Saskatchewan Reverts to Tier 1 on Building Energy Efficiency to Make New Homes more Affordable

February 24, 2025

Shifting national priorities, increasing prices and a renewed focus on local industry means the province of Saskatchewan will revert to Tier 1 on building energy efficiency, effective with approval of regulatory amendments. It is anticipated that builders may adopt Tier 1 immediately.

“All provinces are dealing with the challenges of growth, including affordable housing for all residents, and removing red tape allows us to harmonize our standards and support Canadian industries,” Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. “While Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable places to live in Canada, we understand there is more work to be done, and we have heard from industry that this decision will help maintain housing affordability in the province.”

“Let’s be clear—our industry will continue to build safe, durable, and energy efficient structures because we take pride in our work and the communities we serve,” Construction Association of Saskatchewan Treasurer Dan Yungwirth said. “This change allows us to prioritize affordability while still achieving exceptional outcomes.”

“Eliminating red tape is always a good thing when it comes to affordability,” Construction Association of Saskatchewan President and CEO Shannon Friesen said. “We trust the expertise of Saskatchewan’s construction professionals who have a deep understanding of our province’s unique climate and building needs. With less red tape, our industry can continue to deliver exceptional, high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities.”

In January 2024, Saskatchewan adopted the 2020 edition of the National Building Code (NBC) by regulation under The Construction Codes Act. The energy efficiency tiers of the NBC only apply to housing and small buildings. Energy efficient standards found in the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) applicable to large buildings remain at Tier 1.

The Ministry of Government Relations had previously announced a delay of implementing additional energy efficiency tiers. Part of this pause was to review the implementation of the codes across Canada with an eye on parity with other provinces. Tiered energy efficiency provisions in the NBC and NECB provide Saskatchewan the tools to determine when and how far to advance energy efficiency in new building construction without imposing a burden on building owners, consumers and industry.

Any builder retains the ability under The Constructions Code Act to pursue higher tier energy efficiency targets voluntarily, as per their building practices and customer demands.

To learn more about Saskatchewan’s building code regulations, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 32

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 32

    Section 32, as outlined in rule 32 -000 Scope, is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and provides additional and specific requirements for the location, installation, wiring, and protection, of fire alarm systems… Read More…

  • Alberta Municipalities EV Charging Installation Rebate

    Alberta Municipalities EV Charging Installation Rebate

    April 4, 2025 Alberta Municipalities are proud to provide financial rebates for applicants to purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations in Alberta as part of the Electric Vehicle Charging Program (EVCP), funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) & Alberta Municipalities.  The funding will cover up to 46% of your total project cost, which can… Read More…

  • Industry Legend Bill Smith Retires

    Industry Legend Bill Smith Retires

    April 4, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On March 25, Electrozad, a Sonepar Company, hosted a special retirement reception at Caesars Windsor for industry titan Bill Smith who marked an incredible 50-year career with the company.  The reception was held in the elegant Caesars Ballroom, which featured an array of food stations and elegant decor. In… Read More…

  • Schneider Electric: Your Trusted Partner in Sustainability and Efficiency

    Schneider Electric: Your Trusted Partner in Sustainability and Efficiency

    April 4, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Schneider Electric is on a mission to be the trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency. Since 1836, they have pioneered technological innovation to create a world where life is on. Frederick Morency, Vice President of Sustainability, Strategic Initiatives & Innovation at Schneider Electric Canada, has experienced this joie de… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • NSAA Fee Change Effective April 1, 2025

    NSAA Fee Change Effective April 1, 2025

    As of April 1, 2025, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency’s fees have changed due to the 1% reduction in HST in Nova Scotia. NSAA noted on their website that due to the number of references across various pages, you may still come across old fee amounts as they work through updating their website. Here is… Read More…

  • Nominations Open for 2024 NETCO Leadership Excellence Award

    Nominations Open for 2024 NETCO Leadership Excellence Award

    Established in 2016, the NETCO Leadership Excellence award honours an industry training professional for his/her role for the success and their outstanding contributions to apprenticeship training and continuing electrical training. Read More…

  • Munded Partners with Kane Test Equipment in Atlantic Canada

    Munded Partners with Kane Test Equipment in Atlantic Canada

    April 4, 2025 Munden Enterprises has announced a partnership with Kane Test Equipment to bring their test and measurement solutions to Atlantic Canada. “We are now excited to announce a new and promising partnership with Kane Test Equipment. Kane Test Equipment brings innovative solutions that align with our dedication to providing the best tools for… Read More…

  • Nedco Announces Western Canadian Wire & Cable Sales Manager

    Nedco Announces Western Canadian Wire & Cable Sales Manager

    April 4, 2025 Don Blake has joined Nedco as their Western Canadian Wire & Cable Sales Manager. “With over 20 years of experience in the Wire & Cable industry, Don brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Nedco West team,” said the company on LinkedIn. “His focus will be on expanding our product… Read More…