Building Code

code changes

Major changes for B.C. Building Code 2024

Accessibility, mass timber, liveability and safety are the focus of major changes coming to the BC Building Code.
windows

A net zero future for windows

What will new codes and a net zero future mean for glazing and window products? Two speakers share insights at the 2022 FGIA conference.
proposed code changes

Sights and sounds of proposed code changes

A package of proposed changes to Canada's National Building Code aims to improve navigability and safety in large buildings for people with mobility, vision and/or hearing constraints.
outdoor air

IAQ standards dissect freshness of outdoor air

Guidance related to natural ventilation, particulate filtration and compartmentalization of multi-residential HVAC systems are prominent in the list of identified "significant changes" compared to the incumbent 2016 version of the standards.
net positive

Plans for first net positive energy office building

An office building in Markham, Ontario's technology hub plans to be the first net positive energy office building in Canada.
emissions

B.C. steps towards net zero

Net zero has long been used to describe the highest performing buildings – an objective in the building industry to reduce its environmental footprint.
carbon neutral

Evergreen targets carbon neutrality with retrofit

Evergreen is targeting carbon neutrality in the retrofit of its heritage-designated kiln building at Toronto’s Brick Works site.
housing affordability

CHBA pres to talk housing affordability with feds

Bob Finnigan, president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, heads to Ottawa this week to talk to the feds about housing affordability.
Waterdown Library and Civic Centre

Library facility reads like ‘fragment’ of its landscape

The new Waterdown Library and Civic Centre is designed to read like a ‘fragment’ of the Niagara Escarpment over which it cantilevers.

Proposed energy code changes target glass boxes

New criteria for calculating thermal bridging and a mandate for heat/energy recovery systems in a wide range of conditions could have the most significant impact on the design and construction of new buildings.
Energy efficiency Alberta

Energy efficiency in Alberta

Alberta has adopted the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011 edition into its newest building code. The coming into force date for the new

ASHRAE 90.1 adds multi-res lighting proviso

Developers of multi-residential buildings can expect more pointed direction on their lighting choices as North American jurisdictions update their building regulations.
Queen's Park

Interim report released in Tarion review

An interim report in Tarion review flags calls for a dedicated section for and further rules unique to condominiums in the new home warranties legislation.
Student ServiceHub

Student ServiceHub earns ARIDO award

Ryerson University's new Student ServiceHub has just earned an Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) award of excellence.
glass balcony guards

A guide to glass balcony guards and breakage

In the past few years, there have been many cases of glass balcony guards breaking. An expert explains why this happens and how to mitigate the risk.
University of Ottawa

Consultation dates released for Tarion review

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services this week released consultation dates and locations for the Tarion review, following a stretch of silence that, for some, raised questions about the terms of engagement.

Thompson Rivers University building gets boost

In its original concrete construction, completed in 1970, Thompson Rivers University’s Old Main Building reflected the design philosophy of its era. As Michael Leckman, a