 National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Key improvements include:
Better insulated walls
More energy-efficient windows and doors
Efficient hot water tanks and mechanical ventilation (HRV) units
Tighter building envelopes
Smaller heated or cooled buildings to reduce energy consumption
Tier 2 requirements represent at least a 10% improvement in energy performance compared to current standards.
How can compliance be achieved?
Builders can comply with the new codes using one of three pathways:
1. Tiered Prescriptive Path (Points-Based): Achieve the required 10 energy conservation points through upgrades without complex energy modeling.
2. Tiered Performance Path (Energy Modeling): Use professional energy modeling software (e.g., HOT2000) to generate a comparative report. This offers the most flexibility.
3. National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB 2020): Follow prescriptive or performance compliance paths under NECB 2020, completed by a qualified energy efficiency specialist.
How to comply and submit compliance information?
Applicants or building owners will provide the required documents and information for the selected compliance pathway when applying for a Building Permit. Guides and forms will be available to simplify the process.
Where to find more information?
Contact the Building Inspection Department in your Municipality or visit Municipal, Provincial and Federal websites for further information.
Town of Truro: https://truro.ca/building-development-permits.html
Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/bcregs.htm
2020 National Building Code of Canada: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/ft/?id=515340b5-f4e0-4798-be69-692e4ec423e8&dsl=en
2020 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/ft/?id=af36747e-3eee-4024-a1b4-73833555c7fa&dsl=en
pdf INFORMATION BULLETIN(168 KB)
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