Alberta's New Building Codes and the designs so far proposed to meet them.

[Xelebes]

So Alberta has new building codes. And this has caused projects to have significant changes from those that came prior to these code changes. Let's talk. and share.

The new building codes: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta....odes_standards

[Calgarian]

Good thread and a worthy discussion!

[s211]

From here on the coast, we're already exhausted with social engineering in the guise of "building code" changes. Now the utopians have invaded the construction industry.

[O-tacular]

Originally Posted by s211

From here on the coast, we're already exhausted with social engineering in the guise of "building code" changes. Now the utopians have invaded the construction industry.

I'm guessing it's for energy efficiency purposes. Not really sure what's so wrong about that?

[WhipperSnapper]

Yeah, don't worry. This is being spearheaded by Ontario so the reasonings are practical in origin.

[s211]

Originally Posted by O-tacular

I'm guessing it's for energy efficiency purposes. Not really sure what's so wrong about that?

In the Sierra Club-financed politics of Vancouver, the latest code is being set up to halt the use of natural gas by a certain time frame, going forward to be limited to bio-gas only.

The BC hate-on for natural resources burns on unabated, so to speak.

[Calgarian]

This is to make our buildings more efficient, can't curtail emissions if our buildings leak a ton of heat and have to burn more energy.

[craner]

Just curious - was bringing in this energy code a brainchild of the Alberta NDs or were the wheels already in motion under the PCs ?

[Blue_Cypress]

Originally Posted by craner

Just curious - was bringing in this energy code a brainchild of the Alberta NDs or were the wheels already in motion under the PCs ?

Not curious enough to click on the link though, or you would have been able to answer this question yourself. This change has been in the works for a decade or more.

[Calgarian]

The energy code is a national code, Alberta chose to adopt compliance as part of the 2014 Alberta Building Code, enforcement only came into effect Nov 1 as there was a grace period that was extended due to major concerns from the development industry.

[MichaelS]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

The energy code is a national code, Alberta chose to adopt compliance as part of the 2014 Alberta Building Code, enforcement only came into effect Nov 1 as there was a grace period that was extended due to major concerns from the development industry.

So of all the building permits applied for on or before October 31, how many do you think will follow through with construction? How long is a BP valid for again?

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by MichaelS

So of all the building permits applied for on or before October 31, how many do you think will follow through with construction? How long is a BP valid for again?

I think most will, going through all the work and paying the BP fee (usually 5 figures minimum) generally indicates they are serious. There will always be projects that never go ahead though. From the time a BP is reviewed and comments are sent out, the applicant has 3 months to respond, however as long as there is action on the BP file, it can be dragged out almost indefinitely (and many in this case will). Once the permit is issued, the city of Calgary gives you 6 months to commence construction. Not sure about the rest of the province.

[MichaelS]

Thanks for the info. It looks like there are a few major projects in the City that seem to be in the "dragging it out" stage.

[ClaytonA]

Mosaic Centre - Edmonton

http://themosaiccentre.ca/resources/

https://web.archive.org/web/20161113...ticle24139667/

[ClaytonA]

Some interesting tools;

https://windows.lbl.gov/software/therm/therm.html

https://myheat.ca/

https://maps.calgary.ca/SolarPotential/

[ClaytonA]

Station Pointe Green in Belgravia, Edmonton proposal.
Projected 3.5% cost premium for passive house design for affordable housing co-op.

http://www.chandos.com/commentary/wp...April-2013.pdf