Energy requirements, forms, and checklists for all buildings

ZEBx

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  Canada’s only Centre of Excellence for zero emission buildings

  BC’s Centre of Excellence (ZEBx) is an industry serving and solutions-neutral non-profit, focused leading-edge design and construction to support a low-carbon future.

   

  It hosts a number of resources for industry, including:

  • Dialogues and seminars
  • Product demonstrations
  • Project tours
  • Code, standard, and policy information
  • Beyond code systems
  • Subject matter question and answer opportunities

  ZEBx is open to all and supports all sectors of the building industry throughout BC.

  View their fall calendar External web site, opens in new tab for a full list of upcoming programming, and sign up for their monthly newsletter External web site, opens in new tab

Vancouver Building By-law

The Vancouver Building By-law (CBO) serves as the central hub for accessing past and present VBBLs, along with supporting documentation for the permitting process, including Letters of Assurance.

• Access the Vancouver Building By-law (CBO) webpage
• Access the Vancouver Building By-law on the Province's print and digital publishing solutions platform (King's Printer) External website, opens in new tab

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Project types and requirements

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  Building types, sizes, and classifications

  Building By-law energy/emissions requirements are applied to buildings based on the building size and major occupancy classification. Additional energy/emissions requirements may be applied through the rezoning process, when applicable.

  Specifically, Article 10.2.1 of Part 10 within the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) differentiates new buildings by these criteria to establish the specific baseline energy/emissions requirements and options available for compliance. The range of compliance options includes Prescriptive, Performance, Trade-off, using EnerGuide, ASHRAE 90.1, NECB, Passive House, and/or ZEBP (Vancouver’s equivalent to the provincial Energy Step Code).

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  New construction, additions, reconstruction, and alterations projects

  Design all new construction, additions, and reconstruction to the Vancouver Building By-law’s energy/emissions requirements of Part 10 (Subsection 10.2.1). Design all alterations projects to the energy/emissions requirements of Part 11 (Section 11.7). In all cases, submit a complete energy checklist with the building permit application.

  Starting January 1, 2023, all additions, reconstruction, and alterations projects will no longer be subject to the energy upgrade mechanism requirements within Section 11.2 of the Vancouver Building By-law's Part 11.

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  Modelled buildings and projects (design enhancement and performance path)

  The following links are provided to support an expanding energy modelling industry dedicated to providing improved levels of services to the building design industry.

  The City of Vancouver encourages the use of building energy performance modelling as a design enhancement tool for new construction and alterations projects, in addition to its use as a compliance tool. For these reasons, we promote the awareness of a new professional practice guideline for members of AIBC and EGBC involved in projects incorporating whole building energy modelling.

  • When applicable, download and implement our energy modelling guidelines PDF file (318 KB)

  Access the Professional Practice Guideline for Whole Building Energy Modelling Projects from the:

  • AIBC website External website, opens in new tab
  • EGBC website External website, opens in new tab
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  Energy statements on drawings

  All new construction project drawing sets must include the energy criteria used in the project design.

  Energy statements must follow the methodology outlined in the appropriate building energy design tool – see the section “Tools and reference materials” below.

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  Additional energy requirements

  Part 10 includes additional energy requirements outside the scope of the energy standards, such as:

  • Vancouver buildings must be metered so as to determine their individual energy performance.

  These requirements are effective January 1, 2015.

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  Certified Professionals (CP) projects

  • Access the Certified Professional Program webpage

  Official application date: The official building permit application date of a CP application is the accepted application date for Stage 1 only.

  Energy checklist submission: You are required to submit the building design's energy checklist on a staged project at the full construction application stage only.

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  Neighbourhood Energy projects

  Projects within neighbourhood energy areas (formerly district energy)

  Is your project within a neighbourhood energy area? If yes, design your project according to the area's guidelines.

  • Neighbourhood Energy Utility Connectivity Guidelines and Requirements PDF file (821 KB)

  If your project is tying into a neighbourhood energy system, either as a City requirement or voluntarily, see the section "City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Energy Interpretation Guide for Rezonings" below.

  If your project is pursuing LEED certification, whether as a City requirement or voluntarily, see the section "LEED Projects" below.

