Alberta
The National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC-AE) is based on the National Building Code of Canada 2020. It establishes design and construction standards, including barrier-free access in new buildings and energy efficiency for housing and small buildings. It also applies to the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 is also adopted in Alberta and applies to new building construction other than housing and small buildings regulated under NBC-AE Part 9. The 2023 NBC-AE is more harmonized with the national code provisions so as to support a reduction of barriers to trade, investment and labour.
The following documents for Alberta are available in full in the TraxCodes Library:
National Building Code - Alberta Edition
The National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition is based on the National Building Code of Canada 2020. Changes in the 2023 Alberta Edition of the National Building Code include improved access to medical clinics for seniors and persons with mobility issues, increased safety of stairs in housing, improved emergency exiting for patrons in bars and nightclubs, and new options for smoke detection. Updates have also been made to snow load calculations, seismic load calculations, and wind load provisions. Additionally, there are new provisions for flanking sound transmission between suites in new apartments and condominiums and requirements for smoke dampers in new buildings.
Building Code Regulation, Alberta Regulation 31/2015
The Building Code Regulation declares into force both the National Building Code ‑ 2019 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2017, published by the National Research Council of Canada.
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (Alberta)
The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 (NECB) is an objective-based National Model Code that can be adopted by provincial and territorial governments, and has been adopted by Alberta. The NECB sets out technical provisions to address energy efficiency in the design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
