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.
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.
Building Stronger Connections
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.
Building Code Adoption
In Canada, many Indigenous communities have adopted building codes emphasizing sustainability and cultural sensitivity. Communities like Ditidaht, Dokis, Fisher River, and Haisla manage their lands through certified codes, allowing tailored approaches to construction that meet environmental standards and community needs.
ECO Canada is dedicated to facilitating the Codes Acceleration Program for Indigenous Communities through effective project management, community involvement, and educational support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and distribute customized educational materials and toolkits for Indigenous communities.
- Conduct culturally relevant workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing local capabilities.
- Ensure that solutions are aligned with the specific needs of the communities.
- Facilitate networking events to connect Indigenous energy efficiency champions with other stakeholders.
- Lead outreach campaigns to promote the benefits of high-performance building codes.
Join us in this important initiative as we work towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for everyone.
Get the Compliance Toolkit
Complete the form below to learn more about the Energy Code Compliance Toolkit and receive updates as it is developed.
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What the Toolkit Offers
- Cultural Alignment
Design guidance for smudge ceremonies, Indigenous-led projects, and real-world case studies. - Implementation Guidance
Clear roles across jurisdictions and a path toward net-zero energy-ready buildings. - Code Focus Areas
NBC (safety, fire protection, plumbing) and NECB (HVAC, lighting, energy efficiency). - Support Resources
Tools for code adoption, compliance, and sustainable development.
This is a living resource meant to grow with community insight and support and culturally aligned implementation.
Here Are Some Resources to Learn More:
- High Performance Energy Building Codes within Indigenous Communities- Awareness & Benefits
- Introduction to National Energy Codes of Canada for Buildings 2020
- Empowering Indigenous Communities Deep Energy Retrofits and Energy Building Code Compliance
- Empowering Indigenous Communities: Introducing the Energy Code Toolkit (Part 1)
- Empowering Indigenous Communities Introducing the Energy Code Toolkit (Part 2)
Connect with us
Stay up to date with the project and get involved!
If you would like to be informed about developments or participate, please take a moment to fill out the form.
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