  City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Energy Interpretation Guide for Rezonings

  For projects subject to either the General Policy for Higher Building or the Green Buildings Policy for Rezonings, and required to tie into the South East False Creek or North East False Creek neighbourhood energy systems, use this guide to help you meet the requirements:

  • City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Energy Interpretation Guide for Rezonings PDF file (60 KB)
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  Passive House (PH) projects

  Building designs using the Passive House (PH) standard are accepted by the City of Vancouver.

  The PH standard is deemed compliant with Article 10.2.2.5 requirements within the VBBL, and, on a project by project basis, may be deemed compliant with Article 10.2.1.2. requirements.

  For information on our requirements and processes for projects pursuing Passive House certification, refer to the Passive House webpage.

Zero Emissions Building Plan (ZEBP)

Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan includes the following Planning policies and Rezoning conditions as well as specific Building By-law energy requirements (Part 10 - 10.2.2.5) aligned with BC’s Energy Step Code.

Planning policies and rezoning 

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  General policy for higher buildings

  Use the latest policy version to access all previous versions through links within the title page. Each version indicates its applicability based on application dates.

  • Higher Buildings Policy (all versions) PDF file (535 KB)
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  Rezoning projects: rezoning conditions

  Rezoning projects must meet the project-specific rezoning conditions listed in the “Prior To” letter approved by the Development Permit Board or the director of Planning.

  The applicable rezoning conditions for a project are determined by the date that the project's rezoning application is accepted.

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  Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning projects

  All versions of Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning (GBPR)

  Use the latest version to access all previous versions via links within the title page. Each version indicates its applicability based on rezoning application dates.

  • GBPR (2010 to present) PDF file  (188 KB)

  Supporting documents applicable to specific versions of GBPR 2018 and 2017 GBPR projects

  Energy models must be in accordance with the modelling guidelines, while energy model submissions must include a completed ZEBP energy checklist.

  • Process and Requirements bulletin (2010 to present) GBPR PDF file  (319 KB)
  • City of Vancouver's Modelling Guidelines  PDF file  (550 KB)

  GBPR projects pursuing the Low-Carbon Energy Systems path

  Refer to the following policy:

  • Low-Carbon Energy Systems Policy (effective Nov. 15, 2017)  PDF file  (787 KB)

VBBL Part 10: Requirements and classifications

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  Past, present, and future versions of VBBL's Part 10

  The City of Vancouver has been developing its short- and long-term energy requirements. As a result, Vancouver City Council has approved energy amendments to Part 10 of Vancouver’s Building By-law effective the following dates:

  2025

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective September 15, 2025) PDF file (438 KB)
  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective March 1, 2025) PDF file (480 KB)

  2023

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2023) PDF file (480 KB)

  Information icon Introduces a new section, 10.4 Low Carbon Materials and Construction with a soft rollout date of July 1, 2023, and a full effective date requiring submission of compliant design and supporting documentation for October 1st, 2023, per Bulletin 2023-001-AD.

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2023) PDF file (464 KB)

  2022

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2022) PDF file (450 KB)
  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2022) PDF file (450 KB)
    • View the energy requirements flowchart (effective January 1, 2022) for NC PDF file (256 KB)

  2021

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective June 1, 2021) PDF file (424 KB)
  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2021) PDF file (441 KB)
    • View the energy requirements flowchart (effective Jan 1, 2021) for NC PDF file (184 KB)

  2020

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2020) PDF file (444 KB)

  2019

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective November 1, 2019) PDF file (320 KB)
  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective June 3, 2019) PDF file (320 KB)
    • View the energy requirements flowchart (effective June 3, 2019) for NC PDF file (210 KB)

  2018

  • Part 10 (unofficial wording, effective May 15, 2018) PDF file (130 KB)

   These are drafts of Part 10 and are meant to clarify energy requirements while not necessarily incorporating the exact final wording.

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  10.2.1.5: Residential (Group C) buildings of 1 to 3 storeys

  Effective March 1, 2018, the City of Vancouver implemented the 2017 Building By-law amendments pertaining to Residential (Group C) buildings by requiring designs for new construction to meet or exceed specific prescriptive and performance requirements PDF file (208 KB) that affect building energy performance.

