Learn about the significant changes in the 2020 National Model Codes
Nearly 400 technical changes were introduced in the 2020 editions of Canada’s National Model Codes. To help code users understand new code provisions and their impacts, the CBHCC has developed educational seminars on the most significant technical changes included in the National Building Code, National Fire Code, National Plumbing Code, and National Energy Code for Buildings. These educational videos are a great way to learn about code changes for anyone working with Codes.
Seminars on the 2020 National Model Codes
| Title | Description | Series |
|---|---|---|
Important Changes to the NBC 2020: Accessibility |
This presentation focuses on important changes relating to accessibility in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include: new minimum dimensions for accessible features and floor spaces; the requirement for universal washroom facilities in all new buildings; requirements for accessible drinking fountains and water-bottle filling stations; the addition of tactile signage requirements for persons with vision loss; the addition of requirements for building controls that provide both audible and visible feedback; new requirements for accessible building entrances and access to other floors; and the expansion of locations where visible fire alarm signals are required. |
2020 |
Important Changes to Part 4 of the NBC 2020: Earthquake Design |
This presentation focuses on important changes to Subsection 4.1.8., Earthquake Load and Effects, in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include: updated seismic hazard values; the integration of soil amplification effects (site effects) within hazard values; a new web-based tool for obtaining seismic hazard values; the use of Seismic Categories in place of triggers; changes to the definition of vertical stiffness irregularity (VSI); new requirements for sloped column designs; new restrictions for High Importance Category buildings; the addition of new types of seismic force resisting systems (SFRSs) as acceptable solutions; changes in terminology used for connections; the addition of explicit requirements for connections of cladding to buildings; the provision of a holeless method for resisting lateral earthquake loads on rooftop solar arrays; and additional performance requirements. | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NBC 2020 and NFC 2020: Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction |
This presentation focuses on the introduction of encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) as a permitted construction type in the 2020 editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC). NBC topics include: an introduction to EMTC; Group C and Group D occupancy restrictions; acceptable types of exterior cladding; as well as other enhancements. NFC topics include: construction and demolition sites in Section 5.6.; construction access; standpipe systems; and encapsulation. | 2020 |
Important Changes to Parts 5 and 6 of the NBC 2020 |
This presentation focuses on important changes in Parts 5 and 6 of the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Part 5 topics include: changes to provisions related to air leakage; the addition of new material standards; the removal of outdated and withdrawn standards; as well as updates to explanatory Notes. Part 6 topics include: changes to heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) requirements, with a particular focus on ventilation and Legionella. | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NBC 2020: Home-Type Care |
This presentation focuses on important changes expanding the application of prescriptive requirements for care occupancies to homes in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include means of egress; fire detection; and alarm systems. | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NBC 2020 and NFC 2020: Large Farm Buildings |
This presentation focuses on important changes introducing requirements for large farm buildings in the 2020 editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC). NBC topics include: the application of the technical provisions for large farm buildings as established in Division A of the NBC; fire protection and occupant safety requirements for farm buildings in Section 2.2.; structural design requirements for farm buildings in Section 2.3.; and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) requirements for farm buildings in Section 2.4. NBC and NFC topics include: new definitions and explanatory Notes related to agricultural occupancies; new agricultural major occupancy classifications. NFC topics include the introduction of specific requirements for farm buildings in Parts 2 and 4, such as: requirements for the inspection of mechanical and electrical equipment at regular intervals; requirements specific to the control of gases and vapours for farm buildings having under-floor liquid manure storage; and requirements for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids on farms. | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NECB 2020 |
This presentation focuses on important changes in the 2020 edition of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB). Topics include: an updated application statement; airtightness testing; thermal characteristics of fenestration, doors, and opaque building assemblies; interior and exterior lighting power; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) and service water heating (SWH) equipment performance; and introduction of new tiered energy performance compliance (including both prescriptive and performance paths). | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NPC 2020 and NFC 2020 |
This presentation focuses on important changes related to the 2020 editions of the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) and the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC). NPC topics include: those concerning piping, water supply and drainage systems, including changes related to: terminology such as nominal pipe size (NPS); PEX fittings and tubing; the use of copper tube for urinals; neutralization tanks; protection from backflow; potable and non-potable water systems; personal hygiene devices for water closets; water temperature control; valves and connectors; fibrocement pipes and fittings; and cellular core PVC pipe. NFC topics include those related to: water-miscible liquid mixtures; the application of the CSA B139 Series; and the consolidation of fire safety plan requirements. | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NBC 2020: Penetrations and Continuity of Fire Separations |
This presentation focuses on important changes related to penetrations and the continuity of fire separations in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include: an introduction to fire separations and penetrations; transitions between combustible and noncombustible piping; 50 Pa pressure differential; horizontal fire separations; outlet boxes; service equipment penetrations; and other changes in Part 9. | 2020 |
Important Changes to the NBC 2020: Safety Glazing |
This presentation focuses on important changes related to safety glazing in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include: the rationale for changing the term “safety glass” to “safety glazing”; and measures introduced to limit the probability that a person would come into contact with or experience a serious injury from wired glass. | 2020 |
Important Changes to Section 9.36. of the NBC 2020: Energy Efficiency |
This presentation focuses on important changes related to Section 9.36., Energy Efficiency, in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include: new requirements for airtightness measurement; the addition of thermal resistance values for 9.5 mm air cavities; the continuity of insulation; equipment performance requirements; the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS); and the introduction of tiered energy performance compliance (including both prescriptive and performance paths). | 2020 |
Important Changes to Part 4 of the NBC 2020: Structural Design |
This presentation focuses on important changes related to Part 4, Structural Design, in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Topics include the classification of buildings in Importance Categories; serviceability limit states; the design of rooftop parking; the design of floor slab systems; snow drifting; the design of roof-mounted solar panels; the design of parapets; the design of storage garages; and updated wind design data. | 2020 |