A program run by the City of Calgary called the Green Buildings Priority Stream encourages developers and builders to construct high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by helping speed up permit applications.
City of Calgary’s Senior Planner, Angelique Dean, joined our Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX) Calgary Community of Practice on May 28, 2024. Angelique did a presentation about the City’s Green Buildings Priority Stream program.
Below are key details about the program we gathered from the presentation, including its purpose and eligibility criteria.
The Green Buildings Priority Stream Program
This City of Calgary program was launched in 2023 to celebrate and encourage builders who are constructing high-performance and energy-efficient buildings and to provide a faster, more streamlined process for development and building permit applications.
What’s included? Program participants receive support from the City of Calgary throughout the project review and approval stages. They will also receive faster permit reviews than projects outside the program. Some participants will receive promotion on calgary.ca.
Who can participate? The program is open to new Part 3 and Part 9 construction projects (see building classification guide), including mixed-use development, industrial buildings, institutional buildings, and multi-unit residential buildings.
In 2023, 1,011 residential units and 7,413 m² commercial/institutional space were accepted into the program. Some examples of successful applications include:
- An affordable, multi-unit residential building
- A net zero bank branch
- The renovation and expansion of a recreational facility
Program Entry Pathways
To be considered for this program, applicants’ building plans must follow one of the “program entry pathways,” which are different standards or certification levels regarding building energy performance. If a builder’s design meets one of the standards, they are eligible to apply.
Pathway #1: National Energy Building (NECB) code 2020 (Tier 2)
This pathway applies to Part 3 (commercial, industrial, and institutional) buildings that achieve energy performance NECB 2020 Tier 2 or higher, and are built to use 25% less energy and emit 50% less emissions than a minimum-code built building.
For more information on the new building codes, see our blog.
Pathway #2: National Building Code (NBC) 2023 (Tier 4)
This pathway applies to Part 9 (residential) buildings that meet NBC 2023 Tier 4: consume 40% less energy and emit 70% less emissions than a minimum-code built building.
Pathway #3: Net Zero Home Label
This pathway is relevant to residential projects that meet the performance requirements of the Net Zero Home Label Program managed by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). “Net Zero” refers to homes that produce as much energy as they consume annually, using on-site renewable energy systems such as solar panels.
Pathway #4: Net Zero Ready Home Label
This is the same as Pathway #3 (Net Zero Home Label), except the renewable energy system has not yet been installed. However, the home is designed and constructed so that a renewable energy system like solar panels can be easily installed at a later date. Therefore, it is “ready” to be Net Zero.
Pathway #5: Passive House Canada Certified Building
Passive House Canada manages a certification program that can be applied to any building type. The concept of “Passive House” or “Passivhaus” is used worldwide and is based on the principles of a well-insulated and tightly sealed building envelope, with ventilation and high-performance windows.
Click here for a list of FAQs about Passive House.
Pathway #6: Passive House Institute US Certified Building
This pathway is similar to #5, however it is managed by the US Passive House organization (known as Phius) rather than the Canadian one.
Pathway #7: CaGBC Zero Carbon Building
The Zero Carbon Building standard, managed by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), is relevant to Part 3 buildings. “Zero-carbon” is defined as a building that is highly energy efficient and minimizes emissions from building materials and operations. A zero-carbon building produces renewable energy onsite and, until it can completely eliminate emissions, uses high-quality carbon offsets. Offsets can be off-site renewable energy or a credit that can be purchased that compensates for the emissions associated with both building materials and operations.
Pathway #8: BUILT GREEN High Density Program Gold or Platinum Certification
BUILT GREEN manages a certification program called the High Density Program. This stream is relevant to new construction or renovations on multi-storey, residential tower and mixed-use buildings and meet the Gold or Platinum certification level.
Pathway #9: BUILT GREEN Single Family Program or Net Zero Energy+ Certification
BUILT GREEN manages a certification program called the Single Family Program. This stream is relevant to single-family, semi-detached, duplex and low-rise multi-unit buildings that meet the Platinum or Net Zero Energy+ certification level.
Learn More About the Program
ENBIX and the Green Buildings Priority Stream
ENBIX is dedicated to sharing information and supporting the transition to emissions-neutral building practices. ENBIX does not have a direct relationship with the program, however, the Green Buildings Priority Stream is one example of a program designed to encourage higher-performing buildings in Alberta.
ENBIX celebrates and showcases leaders, projects and initiatives. The projects featured in the Green Buildings Priority Stream are examples of leading projects on the pathway to emissions-neutral buildings.
This program is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit The City of Calgary’s website.
