Author/Contributor: WSP, SAIT, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation
Alberta Context: This report, produced in partnership with Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, reviews Alberta’s regulatory environment for building retrofits to inform planning, permitting, and policy development. The report identifies key constraints and opportunities within the current regulatory landscape. Â
Summary:Â
New construction and major renovations in Alberta are governed by the National Building Code 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code for Buildings 2020. Alberta does not have a dedicated retrofit code to govern smaller projects. Compliance for retrofits is interpreted from these main codes, often resulting in case-by-case decisions.Â
Alberta’s regulatory environment for deep energy retrofits is evolving but faces challenges related to code clarity, enforcement consistency, and limited authority for municipalities to drive ambitious retrofit outcomes. The report recommends addressing these gaps through the adoption of retrofit-specific codes, improved training and resources, expanded incentives, and enhanced municipal powers.
Key FindingsÂ
- Alberta currently enforces only the minimum energy performance tier (Tier 1), with higher tiers being voluntary. Alberta municipalities are restricted from mandating higher standards than those set by the provincial government.Â
- Enforcement of building codes is carried out through municipal permitting and inspection processes. Larger municipalities have more established and centralized systems, while smaller municipalities typically have less formalized procedures.Â
- Alberta’s regulatory framework allows for alternative solutions for unique retrofit scenarios, but these processes can add complexity and uncertainty to projects.Â
- The Government of Canada is developing an Alterations to Existing Buildings (AEB) Code, which is expected to include retrofit-specific requirements. Alberta has the opportunity to adopt the forthcoming AEB code.Â
Read the full report here.
