Energy Efficiency

9.36 Energy Efficiency for Housing and Small Buildings

The new MBC Section 9.36 “Energy Efficiency” will apply to Part 9 buildings starting April 1, 2016. “Part 9 Buildings” under the MBC, applies to smaller buildings, including houses. The MECB may apply to some of the larger Part 9 buildings under Section 9.36.

Download the Revisions and Errata Package of the NBC 2010 that contains 9.36. Energy Efficiency of the National Building Code of Canada 2010.

Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings (MECB)

On December 1, 2014, the 2011 National Energy Code for Buildings becomes effective in Manitoba via provincial Regulation 213/2013 . It is known as the Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings (MECB). These new efficiency standards affect building envelope, lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, water heating, and electrical systems and, as per MECB Article 1.1.1.1, will apply to construction of new buildings and additions governed under Part 3 of the Manitoba Building Code.

MECB Presentations 2014

National Research Council Canada PowerPoint Presentations from Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings (MECB) Training Day - September 17, 2014

Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP)

ITS is enforcing the MECB through a Letter of Assurance and a Letter of Certification from a MECB Coordinating Registered Professional.

A MECB Coordinating Registered Professional must be:

  • A registered member of the Engineers and Geoscientists Manitoba (EngGeoMB), authorized to practice engineering in the Province of Manitoba and skilled in the appropriate area of work concerned; or
  • A registered member of the Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA), authorized to practice architecture in the Province of Manitoba.
  • Ascertain which disciplines relating to the MECB are required and which registered professionals, must be retained;
  • Ensure the design requirements are coordinated between the registered professionals and comply with the applicable provisions of the MECB;
  • Complete a Letter of Assurance and a Letter of Certification. In cases of a base building application, an additional Letter of Certification will be required for each initial tenant improvement.
  • Ensure the Compliance Checklist is completed, retained as a record for 7 years, and be available in the event of an audit. It is also required that a final copy of the Checklist be issued to the building owner.
  • Ensure the field reviews are coordinated between the registered professionals;
  • Certify that the construction substantially complies with the applicable provisions of the MECB;
  • Submit a Letter of Certification under seal at the completion of construction and prior to final occupancy.

Forms for Coordinating Registered Professionals (CRP) available on the Bulletins, Guides& Forms page

  • ITS BC Form 20 - MECB LOC - Assurance of Coordination of Professional Field Review
  • ITS BC Form 21 - MECB LOA - Declaration of Professional Responsibility of the CRP

Note: In submitting the Letter of Certification, the coordinating registered professional is not responsible for ensuring the compliance of design or construction with respect to the MECB for those aspects which are the responsibility of other professionals under seal and, as such, is entitled to reasonably rely on Letters of Assurance and Certification required by the OFC to be submitted by registered professionals and/or other statements provided by other professionals pertaining to the design and construction of the project.

CAN-QUEST

CAN-QUEST is a Canadian adaptation of eQUEST, the popular U.S. building energy simulation software. It builds upon eQUEST 3.62x and includes complete Canadian weather data, support for metric and imperial units, and English and French language interfaces.

CAN-QUEST can be used to demonstrate performance path compliance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011 (NECB 2011) and to support the design of high performance commercial and institutional buildings. CAN-QUEST is recognized as the Canadian building energy simulation tool for modelling whole-building energy performance and compliance with the NECB 2011.

CAN-QUEST includes many improvements over earlier building energy modelling software tools, including advanced two- and three-dimensional graphical representation of a building’s geometry and parametric runs to quickly assess different energy efficient designs. In addition, CAN-QUEST supports technologies such as photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps, co-generation, thermal storage and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system types.

For information, please visit CAN-QUEST website.