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2020 National Model Codes available now

April 15, 2022  By  Anthony Capkun



April 15, 2022 – The 2020 National Model Codes are now available. The new codes include:

• National Building Code of Canada 2020
• National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020
• National Fire Code of Canada 2020
• National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020

“These new codes are more reflective of the current world we live in,” said Kevin Griffiths, chair, Canadian Commission on Building & Fire Codes (CCBFC). “Thanks to these updates, it will be easier for Canadians with accessibility considerations to navigate different spaces; large farm buildings are now included in the codes to reflect the evolving agricultural sector; and energy performance levels have been introduced to make buildings more energy-efficient.”

Code users are invited to download the codes and review the changes that apply to their work. The 2020 editions include nearly 400 changes “developed through an open, transparent, and consensus-based process that included expert volunteers from across Canada”.

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As part of the development process, the public was given an opportunity to review and comment on all proposed changes before the codes were finalized. Current provincial and territorial building, fire, plumbing and energy regulations will remain in effect until the 2020 codes are adopted, with or without modifications, by the provincial or territorial authorities having jurisdiction.

The 2020 Codes are available through the National Research Council Canada’s (NRC) Publications Archive in a free electronic format for download. To purchase the publications in print format, an order can be placed online through NRC’s Virtual Store.

Discussions about the 2025 National Model Codes are underway. The CCBFC encourages the involvement of industry, general interest and regulatory experts in the process to make sure that the best available knowledge drives meaningful change.

For information about the code changes and provisions in the National Model Codes, or details about the National Model Codes development system, contact the CCBFC at CCBFCSecretary-SecretaireCCCBPI@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

CCBFC develops the National Model Codes on a five-year cycle, which are then published by NRC. The National Research Council Canada appoints CCBFC members from across Canada for their individual interests and expertise, rather than as delegates of any association or group. They are selected with a view to providing broad technical and geographical representation.


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