Are you ready for the 2012 Energy Efficiency Requirements for new construction?
On January 01, 2012, the Energy Efficiency requirements for new construction will be implemented. These requirements will increase the minimum efficiency of new Residential and Large Buildings by 25%.
What does this mean for the design of new structures?
For new Residential construction, three compliance options are available: EnerGuide 80, Energy Star, or the prescriptive methods in Supplementary Standard SB-12.
For Residential Additions, the insulation, window and door requirements found in SB-12 must met.
For Large Buildings, the design and construction of the buildings must comply with Supplementary Standard SB-10 (July 01, 2011 update).
Compliance to the 2012 Energy Efficiency requirements must be demonstrated at the Building Permit application stage, and is required to be verified and approved prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. A new Energy Efficiency Design Form has been developed to assist designers demonstrate compliance.
What does this mean for the construction of new structures?
The construction of the buildings must implement all elements that the design specifies to comply with the new Energy Efficiency Requirements (i.e. increased insulation, specified efficiency of heating appliances, window/door types, sealed sump pits, HRV's, etc). Also, the Building Department will have to be notified for several additional required inspections (i.e. under slab insulation inspection, air barrier inspection, air sealing inspection, energy efficiency inspection, etc).
What does this mean for occupying a new building?
The requirements to obtain an Occupancy Permit have also changed. In addition to the basic health and safety items that previously had to be met prior to Occupancy, the construction of the buildings will have to be substantially complete prior to being occupied (i.e. insulation installation complete, all exterior cladding and caulking complete, all stairs, decks, porches completed, final grading completed, etc).
The Town of Minto's Building Department, in conjunction with the Building Departments from the Municipality of North Perth, the Township of Howick and the Township of Huron-Kinloss will be hosting an information session regarding the Energy Efficiency requirements on January 26, 2012 at the Howick Community Centre starting at 9:00am.
For more information, contact the Town of Minto's Building Department, or go to OBOA's (www.oboa.on.ca/)
or MMAH's websites (www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page7393.aspx/site4.aspx)
The Building Department Overview
The Building Department is a multi-facetted department, who's scope includes enforcement of the Ontario Building Code, municipal by-laws, property standards by-law and other applicable laws.
The primary role of the Building Department is to promote public safety and assist development in compliance with Federal, Provincial, County and local regulations. By enforcing Building Codes and assisting builders and home owners, the municipality ensures that the structures are safe, not only for today, but for many years to come.
Additional major roles of the Building Department include Municipal By-law Enforcement, Property Standards Enforcement and Zoning Administration. These roles ensure the compatibility of adjacent land uses, maintenance and sustainability of properties and the quality of life for residents of and visitors to the Town of Minto.
Building Department Contacts
Terry Kuipers, C.B.C.O
Chief Building Official/By-Law Enforcement Officer
519-338-2511 x228
terry@town.minto.on.ca
Tim Lewis
Building Inspector/By-Law Enforcement Officer
519-338-2511 x236
tim@town.minto.on.ca