Canada’s New Building Codes: Climate Resilience Takes Center Stage
The future of construction in Canada is about to change in a big way. For the first time ever, Canada’s National Building Code (NBC) will formally integrate climate resilience into housing and infrastructure design. This groundbreaking update aims to ensure buildings can withstand the environmental challenges they’ll face in the decades to come.
A Code Built for the Future
At the recent CatIQ Connect industry conference in Toronto, Marianne Armstrong, director of the climate resilient built environment initiative at the National Research Council Canada, shared an exciting update:
“The next code—pending final approval, we just need a rubber stamp on this at this point—is going to be the first code in the world that enables us to build buildings for the climate they’re actually going to see.”
This means that future homes and buildings won’t just be constructed for the historical climate data of the past but will be designed to endure the changing climate conditions ahead. The new NBC is expected to be published this fall, though provinces and territories will take about 18 months (or possibly longer) to officially adopt it into regulation.
One of the biggest changes? A newly established official code committee on climate change adaptation for the 2030 code—a major step forward in prioritizing resilience in Canada’s built environment.
What’s Changing in the 2025 Building Code?
The NBC 2020 already set out technical provisions for designing and constructing new buildings, as well as alterations, changes of use, and demolitions. But looking ahead to NBC 2025, the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is considering updates that will introduce specific provisions for improving energy efficiency during renovations.
Paul Kovacs, founder and executive director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), is particularly excited about the upcoming adaptation committee. He asked Armstrong what adaptation proposals are on the table for new houses, and the answer is promising.
Six Key Areas of Climate Adaptation
The new code will focus on six critical environmental challenges:
Wildfire Resilience – Measures to reduce the risk of homes and buildings being destroyed by wildfires.
Flood Protection – Enhancements to help buildings withstand flooding and water damage.
Permafrost Melt Adaptation – Design updates to protect infrastructure in Canada’s northern regions, where thawing permafrost threatens structural integrity.
Extreme Wind Resistance – Reinforced structures to withstand stronger and more frequent storms.
Overheating Prevention – Improved ventilation and cooling solutions for buildings in areas experiencing hotter summers.
Durability Standards – A focus on ensuring that buildings last longer despite harsher climate conditions.
The process of integrating climate resilience into the 2025 NBC has been in the works for nine years. The Canada Green Building Council reports that the federal code will include operational greenhouse gas emission targets and the integration of future-oriented climate data.
Looking Ahead to the 2030 Code
If you’re in the construction, insurance, or real estate industries, now is the time to pay attention. Armstrong warns that the time to influence the 2030 building code has already passed:
“If you’re not in the door now, you’re not going to see anything for 2030.”
This highlights the lengthy and complex process of updating the building code. Code change requests can be submitted at any time through the CBHCC website, but they must align with prioritized tasks to be considered for the current or next cycle. Even then, they can sit in review for up to a decade before becoming part of an official code update.
Why Does It Take So Long?
The process starts with a code change request, which anyone can submit. However, priorities are set at the beginning of each code cycle, meaning submissions need to be in place years before a new code is finalized. Armstrong explains:
“For 2030, all the code requests are in, and all the priorities are set. You’re not going to affect change from now through 2030 unless there’s something urgent for health and safety.”
Once a request is considered, it undergoes a committee review, possible revisions, and then a public feedback process. In the last cycle, there were about 300 proposed changes—so while the system may seem slow, it’s handling a significant volume of updates.
What This Means for You
For homeowners, builders, and insurers, these updates signal a new era of construction in Canada. The shift toward climate resilience means homes and buildings will be better equipped to handle wildfires, floods, and extreme weather. For those in the insurance industry, it’s an opportunity to reassess risk models and ensure policies align with future-proof building standards.
As we move toward the adoption of these new codes, staying informed and prepared will be key. Whether you’re a property owner looking to upgrade your home or a builder adapting to new regulations, Canada’s evolving building code is setting the foundation for a more resilient future.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming National Building Code updates represent a major shift in how we approach construction in Canada. With climate change increasing risks like wildfires, floods, and extreme heat, these changes couldn’t come at a better time. While regulatory adoption may take a while, the future of resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking construction is finally here.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, now is the time to start planning for these upcoming changes. Whether you’re building, renovating, or insuring, the future of climate-resilient construction in Canada is something you won’t want to ignore.