Proposed Change 1651

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1651
Page: Last modified: 2024-05-17
Code Reference(s):
NECB20 Div.B 4.1.1.2.(2) (first printing)
NECB20 Div.B 5.1.1.2.(2) (first printing)
Subject:
Defined Terms
Title:
Use of the Defined Term "Occupancy" in the NECB
Description:
This proposed change removes the defined term "occupancy" from provisions where its use could cause confusion.
Related Code Change Request(s):
CCR 1390, CCR 1668, CCR 1708
Related Proposed Change(s):
PCF 1721
This change could potentially affect the following topic areas:

Problem

The use of the defined term "occupancy" in Sentences 4.1.1.2.(2) and 5.1.1.2.(2) of Division B of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) is causing confusion among Code users.

Although "occupancy" has the same definition in the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the NECB, it serves a different purpose in each Code. In the NBC, it is used to describe the level of risk of a building for occupants and adjacent properties and to describe the requirements for the construction and protection of the building.

However, in the NECB, "occupancy" is used in the context of describing energy use requirements. The NECB also uses building or space types to describe the intended use of a building or part of a building for the purposes of describing the energy use requirements.

Justification

To avoid confusion and misinterpretation, the defined term "occupancy" should be removed from the NECB provisions that aim to describe energy use requirements for buildings.

PROPOSED CHANGE

[4.1.1.2.] 4.1.1.2.Application

[1] 2)This Part does not apply to the following lighting systems:
[a] a)emergency lighting that is automatically off during normal hours of building operation,
[b] b)lighting within dwelling units, and
[c] c)lighting in buildings or parts of buildings and in certain exterior spaces associated with the building where it can be shown that the nature of the occupancy makes it is impractical to apply these requirements (see Note A-4.1.1.2.(2)(c)PROPOSED CHANGE A-4.1.1.2.(2)(c)).

[5.1.1.2.] 5.1.1.2.Application

[1] 2)A heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system or part thereof may be exempted from some or all of the requirements in this Part where it can be shown that the nature of the occupancy or the type of heating, ventilating or air-conditioning equipment used makes it is impractical to apply these requirements. (See Note A-5.1.1.2.(2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-5.1.1.2.(2).)

Impact analysis

This proposed change has no cost implications since the new term clarifies that the NECB requirements apply regardless of the type of occupancy.

Enforcement implications

This change can be enforced by the infrastructure currently available to enforce this Code.

Who is affected

Designers, engineers, builders, energy advisors and building officials.

OBJECTIVE-BASED ANALYSIS OF NEW OR CHANGED PROVISIONS

[4.1.1.2.] 4.1.1.2. ([1] 2) no attributions
[5.1.1.2.] 5.1.1.2. ([1] 2) no attributions
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