Home Certification Programs – QUICK FACTS
Think of the EnerGuide Rating System as a nutrition label for a house. Any builder can participate. Overview: EnerGuide for New Homes is a home labeling system that is owned by Natural Resources Canada and is delivered throughout Canada. Many programs and municipalities use the EnerGuide rating number as a foundation requirement for certification or rezoning etc. EnerGuide has also been tied to incentive programs delivered by Power Smart, BC Hydro and others. Relationship to CHBA BC: CHBA BC is a Service Organization, licensed with Natural Resources Canada to train Certified Energy Advisors and produce EnerGuide Labels. We are one (the largest) of approx. five in BC. Process: The process involves a Certified Energy Advisor (CEA) to evaluate the house plans, create a preliminary model in software called Hot2000 and provide a projection to the builder of energy consumption of the house. The builder can then adjust his house plans to improve the energy consumption if needed and the CEA comes back to test the home once complete for the final EnerGuide rating. EnerGuide 80 is considered the benchmark number for a home to be energy efficient. Building Code prescriptive methods “should” get builders to the 78 to 80 range but this is very dependent on process, air tightness, methodology, climate etc. This scale is in the process of adjusting to a scale of GJ used. Training & Membership: There are no training requirements for builders to participate in the program and there are not any annual membership requirements. Costs: Enrolment Fee is $100 per home. CEA modeling fees range between $800 and $1,500.
Built Green is a flexible program with four possible certification levels and require an EnerGuide rating Overview: BUILT GREEN® is a certification program owned by Built Green Canada and delivered primarily in Alberta and BC. Relationship to CHBA BC: From 2005 to 2014, CHBA BC delivered the program in our province and had a delivery agreement in place with Built Green Canada. As of January 01, 2015, CHBA BC provides the EnerGuide label for builders wishing to pursue a BUILT GREEN certification but all associated Built Green materials will come from Built Green Canada. Process: Builders will work with a CEA to obtain an EnerGuide label and complete the BUILT GREEN Checklist. Points gained from the checklist and the EnerGuide rating combine to produce a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum certification for the home. Training & Membership: Builders must complete an online training course delivered by Built Green Canada and pay a yearly membership fee. Built Green builders must also be a member of another professional building association. Costs: Enrolment Fee is $220 per home (includes $100 for EnerGuide label) plus the cost of CEA modeling
Home Certification Programs – QUICK FACTS
ENERGY STAR homes perform 20% better than code, must reach EnerGuide 81 or higher, no more than 2.5 Air Changes per hour and have installed an HRV. Overview: ENERGY STAR® for New Homes is qualification program for homes and is delivered in Canada through Natural Resources Canada. ENERGY STAR is an internationally recognized program. Relationship to CHBA BC: CHBA BC launched delivery of ENERGY STAR in BC April 01, 2015. Each of our CEAs are trained to deliver Energy Star. Process: Builders will work with a CEA to obtain an EnerGuide label and complete an ENERGY STAR Checklist and register the home with CHBA BC. Training & Membership: CHBA BC delivers an ENERGY STAR webinar for builders and we are working on a online module of self-paced learning as well. There is no membership fee to participate in ENERGY STAR Costs: Enrolment Fee is $200 per home ($150 for CHBA BC Members) plus the cost of CEA modeling
R-2000 homes perform 50% better than code, must reach EnerGuide 86 or higher with no more than 1.5 Air Changes per hour. Overview: R-2000 is a pass or fail certification program for homes and is owned by Natural Resources Canada. R-2000 is a step below passive house and Net Zero building. Relationship to CHBA BC: CHBA BC has been delivering R-2000 since the 1980’s. Programs such as passive house have been created based on technology originating from R-2000. Process: Builders will work with a R-2000 certified advisor in the process of building a R-2000 home, completing a checklist of required items and register the home with CHBA BC. Training & Membership: Builders must complete CHBA BC’s Building Science for New Homes course and complete their first home as a training house to receive R2000 certification. Training must be updated every two years. There is no membership fee to participate in R-2000 Costs: Enrolment Fee is $200 per home ($150 for CHBA BC Members) plus the cost of CEA modeling