Green Buildings Priority Stream Program

Who can apply

This program is currently available to new construction projects regulated under Part 3 and Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada, including:

1. multi-residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings
2. industrial buildings
3. institutional buildings
4. multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) as defined in Part  9 of the National Building Code for Buildings of Canada

Deep energy retrofits and high-performance infill homes may be added to this program in the future. In the meantime, individual retrofit or infill projects may be accepted into the program at The City’s discretion.

“Applicant” means the project owner or the owner’s authorized agent who applies to the Green Buildings Priority Stream Program on behalf of a project.

The process incentives offered are dependent on the Applicant's commitment to

energy performance that exceeds regulatory requirements. The Applicant acknowledges that the approving authority may place conditions on the associated permit requiring final certification achieved or reporting on post-construction energy performance in recognition of this commitment.

Green Buildings Priority Stream Entry Pathway #1 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 (NECB 2020) This pathway is available to development permit applicants proposing buildings that demonstrate significantly better energy and emissions performance than the NECB 2020 reference building.

Energy and emissions performance requirements To be eligible, a building must meet all the following energy and emissions performance

requirements:

1. Achieve Energy Performance Tier 2 or higher by consuming at least 25 per cent less

energy (GJ/year) than the NECB 2020 reference building; and

1. Emit at least 50 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions (tCO₂e/year) than the

NECB 2020 reference building. Emissions reductions may be achieved through a combination of reduced energy use and on-site renewable energy generation.

If a building cannot achieve a 50 per cent emissions reduction due to unique site, building, or design constraints, it may still be considered under this pathway if it meets a net zero ready standard1.

Green Buildings Priority Stream Entry Pathway #2 National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC 2023 (AE)) This pathway is available to development permit applicants proposing buildings that demonstrate significantly better energy and emissions performance than the NBC 2023 (AE) reference building.

Energy and Emissions Performance Requirements

To be eligible, a building must meet all the following energy and emissions performance

requirements:

• For buildings with a total building volume of 300 m3 or greater:

1. achieve energy performance Tier 4 or higher, demonstrated by consuming at

least 40 per cent less energy (GJ/year) and having at least 20 per cent less heat loss (GJ/year) than the Reference Building;

• For buildings with a total building volume of less than 300 m3:

1. achieve energy performance Tier 4 or higher, demonstrated by consuming at

least 30 per cent less energy (GJ/year) and having at least 15 per cent less heat loss (GJ/year) than the Reference Building; and

1. emit at least 70 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions (tCO₂e/year) than the

Reference Building, through a combination of reduced energy use and on-site renewable energy generation.

If a building cannot achieve a 70 per cent emissions reduction due to unique site, building, or design constraints, it may still be considered under this pathway if it meets a net zero ready standard1.