BUILT GREEN® Single Family Checklist 2017
Subsequent to industry input, alongside the Technical Standards Committee and the Board of Directors, we've made updates to the 2017 checklists, the Single Family updates are outlined below. These changes also reflect individual checklist items’ impact on the project, as well as greater alignment between the Single Family, High Density, and Renovation programs.
Important Notes:
- The 2016 Single Family Checklist may be used to enroll projects up to and including March 31, 2017.
For those using the 2016 Single Family Checklist, there are two options:
1. Use the original Single Family Checklist (using the existing EnerGuide / Hot2000 v10.51).
2. Use the Single Family Checklist ERS v15 (using the new EnerGuide v15 / Hot2000 v11).
** Any Single Family projects that are using ERS v15 and would prefer to use the 2016 Checklist must use the Dec 1 version.
** For MURB projects, the 2016 BUILT GREEN® Single Family Checklist will be accepted indefinitely as Hot2000 v11 for MURBs is under development.
- The 2017 Single Family Checklist may be used from January 1, 2017 on; however, the 2017 versions must be used for projects enrolled April 1, 2017.
- The 2017 Guide for Single Family will be available in January.
- As always, Built Green Canada welcomes input from industry, whether that be through a Request for Interpretation, which may be submitted here: www.builtgreencanada.ca/request-for-interpretation-form or other recommendations.
Single Family Checklist 2017
a) Energy Modelling Changes:
Any home seeking BUILT GREEN® certification must first be modelled and tested in the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS). With the introduction of ERS v15, minimum EnerGuide scores are now required for BUILT GREEN® certification.
The energy requirement for each certification level is based on the percent lower than reference house (% LTRH). In other words, the ERS v15 rating must meet the required percent lower than the corresponding ERS v15 reference house.
- Bronze certification: house rating meets the energy requirements of 9.36 reference house and earns 25 points.
- Silver certification: house rating is 10% lower than reference house and earns 30 points.
- Gold certification: house rating is 20% lower than reference house and earns 35 points.
- Platinum certification: house rating is 30% lower than reference house and earns 40 points.
b) Checklist Item Updates
A summary of these may be viewed below,and we encourage you to review these as there are new checklist items as well as checklist items that are offering additional points.
Checklist Item 1.1.1 (points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Install additional insulation on exterior of above-grade walls, above insulation amounts already required by code: add R5 for 2 points or R10 for 4 points.
Checklist Item: 1.1.3 (points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) system used for foundation walls. 3 points.
Checklist Item: 1.1.13 (item update / points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Install weather-stripped and insulated (R20 minimum for 1 point and R28 for 2 points) manufactured interior attic hatch, or no interior attic access.
Checklist Item 1.1.18 (updated with additional points available—previously in Business practices)
Updated for 2017: For this house, the builder conducts an air-tightness inspection at the pre-drywall stage (1 point) with optional door-fan depressurization (1 point). At completion, additional points for final Air Change per Hour levels: less than 3 ACH (1 point), less than 2 ACH (3 points), and less than 1 ACH (5 points).
Checklist Item 1.2.4: (points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Install a programmable thermostat with set back and continuous fan for 1 point, programmable thermostat WIFI that can be controlled by a smart phone or app for 2 points, and programmable thermostat with WIFI with learning capable for 3 points.
Checklist Item 1.2.8: (points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Insulate hot water lines with flexible pipe insulation for first six feet from the hot water tank, including the heat trap (1 point) or all hot water lines (2 points).
Checklist Item 1.5.4: (points have decreased)
Updated for 2017: Install central lighting automation system with inherent conservation features (e.g. "away" mode). 1 point.
Checklist Item 1.5.5 (points have decreased)
Updated for 2017: Install a central "all-off" switch that disables all non-essential electrical loads in the home. 1 point.
Checklist Item 1.5.6: (item update / points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Install a home automation system in each dwelling unit that is capable of monitoring and adjusting: (i) heating, cooling, and humidity (2 points); (ii) lighting greater than 4 locations/rooms (1 point); (iii) If system can be controlled through a Wi-Fi, a smart phone, or app (1 additional point); (iv) all lighting and/or blinds to adjust to hourly sun schedule (1 point); (v) Domestic Hot Water (1 point); (vi) pre-set irrigation systems to account for weather (1 point); (vii) and a “vacation or away” mode that can turn off all non-essential electrical loads (1 point).
Checklist Item 1.5.7—NEW
Install home energy monitoring system which monitors and reports use and consumption patterns of all energy (gas, electricity, oil) in the home (1 point). An additional 1 point may be gained if the system is integrated with onsite renewable energy generation and storage technology.
Checklist Item 2.1.12 (points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Use manufactured wood products for floor systems instead of dimensional lumber (1 point), from third-party certified, sustainably harvested sources (CSA, SFI, or FSC for 2 points). The use of third-party certified subfloor sheathing for 1 extra point.
Checklist Item 2.2.1.6 (points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Reduce dimensional lumber use by using engineered stud material for 10% of structural stud wall framing. 2 points.
Checklist Item 2.3.1: (item update / points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Minimum 30-year manufacturer warranty roofing material (2 points plus 1 point for each additional 5 years). "Lifetime" warranties have terms/conditions that ultimately have a limit in real years, and will not be considered unless clarified. Inspection by certified roofing inspector or an envelope engineer for 1 point.
Checklist Item 2.3.2: (item update)
Updated for 2017: Low VOC water or damp proofing on foundation walls. (SCAQMD Rule 1113, 2004 VOC limits: Waterproofing sealers <=250 g/L / Waterproofing Concrete or Masonry Sealers: <=400 g/L).
Checklist 3.17: (item update / points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Water-based lacquer or paints are used on all site-built and installed millwork, including doors, casing, and baseboards (less than 200 grams/litre of VOCs for 2 points or less than 50 grams/litre for 3 points).
Checklist Item 3.18: (item update / points have increased)
Updated for 2017: Interior paints used have low VOC content (less than 200 grams/litre of VOCs for 1 point or less than 50 grams/litre for 2 points).
Checklist Item 6.6: (points have decreased)
Updated for 2017: Provide front-loading clothes washer (2 points); or condensing combination wash/dry unit (4 points); or top-loading clothes washer having a rated water factor of less than 25 litres per cycle per cubic foot (3 points).
Checklist Item 7.6: (points have increased)
Manufacturers and/or suppliers purchase 50% or more solar, wind, or renewable electricity (1 point per supplier to a maximum of 3).
Checklist Item 7.13—NEW (a focus on innovation)
The builder integrates innovative sustainable building practices above and beyond what is contained within the checklist section and provides supporting documentation. The innovation must apply to the project and will be reviewed by the Technical Standards Committee at the time of submission. 1 to 5 points.
We are aware the industry is in a time of transition with building code changes and the new EnerGuide rating system, and we’re doing our best to accommodate these with a priority to support and work with builders. Should you have any questions or require support please do let us know.