Changes to codes happen at both the national and provincial levels.  The majority of changes occur through the national code process, but some Alberta-specific changes are done through the provincial code process.  Both processes are different, but in each the CHBA-Alberta utilizes the available opportunities to provide input to proposed changes.

The 2012 Alberta Building Code & Fire Code

The 2012 Alberta Building and Fire Codes will be comprised of changes in the 2010 National Building and Fire Codes and Alberta specific proposals.  CHBA - Alberta will be reviewing changes in the national codes likely to be adopted into the Alberta Code with members and partners.  CHBA - Alberta will also be engaging the members to participate in reviewing and commenting on Alberta-specific changes. 

The National Energy Code for (large) Buildings

CHBA - Alberta is engaging members to comment on proposed content of this code and is working with CHBA National and our local government to examine specific issues that may adversely affect multi-family dwellings in the prairie region.

Changes to Part 9 for Energy Efficiency

CHBA - Alberta is engaging the members to examine the impact of proposals for changes in the National Building Code for 2012 for Energy Efficiency.  Of particular interest are the proposals for a benchmark level of energy efficiency corresponding to EnerGuide 80.  Also of interest are proposals for effective R-values for walls and ratios for walls to windows and doors.

Provincial Government Initiatives

---

Building Envelope

The building envelope issue is being worked on by CHBA - Alberta from a policy, education and consumer responsibility perspective.  We are working with our industry partners to enhance education for our members and to move forward enhanced consumer protection and information initiatives.

Fire Response and Construction

CHBA - Alberta is working with the local CHBA Associations, the members, industry partners and government to find a set of alternatives that will provide better fire protection for homes while maintaining flexibility in construction methods and balancing affordability.

Waste and Demolition

During construction, the average home generates four to seven tonnes of construction and demolition waste, which makes up 23 per cent of the overall waste stream going into landfills. CHBA - Alberta is working with government on ensuring programs and legislation do not out-pace the industries ability to respond.

Side Wall Vented Appliances

While incidences of frosting and icing in new homes in relation to side-wall vented furnaces and hot water tanks seems to be on the decline, CHBA - Alberta continues to monitor homes in the field and discuss potential ways to further reduce their effect with manufacturers, builders, installers, and our regulatory partners.

Visitability, Accessibility and Barrier Free

The face of housing is poised for a change to respond to a changing demographic. Every 19 minutes another Albertan turns 65, with a longer life expectancy. With this comes new needs for housing. New concepts such as visitability are now emerging beside the concepts of accessibility and barrier free construction.  To find out more about this issue and work done by CHBA - Alberta click here.