  The 2017 Building By-law amendments are meant to harmonize the requirements across three categories of residential buildings, specifically:

  • 1 and 2 Family Dwelling
  • Group C (1 to 3 storeys)

  These requirements are for fully residential use only and do not apply to mixed-use buildings.

  • Learn more through the Residential (Group C) buildings (1 to 3 storeys) webpage

VBBL Part 10: Energy standards and conditions

Part 10 consists of 3 main energy compliance paths for larger buildings and 2 main paths for low-rise residential buildings. In all cases, Passive House is deemed equivalent and an acceptable compliance path. Building archetype descriptions within 10.2.1. shall be used to determine applicability of 1 or more of the following compliance paths:

• ASHRAE (10.2.2.2)
• NECB (10.2.2.3.)
• ZEBP (10.2.2.5)

The ZEBP path aligns with BC's Energy Step Code and uses the City of Vancouver Energy Modelling Guidelines while following NECB's Part 8 instructions for the proposed building's performance model.

All supporting documents for these paths can be accessed from the Tools and Reference Materials section at the bottom of this webpage.

Effective September 15, 2025, the Vancouver Building By-law requires the use of the energy standard ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or the energy code, National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020, in place of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or NECB 2015. These standards and codes have been implemented with conditions, but without additional addenda or errata.

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  ASHRAE 90.1-2019 (effective September 15, 2025)

  Building permit applications using ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 must also comply with the following conditions:

  • Applicability: May be used on any building subject to 10.2.1.2. requirements, excluding: 
    • Multi-family buildings of 3 storeys or less (regardless of size)
    • Temporary buildings
  • Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
  • Projects over 3,000 gross square feet must have vestibules at all doors used as building entrances (For exact requirements and exceptions, refer to 2025 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, Article 10.2.2.8)
  • BE Trade-Off Method (COMcheck users): Vancouver projects are to choose the "Vancouver" location option.
  • Exclude 5.4.3.1.1. Whole Building Air Leakage testing from Section 5 Building Envelope
  • Exclude 5.5.4.5 Fenestration Orientation from Section 5 Building Envelope
  • Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, Clause 6.2.2.1.(3)(b) of the Building By-law 
  • Exclude 7.4.4. SWH System Controls from Section 7 Service Water Heating
  • Exclude 8.4.2 Automatic Receptacle Control from Section 8 Power
  • Lighting trade-offs among spaces and subspaces are not permitted with the application of the Space by Space Method
  • Exempt assemblies: Modellers are to follow requirements of Exception 1 within 11.5.1. Item 5., or G3.1. Item 5.a., using 2% in place of the 5% indicated
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  ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (effective June 3, 2019 to September 14, 2025)

  Building permit applications using ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 must also comply with the following conditions:

  • Applicability: May be used on any building subject to 10.2.1.2. requirements, excluding: 
    • Multi-family buildings of 3 storeys or less (regardless of size)
    • Temporary buildings
  • Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
  • Projects over 3,000 gross square feet must have vestibules at all doors used as building entrances (For exact requirements and exceptions, refer to 2025 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, Article 10.2.2.8)
  • BE Trade-Off Method (COMcheck users): Starting February 2014, COMcheck software offers a dozen BC weather station locations. Vancouver projects are to choose the "Vancouver" location option.
  • Exclude 5.5.4.5 Fenestration Orientation from Section 5 Building Envelope
  • Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, Clause 6.2.2.1.(3)(b) of the Building By-law
  • Exclude 8.4.2 Automatic Receptacle Control from Section 8 Power
  • Exempt assemblies: Modellers are to follow requirements of Exception 1 within 11.5.1. Item 5., or G3.1. Item 5.a., using 2% in place of the 5% indicated
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  NECB 2020 (effective September 15, 2025)

  Building permit applications using the NECB 2020 must also comply with the following conditions:

  • Applicability: Part 3 buildings, new construction only
  • Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
  • Vestibule requirements and exceptions shall comply with 2025 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, Article 10.2.2.8.
  • For projects with glazing and skylight ratios below Prescriptive maximums (40% and 5%, respectively), window-wall and skylight-roof ratios of the reference building shall be identical to the ratios of the proposed building
  • Vertical glazing Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Assembly Maximum = 0.36
  • Skylight SHGC which does not exceed an assembly maximum of 0.40, where the ratio of the aggregate skylight area to roof area is less than or equal to 3.0%
  • Lighting trade-offs among spaces and subspaces are not permitted with the application of the Space by Space Method
  • Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, Clause 6.2.2.1.(3)(b) of the Building By-law

  Information icon By-law language supporting alterations of buildings designed to any version of NECB can be accessed from the VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings) section below.

