Indigenous Codes Acceleration Program
Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Stronger Building Codes
Access training, resources, and support to adopt high-performance energy codes and build resilient, energy-efficient homes rooted in cultural values.
Program Overview
The Codes Acceleration Program for Indigenous Communities is an initiative aimed at providing training, resources, and support to Indigenous communities to help accelerate the adoption and implementation of the highest feasible energy performance building codes. This project is part of Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy, which is dedicated to decarbonizing the building sector by funding actions that support this adoption.
Get Involved
Be part of building a sustainable, affordable, and culturally connected housing future for Indigenous communities.
Federal Investment
$1.4M
Supporting Indigenous communities in adopting stronger building codes, reducing energy costs, and creating resilient homes.
Building Better: Inside Canada’s National Construction Codes
National and provincial building codes provide essential guidelines for constructing and maintaining safe, efficient, and sustainable structures. These codes address multiple aspects of building performance, including:
Benefits of Enhanced Building Codes
High-performance building codes are essential for:
- Reducing Energy Consumption: Advanced energy codes can cut energy use by 60–70% compared to baseline levels.
- Cost Savings: Lower energy use translates into significant savings for communities over time.
- Environmental Impact: Improved codes help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier planet.
Canada’s National Model Codes
In Canada, two key national model codes guide building practices:
- National Building Code of Canada (NBC): Covers technical requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, as well as guidelines for altering, changing the use of, or demolishing existing buildings.
- National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB): Focuses on improving the energy performance of buildings.
Both codes are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) and serve as objective-based models that provinces and territories may adopt or adapt to their regional needs.
Benefits of Enhanced Building Codes
Indigenous communities are integral partners in this endeavour. By blending Indigenous knowledge with sustainability practices, the program aims to foster a network of Indigenous energy efficiency champions. These champions will be pivotal in promoting the adoption of building energy codes.
Benefits of Enhanced Building Codes
Indigenous communities are integral partners in this endeavour. By blending Indigenous knowledge with sustainability practices, the program aims to foster a network of Indigenous energy efficiency champions. These champions will be pivotal in promoting the adoption of building energy codes.
How the Program Works
ECO Canada is dedicated to facilitating the Codes Acceleration Program for Indigenous Communities through effective project management, community involvement, and educational support.
Customized Toolkits & Materials
Tailored for Indigenous contexts
Culturally Relevant Training
Workshops and events led by experienced facilitators
On-the-Ground Support
Ensuring code adoption aligns with cultural and environmental priorities
Community Networking
Connecting local champions to national and regional stakeholders
Join us in this important initiative as we work towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for everyone.
Energy Code Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to help Indigenous communities adopt, implement, and benefit from stronger building codes. Developed with cultural alignment and practical application in mind, the toolkit is divided into four parts for easy navigation:
- Part I: NBC, NECB and Regulatory Process Overview
- Part II: Navigating NBC and NECB
- Part III: Adoption, Compliance, and Enforcement Strategies
- Part IV: Practical Tools and Resources
With these resources, communities can build energy-efficient, resilient, and culturally connected housing while ensuring compliance with Canada’s highest performance codes.
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TRAINING PROGRAM
Energy Management & Leadership Training Program
ECO Canada developed an Energy Management and Leadership Training program aimed at promoting the adoption of and compliance with high-performance energy building codes within Indigenous Communities.
This program consists of five modules specifically designed to assist Indigenous communities in adopting, enforcing, and complying with energy building codes.
If you’d like more information on the 5 modules or to participate in the trainings, please contact us.
Energy Management & Leadership Training Program
ECO Canada developed an Energy Management and Leadership Training program aimed at promoting the adoption of and compliance with high-performance energy building codes within Indigenous Communities.
This program consists of five modules specifically designed to assist Indigenous communities in adopting, enforcing, and complying with energy building codes.
If you would like more information on the 5 modules, please fill up this form.
If you would like to participate in the trainings, please get contact us.
"*" indicates required fields
Resources & Learning
Here Are Some Resources to Learn More
Explore a curated selection of guides, toolkits, training, and events to help Indigenous communities and stakeholders navigate building codes, enhance energy efficiency, and implement sustainable practices. Expand each category to access detailed resources.
Government of Canada
ECO Canada
- Navigating Energy Codes Stories from Indigenous Builders
- Beyond Compliance Leveraging Energy Codes to Deliver Better Buildings
- Empowering Building Legacies: A Roadmap for Energy Efficiency Building (Bilingual)
- Empowering Indigenous Communities Introducing the Energy Code Toolkit (Part 2)
- Empowering Indigenous Communities: Introducing the Energy Code Toolkit (Part 1)
- Empowering Indigenous Communities Deep Energy Retrofits and Energy Building Code Compliance
- Introduction to National Energy Codes of Canada for Buildings 2020
External Resources
Upcoming Events
