Guide to the Energy Efficiency Design Summary Form for
Performance & Other Acceptable Compliance Methods
COMPLETING THE FORM
B. Compliance Options
Indicate the compliance option being used.
SB-12 Performance refers to the method of compliance in Subsection 3.1.2. of SB-12. Using this approach
the designer must use recognized energy simulation software (such as HOT2000 V10.51 or newer), and
submit documents which show that the annual energy use of the proposed building is equal to or less than a
prescriptive (referenced) building package.
ENERGY STAR houses must be designed to ENERGY STAR requirements and verified on completion by a
licensed energy evaluator and/or service organization. The ENERGY STAR BOP form must be submitted with
the permit
documents.
R-2000 houses must be designed to the R-2000 Standard and verified on completion by a licensed energy
evaluator and/or service organization. The HOT2000 report must be submitted with the permit documents.
C. Project Design Conditions
Climatic Zone: The number of degree days for Ontario cities is contained in Supplementary Standard SB-1
Windows, Skylights and Glass Doors: If the ratio of the total gross area of windows, sidelights, skylights, glazing
in doors and sliding glass doors to the total gross area of walls is more than 17%, higher efficiency glazing is
required. The total area is the sum of all the structural rough openings. Some exceptions apply. Refer to 3.1.1.1.
of SB-12 for further details.
Fuel Source and Heating Equipment Efficiency: The fuel source and efficiency of the proposed heating
equipment must be specified in order to determine which SB-12 Prescriptive compliance package table applies.
Other Building Conditions: These construction conditions affect SB-12 Prescriptive compliance requirements.
D. Building Specifications
Thermal Insulation: Indicate the RSI or R-value being proposed where they apply to the house design. Refer
to SB-12 for further details.
E. Performance Design Summary
A summary of the performance design applicable only to the SB-12 Performance option.
F. ENERGY STAR or R-2000 Performance Method
Design to ENERGY STAR or R-2000 Standards.
G. House Designer
The building code requires designers providing information about whether a building complies with the building
code to have a BCIN. Exemptions apply to architects, engineers and owners designing their own house.
BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR AIRTIGHTNESS IN NEW HOUSES
All houses must comply with increased air barrier requirements in the building code. Notice of air barrier
completion must be provided and an inspection conducted prior to it being covered.
The air leakage rates in Table 3.1.2.1. are not requirements. The Table is not intended to require or suggest that
the building meet those airtightness targets. They are provided only as default or reference values for the
purpose of annual energy simulations, should the builder/owner decide to perform such simulations. They are
given in three different metrics; ACH, NLA, NLR. Any one of them can be used. They can be used as a default
values for both a reference and proposed building or, where an air leakage test is conducted and credit for
airtightness is claimed, the airtightness values in Table 3.1.2.1. can be used for the reference building and the
actual leakage rates obtained from the air leakage test can be used as inputs for the proposed building.
OBC Reference Default Air Leakage Rates (Table 3.1.2.1.)
The building code requires that a blower door test be conducted to verify the air tightness of the house during
construction if the SB-12 Performance option is used and an air tightness of less than 3.0 ACH @ 50 Pa (or
NLA or NLR equivalent) in the case of detached houses, or 3.5 ACH @ 50 Pa (or NLA or NLR equivalent) in
the case of attached houses is necessary to meet the required energy efficiency standard.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY LABELING FOR NEW HOUSES
ENERGY STAR and R-2000 may issue labels for new homes constructed under their energy efficiency
programs. The building code does not currently regulate or require new home labeling.
Form authorized by OHBA, OBOA, LMCBO. Revised December 1, 2016