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  NECB 2015 (effective June 3, 2019 to September 14, 2025)

  Building permit applications using the NECB 2015 must also comply with the following conditions:

  • Applicability: Part 3 buildings, new construction only
  • Vancouver is to be considered within climate zone 4
  • Vestibule requirements and exceptions, shall comply with 2019 Vancouver Building By-law Div B, Article 10.2.2.8.
  • For projects with glazing and skylight ratios below Prescriptive maximums (40% and 5%, respectively), window-wall and skylight-roof ratios of the reference building shall be identical to the ratios of the proposed building
  • Vertical glazing Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Assembly Maximum = 0.36
  • Skylight SHGC which does not exceed an assembly maximum of 0.40, where the ratio of the aggregate skylight area to roof area is less than or equal to 3.0%
  • Ventilation must comply with ASHRAE 62-2001 (except addendum n), or if applicable, Clause 6.2.2.1.(3)(b) of the Building By-law

  Information icon By-law language supporting alterations of buildings designed to NECB 2011 can be accessed from the “VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings)" section below.

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  10.2.2.5. – ZEBP Path

  Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Building Plan includes information and tools for:

  • Planning policies
  • Rezoning conditions
  • Embodied Carbon
  • ZEBP (Energy Step Code) 
    • Energy Modelling Guidelines (within the "Supporting policies and guidelines" section)

VBBL Part 11 (Existing Buildings)

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  Past, present, and future versions of VBBL’s Part 11

  The City of Vancouver has been developing its short- and long-term energy requirements. As a result, City Council has approved energy amendments to Part 11 of Vancouver’s Building By-law effective the following dates:

  2025 VBBL (effective September 15, 2025)

  Subsection 11.3.2. Alterations (formerly Subsection 11.7.1.)

  2025

  • Subsection 11.3.2. Alterations (unofficial wording, effective September 15, 2025) PDF file (140 KB)

  Section 11.5. Upgrade Mechanism (formerly Section 11.2.)

  2025

  • Section 11.5. Upgrade Mechanism (unofficial wording, effective September 15, 2025) PDF file (619 KB)

  Notes to Part 11

  2025 

  • Notes to Part 11 (unofficial wording, effective September 15, 2025) PDF file (559 KB)

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  2019 VBBL (ends September 14, 2025) and 2014 VBBL 

  Section 11.2. Upgrade Mechanism

  2025 (ending September 14, 2025)

  • Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective February 28, 2025) PDF file (296 KB) 

  2024

  • Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective July 23, 2024) PDF file (296 KB)

  2023

  • Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2023) PDF file (333 KB)

  2019

  • Section 11.2 (unofficial wording, effective November 1, 2019) PDF file (320 KB)

  Section 11.7. Alterations
  
  2022

  • Section 11.7 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2022) PDF file (88 KB)

  2021

  • Section 11.7 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2021) PDF file (89 KB)

  2019 

  • Section 11.7 (unofficial wording, effective November 1, 2019) PDF file  (320 KB)

  Notes to Part 11

  2023

  • Notes to Part 11 (unofficial wording, effective January 1, 2023) PDF file (799 KB)
    • Includes removal of Energy Upgrade Trigger Mechanism

  2022

  • Notes to Part 11 (unofficial wording, effective July 1, 2022) PDF file (476 KB)

    These are drafts of sections within Part 11 and are meant to clarify energy requirements while not necessarily incorporating the exact final wording of these future versions.

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  Archive drawings available as PDF

  Effective March 24, 2014, the City of Vancouver is offering to applicants the option to receive copies of archive drawings of existing buildings in PDF format.

