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Energy Code Requirement

Res #: 9-24M
Number: 9
Year: 2024
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

WHEREAS the Government of Saskatchewan has implemented additional requirements regarding energy design for new construction within the province above and beyond the based requirements of the National Building Code and National Energy Code of Canada.

WHEREAS Saskatchewan is one of the only provinces in the country that requires additional tier requirements for energy standards, which moves from Tier 2 to Tier 3 in 2025.

WHEREAS the addition of higher tiers of energy standards creates additional red tape, additional costs to builders and roadblocks in the timeline of construction approval.

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the provincial government to remove additional red tape and costs to construction by reverting back to the base Tier 1 requirements for energy standards and come in-line with neighbouring provinces.

Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

December 17, 2024

  • In 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan consulted with stakeholders prior to implementing energy efficiency tiers under the National Building Code. No stakeholder expressed opposition to the adoption of Tier 2 on January 1, 2024, or Tier 3 on January 1, 2025, although several requested specialized training on using and enforcing these standards.
    • Energy efficiency standards for larger non-residential buildings are currently set at Tier 1, with no plans to increase the requirements for these structures at this time.
  • After listening to concerns from stakeholders, the Government of Saskatchewan is moving to delay adoption of Tier 3 by one year, to January 1, 2026. This will allow industry, building officials and local authorities additional time to be informed of the technical requirements and to prepare for this change.
  • On September 27, 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan communicated directly with stakeholders, including SUMA, SARM, and the Saskatchewan Building Official Association, stating that the move to Tier 3 would be delayed by one year to give stakeholders more time to prepare. Staff within the Building and Technical Standards branch of the Ministry of Government Relations are continuing to work with stakeholders to discuss how energy efficiency standards should be applied to all new building construction.
  • Any stakeholder with questions or concerns about energy efficiency standards should contact Building and Technical Standards at btstandards@gov.sk.ca or 306-787-4113.

Hon. Eric Schmalz – Minister of Government Relations, Government of Saskatchewan