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Year-End Updates 1: 2016 BUILT GREEN® Single Family and High Density Checklists & Guides

Single Family Checklist

Given the changes that were made to the Checklist in 2015 as the outcome to a one-year public consultation process, updates for 2016 are minimal and are outlined below:


Checklist item 1.1.6

  • Updated for 2016: Install site-applied spray foam (or cut-to-size rigid foam, sealed with appropriate foam/caulking) to insulate entire rim joist area (1 point), exposed floors (2 points), and/or house walls (4 points), and/or entire roof (3 points).”
  • Previous: Install site-applied spray foam to insulate entire rim joist area (1 point), exposed floors (2 points), and/or house walls (4 points), and/or entire roof (3 points).


Checklist item 2.3.3 (points have increased)

  • Updated for 2016: Use a rain screen system to separate cladding from the wall sheathing with a drainage plane (2 points), made from 60% or more recycled content (additional 1 point). Integrate windows into drainage plane by angling bottom sills slightly down towards the exterior, and install window flashing to direct moisture out towards the drainage plane (additional 1 point).
  • Previous: Use rain screen system separating cladding from the wall sheathing with a drainage plane (2 points), 60% or more recycled content (1 point).


Checklist item 7.8

  • Updated for 2016: Builder has written an environmental policy defining their commitment (must include an office recycling program, a staff education program, appropriate signage in the builder's offices and onsite, and energy efficient lighting).
  • Previous: Builder has written an environmental policy defining their commitment (must include an office recycling program, a staff education program, appropriate signage in the builder's offices, and energy efficient lighting).


** The 2016 Single Family Guide is now available; the Checklist and Guide will also be posted on the new BUILT GREEN® portal—coming soon. If you would like us to send you a copy of this directly, please email [email protected].


High Density Checklist

Save for one change to the checklist, as indicated below, the main change to the High Density Checklist is on energy performance—the change moves energy performance requirements to align with national building code.


Checklist item 2.3.3 (points have increased)

  • Please see under Single Family changes—same applies to HD.


Energy & Envelope

Energy performance standards move from MNECB 1997 to NECB 2011 with adjusted energy performance levels to reflect increased requirements. In addition, ASHRAE 90.1 2007 has been moved to ASHRAE 90.1 2010 and with this, adjusted energy performance levels to reflect increased requirements.


Note: Built Green Canada has not reduced its standards, but rather, the energy requirements are more rigorous now: therefore, the drop in the percentage improvements required.


  • Updated for 2016: Over NECB 2011: meeting code for Bronze, 10% for Silver, 20% for Gold, and 30% for Platinum. Over ASHRAE 90.1 2010: 5% improvement for Bronze, 15% for Silver, 25% for Gold, 35% for Platinum.
  • Previous: Over MNECB 1997: 25% improvement for Bronze, 35% for Silver, 45% for Gold, and 50% for Platinum. Over ASHRAE 90.1 2007: 15% improvement for Bronze, 25% for Silver, 35% for Gold, 40% for Platinum.


** The 2016 High Density Guide is now available; the Checklist and Guide will also be posted on the new BUILT GREEN® portal—coming soon. If you would like us to send you a copy of this directly please email [email protected].


Important notes:

A reminder that the 2016 Single Family and High Density Checklists are effective on January 1, 2016; however, builders may elect to use the 2015 Checklist versions to enrol projects up to and including March 31, 2016.


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.