Defined Terms related to Operational Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Description:
This proposed change adds two defined terms to the NBC and NECB by relocating the definitions for the terms “annual operational GHG emissions” and “operational GHG emissions target” from Div. B to Div. A.
Problem
The 2025 editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) introduced the new terms “annual operational GHG emissions” and “operational GHG emissions target” as part of the Division B requirements. These terms were not included in Division A of the NBC and NECB within the list of defined terms, but are proposed to be added to this list to avoid confusion for Code users.
Justification
All occurrences of the terms “annual operational GHG emissions” and “operational GHG emissions target” in the NBC and NECB have the same respective meanings as currently set out in Division B. Including these terms as defined terms in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A would improve consolidation and ease of reference, with no anticipated issues. Including these terms in the list of defined terms in Division A would
• standardize terminology,
• reduce confusion,
• enhance clarity,
• ensure consistency,
• facilitate interpretation, and
• facilitate Code compliance.
PROPOSED CHANGE
NECB25 Div.A 1.4.1.2.(1) (first printing)
[1.4.1.2.] 1.4.1.2.Defined Terms
[1] 1)The words and terms in italics in this Code shall have the following meanings:
Annual operational GHG emissionsmeans the annual sum of GHG emissions produced on the building site in meeting the annual energy demand loads or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the annual energy demand loads.
Operational GHG emissions targetmeans the annual operational GHG emissions of a hypothetical replica of the proposed building, produced on the building site in meeting the building energy target or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the building energy target.
NECB25 Div.B 11.1.1.3. (first printing)
[11.1.1.3.] 11.1.1.3.Definitions
[1] 1)Words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A.
[2] 2)For the purpose of this Part, the term “annual operational GHG emissions” shall mean the annual sum of GHG emissions produced on the building site in meeting the annual energy demand loads or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the annual energy demand loads.
[3] 3)For the purpose of this Part, the term “operational GHG emissions target” shall mean the annual operational GHG emissions of a hypothetical replica of the proposed building, produced on the building site in meeting the building energy target or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the building energy target.
NBC25 Div.A 1.4.1.2.(1) (first printing)
[1.4.1.2.] 1.4.1.2.Defined Terms
[1] 1)The words and terms in italics in this Code shall have the following meanings:
Annual operational GHG emissionsmeans the annual sum of GHG emissions produced on the building site in meeting the annual energy demand loads or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the annual energy demand loads.
Operational GHG emissions targetmeans the annual operational GHG emissions of a hypothetical replica of the proposed building, produced on the building site in meeting the building energy target or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the building energy target.
NBC25 Div.B 9.36.15.3. (first printing)
[9.36.15.3.] 9.36.15.3.Definitions
[1] 1)Words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A.For the purpose of this Subsection, the term “annual operational GHG emissions” shall mean the annual sum of GHG emissions produced on the building site in meeting the annual energy demand loads or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the annual energy demand loads.
[2] 2)For the purpose of this Subsection, the term “operational GHG emissions target” shall mean the annual operational GHG emissions of a hypothetical replica of the proposed building, produced on the building site in meeting the house energy target or produced off-site in generating the energy sources used to meet the house energy target.
Impact analysis
This proposed change is not expected to result in any additional costs for Code users. This proposed change is expected to clarify the intended meaning and broader application of these terms to improve consistent interpretation of certain NBC and NECB requirements and eliminate potential ambiguity.
Enforcement implications
This proposed change could be enforced by the infrastructure currently available to enforce the Code.
Who is affected
Designers, engineers, architects, builders, building officials, and consultants.
OBJECTIVE-BASED ANALYSIS OF NEW OR CHANGED PROVISIONS
