Energy Efficiency Requirements

Modern homes are expected to do more than look good — they need to perform efficiently in Alberta’s climate.

Section 9.36 of the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition sets the minimum energy efficiency requirements for houses and small buildings. These rules apply to new homes and many additions, and they directly impact how your home is designed and built.

At Elite Drafting, we design homes that meet these requirements from the start, helping you avoid delays, revisions, and unnecessary costs.

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What Energy Efficiency Means for Your Home

Energy efficiency affects several key parts of your design:

• Insulation in walls, attic, and foundation
• Window and door performance
• Air sealing and draft control
• Heating and ventilation systems
• Overall energy use of the home

When properly designed, your home will:

✔ Stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer
✔ Have fewer drafts and cold spots
✔ Use less energy to operate
✔ Provide better long-term value

How Homes Meet Section 9.36

There are different ways to comply with the energy efficiency requirements.

Prescriptive Path (Most Common)

This approach follows set minimum values for insulation, windows, and mechanical systems. It is the simplest and most widely used method.

Trade-Off Path

Allows flexibility by improving one part of the home (like windows) while slightly reducing another (like wall insulation), as long as overall performance is maintained.

Performance Path

Uses energy modeling to show that the home performs as well as or better than the code requirements.

We help determine the best and most cost-effective path for your project.

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Key Areas

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Building Envelope

We design wall, roof, and foundation assemblies that meet required insulation levels and reduce heat loss.

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Air Tightness

A continuous air barrier is critical. Without proper detailing, air leakage can significantly reduce energy efficiency. Our drawings clearly show how this is achieved.

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Windows & Doors

We ensure all window and door specifications meet required performance values and align with your design.

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Mechanical Systems

Efficient heating systems and proper ventilation, such as heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), are essential for comfort and compliance.

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Permit-Ready Energy Compliance

Energy efficiency must be clearly documented when applying for a building permit.

Our plans include:

• All required insulation values
• Window and door performance specifications
• Mechanical and ventilation system information
• Clear and consistent details that match your design

This helps prevent:

• Permit rejections or delays
• Costly design changes
• Miscommunication during construction

Why Proper Design Matters

Energy efficiency is not just a code requirement — it directly impacts how your home performs every day.

A properly designed home will:

• Be more comfortable year-round
• Reduce heating and operating costs
• Perform better in Alberta’s climate
• Meet current building standards without issues

Work With Confidence

At Elite Drafting, we focus on creating plans that are clear, compliant, and ready for approval.

We understand the requirements of Section 9.36 and apply them directly to your design, so your project moves forward smoothly.

Whether you’re building a new home or planning an addition, we can help you get it right from the start.

Contact us today to begin your project.

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