Canada's Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF)

What is the Program?

The Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF) is an initiative introduced as part of Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy. It aims to promote the widespread adoption of high-performance building codes across the country. By providing financial and technical support, the CAF helps provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments, and other organizations implement building codes that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction sector.

How Does it Work?

The CAF operates through several key components:

• Funding Allocation: The fund provides financial support to eligible entities to help cover the costs associated with adopting and implementing high-performance building codes. This includes expenses related to training, resources, technical assistance, and public awareness campaigns.
• Training and Resources: The program supports the development and delivery of training programs for builders, architects, engineers, and code officials. These training sessions ensure that stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to comply with and enforce new building codes.
• Technical Assistance: The CAF offers technical assistance to help jurisdictions integrate high-performance building codes into their local regulations. This includes expert advice on best practices, code compliance, and the latest advancements in building technologies.
• Collaboration and Networking: The program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry groups, and educational institutions. This collaborative approach helps to share knowledge, resources, and experiences to support the successful implementation of high-performance building codes.

How Can People Access the Program?

Eligible entities can access the CAF by following these steps:

1. Eligibility Check: Determine eligibility based on the criteria outlined by Natural Resources Canada. Eligible entities include provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments, and other relevant organizations.
2. Proposal Development: Develop a detailed proposal that outlines plans for adopting and implementing high-performance building codes. The proposal should include project objectives, expected outcomes, budget estimates, and timelines.
3. Application Submission: Submit the proposal through the government’s funding platform. The application process involves providing comprehensive information on how the proposed project will achieve the goals of the CAF.
4. Review and Approval: Submitted proposals are reviewed by a panel of experts who evaluate them based on their feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Successful proposals are approved for funding.
5. Implementation: Once approved, recipients receive funding to carry out their projects. This includes delivering training, developing resources, and integrating high-performance building codes into local regulations.

What is the Government Aiming to Achieve?

The primary objectives of the CAF are:

• Improve Energy Performance: Enhance the energy efficiency of buildings by promoting the adoption of high-performance building codes. This leads to reduced energy consumption and operating costs.
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Support Canada’s climate goals by lowering the carbon footprint of the construction sector through energy-efficient building practices.
• Promote Sustainability: Encourage sustainable construction practices that contribute to the long-term resilience and environmental health of communities.
• Enhance Building Standards: Raise the standards for building performance, ensuring that new constructions and major renovations meet modern energy efficiency and sustainability criteria.

How is Success Measured?

The success of the CAF is measured through several key indicators:

• Code Adoption Rates: The number of jurisdictions that have adopted high-performance building codes as a result of the program’s support.
• Energy Performance Improvements: The increase in energy efficiency achieved in buildings subject to the new codes, measured through energy consumption data and performance assessments.
• Greenhouse Gas Reductions: The decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector, contributing to national and global climate targets.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The level of participation and engagement from builders, architects, engineers, and code officials in training and capacity-building activities.
• Project Outcomes: The successful completion of funded projects and the realization of their intended benefits, including enhanced building performance and sustainability.

By focusing on these metrics, the CAF aims to drive significant improvements in building standards across Canada, supporting the transition to a more energy-efficient and sustainable built environment.

On July 16, 2024, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled Canada’s first Green Buildings Strategy.

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