NBC 2025 update

What are the NBC 2025 GHG emission requirements for buildings in Canada?

The NBC 2025 introduces explicit, measurable requirements to limit operational greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, alongside new compliance pathways that shift the focus from energy consumption alone to emissions outcomes.

For the first time, the National Building Code includes direct requirements to limit a building's operational GHG emissions. This moves compliance beyond energy efficiency metrics to emissions-based outcomes, reflecting Canada's climate commitments. The requirements include new compliance pathways and updated climatic data. Provincial adoption will determine when and how these requirements take effect in each jurisdiction.

What to check first

  • First national code requirement directly targeting operational GHG emissions from buildings.
  • New compliance pathways that consider fuel source and emissions intensity, not just energy consumption.
  • Updated climatic data tables reflect projected future conditions due to climate change.

Jurisdiction notes

National baseline

The NBC 2025 GHG provisions are model code requirements that take effect only when a province adopts them.

Provincial energy codes

Some provinces already have GHG or zero-carbon building requirements that may interact with or supersede the NBC 2025 provisions.

Fuel source implications

The emissions impact of heating fuel choices varies by province depending on the electricity grid carbon intensity.

Work through it in this order

  1. Confirm whether your province has adopted the NBC 2025 GHG provisions.
  2. Identify the applicable emissions targets for your building type and climate zone.
  3. Evaluate heating system and fuel source options against the emissions compliance pathways.
  4. Document the compliance pathway and calculations for permit submission.

Common questions

Does NBC 2025 ban gas heating?

No. The code sets emissions targets, not fuel bans. Compliance depends on overall building emissions performance, which varies by fuel source, building design, and provincial grid carbon intensity.

How do GHG requirements interact with existing energy codes?

The GHG provisions add an emissions layer on top of energy performance requirements. Both must be satisfied where the province adopts the full NBC 2025.

Do these requirements apply to renovations?

The new existing buildings Part in NBC 2025 includes energy performance upgrade provisions for alterations, but the scope and triggers vary.