FAQ: Energy Compliance

SB-12 (Supplementary Standard SB-12) is Ontario's energy efficiency standard for new residential construction. It applies to all new homes, additions, and some renovations built under the Ontario Building Code. If you're building a new home in Ontario, SB-12 applies to you. Builders in other provinces are subject to their own provincial energy codes — contact us and we'll walk you through what applies to your project.

Outside of Ontario, most provinces follow the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), using a tiered energy performance system — Tier 1 (baseline) through Tier 5 (near net-zero ready). Tiers are met primarily through the performance path using an energy model, giving you flexibility on insulation, windows, mechanical systems, and airtightness. The tier required depends on your province, municipality, and the incentive program you're targeting. Contact us to confirm which tier applies and the most cost-effective path.

An energy model is a computer simulation done during design — before construction — that predicts how energy-efficient your home will be. An energy evaluation (EnerGuide Rating) is an on-site assessment done during or after construction to verify the model predictions. AJEC handles both.

Not all projects require blower door testing — only when an airtightness credit is required. A failed test means the home doesn't meet the required airtightness. The most common fix is targeted air sealing. AJEC coordinates all mid-construction blower door tests and provides remediation guidance if a re-test is needed.

Performance path compliance requires a licensed Energy Advisor to conduct the model and sign off on reports. The prescriptive path can be self-managed, but errors are common and can cause failed inspections, permit delays, and missed rebates. Most builders find working with a licensed advisor pays for itself many times over.

Standard turnaround at AJEC is 7–10 business days from receipt of complete drawings. Rush reports (24–48 hours) are available.

As early as possible — ideally at the design stage, before permit submission. Starting late limits your options and can be more expensive.

Custom home models start from $1,000. Production builder packages start from $300 per model type. See our full pricing page →

Yes. Several provincial and federal rebate programs are available for builders who meet energy performance thresholds. As part of every AJEC engagement, we identify applicable rebates and flag the documentation you'll need. Many builders recover more than the modelling fee through rebates alone.

Minor changes — swapping window specs, upgrading insulation — are typically covered within your original fee. Major architectural changes may require an updated model at a reduced rate. We'll always tell you upfront before any additional charges apply.

Almost always — but not in every case. For very simple designs, prescriptive may be straightforward. The value of performance path grows with design complexity. We'll tell you honestly on your first call which path makes more sense.

Not all models are equal. A lower-priced model gets you a passing score — and that's it. AJEC's models include value engineering: we run multiple scenarios to find the most cost-effective compliance path. A $200 model that leads you to an unnecessary $15,000 upgrade isn't actually cheaper.

To begin an energy model we need: architectural drawings (PDF), window specifications (U-value and SHGC), heating and cooling system details, and insulation specifications. Preliminary drawings are fine for early-stage consultation.

AJEC is a team. You have a group of energy professionals behind your project — consistent turnaround, coverage when someone is unavailable, and multiple eyes on complex files.

Both. Custom home builders from $1,000/model. Production builders from $300/model type with volume pricing and dedicated account management. One home or a 200-unit subdivision — we can help.

Based in Markham, Ontario (9390 Woodbine Ave, Suite 325). We work across Canada — Ontario, BC, Alberta, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces — and take on select international projects.

Your first call (20 minutes, free, no obligation): review of your project type and timeline, recommendation on performance vs. prescriptive path, a ballpark cost range, and plain-English next steps. You'll leave with more clarity than most builders get after months of research.

Yes. If compliance is purely a checkbox exercise and price is the only factor, there are cheaper options. We do our best work with builders who want to optimize for cost and build a long-term advisory relationship. If you're not sure, book a free call.

• Are you a licensed Energy Advisor registered under Natural Resources Canada?
• How many homes have you assessed, and in what project types?
• Do you do value engineering, or just run the model and hand over a report?
• What's your standard turnaround? Do you offer rush service?
• Can you provide real cost estimates for the upgrades you recommend?
• What happens if my design changes mid-project?
• Do you carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance?

We're happy to answer all of these for AJEC — most advisors can't say yes to every one.

A blower door test depressurizes your home using a large fan to measure air leakage through the building envelope. Required at mid-construction (before drywall) for performance path compliance. AJEC coordinates the scheduling, attends on your behalf, and provides remediation guidance if needed.

If you're following a checklist without an energy model, you're on the prescriptive path. If a licensed Energy Advisor has done a computer energy model, you're on the performance path. Not sure? Book a free call and we'll review your setup in 20 minutes.

Code changes are tied to permit issuance dates. If your permit was issued before a code change, you comply with the code version in place at that time. AJEC monitors code updates across Canada and proactively notifies clients when changes affect their projects.