Ontario · Energy & envelope

What energy code requirements apply to buildings in Ontario?

Ontario uses supplementary standards SB-10 (commercial and large residential) and SB-12 (houses and small buildings) to set energy performance requirements that go beyond the NBC baseline.

Energy code compliance in Ontario is governed through the OBC's supplementary standards rather than a direct adoption of the National Energy Code. SB-12 covers houses and small buildings with prescriptive and performance paths, while SB-10 addresses larger buildings. These standards have their own compliance methods and may not align with energy code requirements in other provinces.

What to check first

  • Ontario uses SB-10 and SB-12 supplementary standards rather than directly adopting the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).
  • SB-12 provides prescriptive packages and performance paths for houses and small buildings.
  • SB-10 governs energy performance for larger buildings and may reference or differ from the NECB approach.

Jurisdiction notes

SB-12 for houses and small buildings

SB-12 provides prescriptive compliance packages based on climate zone, with options for performance-based compliance as an alternative.

SB-10 for larger buildings

SB-10 sets energy performance requirements for Part 3 buildings (larger or more complex occupancies) in Ontario.

Climate zone variations

Ontario spans multiple climate zones, so energy requirements vary significantly between southern Ontario and northern communities.

Not professional advice

CodeCan reports what the published building code says. It is not legal, engineering, or architectural advice, and it does not certify compliance. Building codes are adopted and amended provincially and enforced locally — always verify with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before you build.

Work through it in this order

  1. Determine whether the building falls under SB-12 (houses/small buildings) or SB-10 (larger buildings).
  2. Identify the climate zone for the project location within Ontario.
  3. Select the applicable compliance path — prescriptive packages or performance-based approach.
  4. Document the specific SB standard clauses and performance targets that apply.

Common questions

Does Ontario use the National Energy Code for Buildings?

Not directly. Ontario uses its own supplementary standards (SB-10 and SB-12) that set energy requirements differently from the NECB.

What is the difference between SB-10 and SB-12?

SB-12 covers houses and small buildings (Part 9), while SB-10 covers larger buildings (Part 3). Each has its own compliance methods and performance targets.

Do energy requirements change by location within Ontario?

Yes. Ontario spans multiple climate zones, and energy requirements — including insulation values and air tightness targets — vary by zone.