Parade of Homes

142 PARADE of HOMES FALL 2024 Regarding energy efficiency, the step code is a series of performance steps that create a framework for incrementally higher levels of energy efficiency over time. "The end goal of the new code, from an energy-efficiency perspective, is to have all new buildings in Canada eventually built to 'net-zero energy-ready' standards," Lund explains. "Efficiency Canada defines net-zero energy-ready as a house or building that's 'so energy efficient it can easily supply its own needs over the course of a year with the addition of on-site renewable energy or off-site clean energy.' This means the building enclosure has been significantly improved and mechanical systems optimized to meet the reduced heating and cooling needs of the building." Soon, all new homes and buildings in Manitoba will be designed to meet performance- based objectives. This shift will require builders to adopt new processes like energy modelling, optimization analyses and post- construction airtightness testing. Efficiency Manitoba's New Homes Program provides these tools to builders and homebuyers who are designing energy- efficient new homes, along with a performance-based rebate and official certification from Natural Resources Canada. "The New Homes Program provides financial rebates, expert energy design consultation, official EnerGuide labels and a free airtightness test for every new home enrolled in the program," Lund says. "Homeowners who build Certified Energy Efficient new homes are also automatically eligible for a CMHC mortgage insurance premium refund worth thousands. Not only that, but energy-efficient new homes cost less to operate and have improved resale value relative to their less-efficient counterparts." Lund explains that airtightness is one of the most important and cost-effective measures of energy-efficiency. Airtight houses maintain conditioned air longer than permeable ones, providing significant energy consumption benefits and improving indoor air quality, comfort, noise reduction and resilience during climate events. Manitoba's new homes tend to be significantly more airtight than other places in Canada. The average home registered with Efficiency Manitoba's New Homes Program in 2023 achieved an airtightness of 0.87 air changes per hour (ACH), where a lower number indicates less air escaping. By comparison, the national model code baseline is 2.5 ACH. Efficiency Manitoba cont. Airtight houses maintain conditioned air longer than permeable ones, providing significant energy consumption benefits and improving indoor air quality, comfort, noise reduction and resilience during climate events. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY

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