Abstract

Effective November 1, 2016, new homes constructed in Alberta, Canada, are required to comply with “Section 9.36: Energy-Efficiency Requirements” of the Alberta Building Code (ABC) 2014. This section introduces ~57% stricter energy requirements for building envelope than the previous code; therefore, it is important to investigate its implications on current housing construction practices and energy performance, and to develop a methodology for selecting cost-effective approaches for code compliance. In this context, this thesis investigates the mentioned code and codes from other countries in cold-climate regions, identifies the current common practices, develops least-construction-cost approaches to meet the code’s energy requirements, and assess the lifecycle economic performance of a code-compliant house. Three approaches for code compliance are developed in this thesis: (1) least-construction-cost upgrades for building envelope (attic ceiling, above- and below-grade walls, and windows) meeting code-specified thermal insulation values specified in the prescriptive path of the code; (2) carry out approach (1) with energy-efficient tankless domestic hot water system and optimal window sizing for less lifecycle operation cost; and (3) least-construction-cost upgrade for the performance path of the code. To perform this assessment, a 30-year lifecycle analysis is conducted using HOT2000 simulations to estimate the energy performance and operation cost of a home Edmonton. By deploying approach (1), a reduction of ~12% on energy consumption is achieved with a return on investment (ROI) of ~ −3.44%. By applying approach (2), a reduction of energy consumption of ~27% is obtained with an ROI of ~68.08%. Alternatively, in approach (3), a reduction of energy consumption of ~10% with an ROI of ~527.21% is achieved. By applying the methodology developed in this research, least-construction-cost code-compliant upgrades are easily identified for other climatic conditions and Canadian locations.