  Learn how to request copies of building plans

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  Tenant improvements (TI)

  Tenant improvements are required to comply with the energy requirements of either Part 10 or Part 11's Section 11.7 which is based on Part 10, and when applicable, the Energy Upgrade Mechanism of Part 11 (below), of Vancouver's Building By-law.

  Learn about the requirements and processes, and get links to important information and required documentation:

  • Energy requirements (June 2019) for tenant improvements PDF file (110 KB)
  • Energy requirements (2015 - May 2019) for tenant improvements PDF file (55 KB)
  • Access the field review webpage
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  First TI (new construction TI)

  Tenant improvements (TI) within a space not previously occupied are considered an extension of the original new construction and are to be treated as new construction but under the present code requirements.

  The scope of work must comply with the relevant sections within the applicable ASHRAE 90.1 or NECB standard.

  First TI projects must complete and submit the applicable checklist with their building permit applications.

  Access the First TI energy checklists from the "Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials" section below.

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  Part 11 TI  (alteration to previously occupied space(s))

  Tenant improvements (TI) within a space previously occupied are considered alterations to existing buildings and therefore classified as Part 11 TIs.

  Until January 1, 2023, the scope of work for a Part 11 TI must comply with Section 11.2 (Energy Upgrade Mechanism) and either the “Alterations” portion within each relevant section of the applicable ASHRAE 90.1 standard or, if applicable, the NECB TI requirements section below. However, it may be easier to incorporate the more concise approach that also includes relaxations and allowances for smaller projects by complying with Sections 11.7 (Alterations for Building Energy and Emissions Performance) and 11.2 (Energy Upgrade Mechanism) of the 2019 VBBL. See the “Present and Future Versions of Part 11 Sections (draft)” section above for PDFs of 11.2 and 11.7.

  Part 11 TI projects must complete and submit the applicable checklist(s) with their building permit applications.

  Access the Alterations to Existing Buildings energy checklists from the “Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials” section below.

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  Residential Suites TI

  Until January 1, 2023, alterations within residential suites, excluding work on the building’s envelope, are subject to the Energy Upgrade Mechanism requirements of Part 11 and must complete and submit the applicable checklist(s) with their building permit applications.

  Alterations to common areas of the base building such as lobbies, corridors and building envelope, are to use the First TI or Part 11 TI path above.

  Access the Alterations to Residential Suites energy checklist from the “Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials” section below.

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  NECB TI (language supporting alterations to NECB buildings)

  Tenant improvement projects within buildings designed to NECB 2011 are to comply with the language provided within the following document. Until January 1, 2023, these projects are also subject to the energy upgrade mechanism requirements of Part 11.

  • TI language supporting alterations to NECB 2020 buildings (effective September 15, 2025) PDF file (196 KB)
  • TI language supporting alterations to NECB 2015 buildings (effective July 1, 2020) PDF file (303 KB)
  • TI language supporting alterations to NECB 2015 buildings (effective November 1, 2019) PDF file (254 KB)
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  Energy Upgrade Mechanism

  The existing building energy upgrade mechanism process was implemented effective January 1, 2015, and ended December 31, 2022.

  The requirements apply to all building permit applications of the following categories:

  • Rehabilitation/TIs (repairs, small suite, minor, and major renovations, reconstruction)
  • Additions (vertical and horizontal)
  • Change of major occupancy classifications
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  Envelope retrofit

  Any tenant improvements undergoing a building envelope retrofit or upgrade, where the energy performance of the resulting envelope is not obviously an improvement over the original envelope performance, will use the Building Envelope Energy Performance Comparison Calculator to confirm the building’s overall envelope performance has not worsened.

  Access the calculator from the "Energy, tools, and reference materials" below.

Energy checklists, tools, and reference materials

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  Energy checklists

  Training videos and Supporting Documents webpages

  Our training videos help applicants, designers, and installers understand and complete the energy documentation and process. As we expand our videos, review the videos in the category Energy Checklist for Alterations to Existing Buildings to assist with the checklist in other categories.

