Home Energy Labelling
The Home Energy Label Program helps Calgarians understand the energy use and GHG emissions of homes, so they can make informed choices to reduce their utility bills and City-wide GHG emissions.
The Program:
- Educates builders and homeowners on the energy consumption and GHG emission ratings of homes;
- Enables comparisons between homes based on their energy and greenhouse gas emission scores, which can be used to prioritize energy efficiency when decision-making;
- Verifies the airtightness of new homes, provides builders with best-practice resources, and prepares industry for tiered performance codes; and
- Creates a baseline understanding of home energy performance that can be used to administer other building-related programs such as residential retrofit incentives.
Home EnerGuide Label requirement
EnerGuide Labels are used to rate the energy performance of homes, much like they are used with major home appliances, like washers and dryers. They breakdown how a home uses energy and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with that energy use. The rating on the label can be used to compare the energy efficiency of a home to a typical new home, and other homes with EnerGuide Labels.
Home builders may be required to disclose an EnerGuide Label for all new low-density homes built in Calgary by 2024.
View the New Home EnerGuide Timeline for more information.
Coming in June 2023
New home EnerGuide Label rebate period
In June 2023, a one-year voluntary pilot and rebate period will give builders and Energy Advisors time to prepare for this requirement. Builders can submit EnerGuide Labels to the City for disclosure and receive a rebate to help cover some of their costs.
In development
New home EnerGuide label disclosure tool
A database and mapping tool will be created to share EnerGuide Labels publicly. By disclosing the energy performance ratings of homes, builders and homeowners can more accurately assess the energy costs and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Existing home digital energy scores
Creating an EnerGuide Label for all existing homes in Calgary would take a very long time, so The City is exploring the use of digital energy scores as a comparable alternative. Digital energy scores are typically calculated using historical EnerGuide data or energy consumption data. These home energy scores are less accurate than EnerGuide Labels, but they can cover more than 350,000 homes and eliminate the need for on-site testing. These existing home digital energy scores would be disclosed on the Disclosure Tool alongside the new home EnerGuide Labels.
If your home has an EnerGuide Label, you will be able to replace your digital score.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Calgary need the Home Energy Label Program?
On July 5, 2022, City Council approved the Calgary Climate Strategy: Pathways to 2050, giving direction to develop a process to require all new residential buildings to have a building energy label. This action aligns with Calgary’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, as set out by the Climate Emergency Declaration.
When did The Home Energy Label Program begin?
On July 5, 2022, City Council approved the Calgary Climate Strategy: Pathways to 2050, giving direction to develop a process to require all new residential buildings to have a building energy label.
Can I use my label submission as a method of compliance with Section 9.36 of the National Building Code of Canada – 2019 Alberta Edition?
Submission of EnerGuide Labels to the Home Energy Label Program does not supersede Section 1.2.1.1 of the National Building Code of Canada – 2019 Alberta Edition.
When will EnerGuide Labels become mandatory for new homes?
Pending bylaw approval from Council, EnerGuide Labels will be required on all new homes starting June 2024.
Does a builder have to provide an EnerGuide Label for a home?
Yes. We recognize there will be moments where action aren’t possible, so alternative options such as providing a Letter of Intent are available.
What type of homes are included and how many homes will be labeled each year?
The Home Energy Label Program focuses on new construction homes that are single-detached, semi-detached, or duplexes. Approximately 5,000 of these dwelling types are constructed each year. In the future, the list of home types may expand to include townhouses and rowhouses. Digital energy scores are expected to be produced for over 350,000 homes.
Where can I find an Energy Advisor?
See the Additional Resources tab on the right pane of the web page.
What is a blower door test?
See the Additional Resources tab on the right pane of the web page.
How can I become an Energy Advisor?
See the Additional Resources tab on the right pane of the web page.
Why does my new home not have an EnerGuide Label?
In some cases, builders do not submit an EnerGuide Label to the Home Energy Label Program. Please contact your builder for further questions.