  • Access the energy checklist training videos webpage

  ASHRAE 90.1-2019 (effective September 15, 2025)

  For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists: 

  • Energy checklist for 90.1-2019 for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction Excel file (556 KB)
  • Energy Checklist for 90.1-2019 for First TIs Excel file (1.7 MB)

  For alterations projects, use the following tools and checklists:

  • Energy requirements (Sept 2025) for tenant improvements PDF file (141 KB)
  • Energy Checklist for 90.1-2019 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (1.7 MB)

  Supporting ASHRAE 2019 documents:

  • Access 90.1-2019 supporting docs (Building Envelope, HVAC, SWH, Lighting)

  ​ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (effective June 3, 2019 to September 14, 2025)

  For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists: 

  • Energy checklist for 90.1-2016 for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction Excel file (552 KB)
  • Energy Checklist for 90.1-2016 for First TIs Excel file (2.34 MB)

  For alterations projects, use the following tools and checklists:

  • Energy requirements (June2019) for tenant improvements PDF file (113 KB)
  • Energy Checklist for 90.1-2016 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (1.6 MB)

  Supporting ASHRAE 2016 documents:

  • Access 90.1-2016 supporting documents (Building Envelope, HVAC, SWH, Lighting)

  NECB 2020 (effective September 15, 2025)

  Use the following energy checklists for NECB 2020 projects. For Prescriptive Path projects, use the abridged version, otherwise use the full version:

  • Energy Checklist (abridged) for NECB 2020 for NC, Additions, and Recon Excel file (124 KB)
  • Energy Checklist (full) for NECB 2020 for NC, Additions, and Recon Excel file (284 KB)
  • Energy Checklist for NECB 2020 for First TIs Excel file (760 KB)

  For alterations to NECB and ZEBP (including Passive House) buildings, use the following checklist and sample:

  • Energy Checklist for NECB 2020 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (888 KB)
  • Sample of Energy Checklist for NECB 2020 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (847 KB)

  NECB 2015 (effective June 3, 2019 to September 14, 2025)

  Use the following energy checklists for NECB 2015 projects. For Prescriptive Path projects, use the abridged version, otherwise use the full version:

  • Energy Checklist (abridged) for NECB 2015 for NC, Additions, and Recon Excel file (283 KB)
  • Energy Checklist (full) for NECB 2015 for NC, Additions, and Recon Excel file (125 KB)
  • Energy Checklist for NECB 2015 for First TIs Excel file (708 KB)

  For alterations to NECB and ZEBP buildings, use the following checklist and sample:

  • Energy Checklist for NECB 2015 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (847 KB)
  • Sample of Energy Checklist for NECB 2015 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (853 KB)

  ZEBP (10.2.2.5.) including Passive House

  For new construction projects, use the following tools and checklists:

  ZEBP:

  • Energy Checklist for ZEBP for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction Excel file (1.14 MB)
  • City Energy Modelling Guidelines (within the “Supporting policies and guidelines” section of the Zero Emissions Buildings webpage)

  Effective September 15, 2025:

  • Energy Checklist for ZEBP (NECB 2020) for First TIs Excel file (760 KB)

  Effective July 1, 2020 to September 14, 2025:

  • Energy Checklist for ZEBP (NECB 2015) for First TIs Excel file (712 KB)

  Passive House:

  • Energy Checklist for Passive House for NC, Additions, and Reconstruction Excel file (632 KB)

  For alterations to NECB and ZEBP (including Passive House) buildings, use the following checklist and sample:

  Effective September 15, 2025:

  • Energy Checklist for NECB 2020 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (888 KB)

  Effective July 1, 2020 to September 14, 2025:

  • Energy Checklist for NECB 2015 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (816 KB)
  • Sample of Energy Checklist for NECB 2015 for Alterations to Existing Buildings Excel file (853 KB)
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  Energy statements on drawings

  The energy statements are to follow the methodology outlined in the appropriate building energy design statement tool below.

  • Building energy design statements for ASHRAE projects Excel file (150 KB)
  • Building energy design statements for NECB and ZEBP projects Excel file (155 KB)
  • Building energy design statements for low-rise residential projects (1-3 storeys) Excel file (120 KB)
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  Envelope upgrade - energy performance comparison calculator

  For buildings undergoing an envelope upgrade, we require you to either maintain or improve your building's envelope performance. If you are unsure, use this calculator to confirm compliance:

  • Building envelope energy performance comparison calculator Excel file (88 KB)