The only thing that makes my tree-huggin’, Building Code lovin’, education obsessed soul happier than finding out about the Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF)….is working on the application form by a pool when it is -30C at home.
If you weren’t aware, Natural Resources Canada has a call for proposals open until March 27, 2023, to fund projects that will help accelerate adoption of minimum energy code requirements as well as other high-performance codes and standards. This brings me much joy for many reasons, but I’ll narrow it down to three:
- have been waiting for this day since we launched our Kilo Lima Code School in October 2020.
- There has historically been a huge gap between the Code development process and end users, which often results in minimum requirements just not being met (elephant in the room). This initiative will provide training and tools to specific user groups, so they can hit the ground running when the Codes are adopted…and that is amazing.
- Not only is it funding Code education…but also Beyond the Codes!!! The Code is the worst building we can build legally. I truly believe if people knew how to do better, most would. But when the Code itself is a mystery, going beyond can seem overwhelming.
Here is a link to the information on the CAF. A brief overview from the information online:
“The three objectives of the CAF are to:
- Accelerate the adoption and implementation of the highest feasible energy performance tiers of the national model energy codes or other high-performance building codes, such as net-zero emissions codes
- Promote higher rates of compliance with adopted codes
- Build capacity and support market preparedness for ambitious code adoption
The CAF has two funding streams:
Stream 1: Support for jurisdictions with the authority to adopt energy codes
- This funding will support provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous governments and communities with the authority to adopt energy codes, to accelerate code adoption and address gaps in code compliance and enforcement.
Stream 2: Support for organizations without the authority to adopt energy codes
- This funding will support organizations that do not have the authority to adopt energy codes to develop capacity-building projects that contribute to code adoption, compliance, and/or enforcement. This group includes for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and jurisdictions that do not have the authority to adopt codes.
We have plans for an inclusive, holistic, and innovative educational platform to make sure everyone is up to speed on the most recent requirements. Just like any new code or standard requirement, we all know when we’re not on the same page, things move very slowly…and definitely not accelerated.
Our motto at Kilo Lima is ‘it takes a village’, and this initiative is no different.
We’ll be looking for various instructors to collaborate with. It takes a special type of person to want to understand the code, and another level who has the skills to be able to get others pumped up about them. If you are a Code geek who loves to teach, let’s chat. This isn’t only code specific consultants, but also architects, interior designers, and building system designers (mechanical, structural, electrical, etc) who are experts in how the requirements affect their contribution to a project.
We’re also looking for a couple progressive municipalities to work alongside. Depending on provincial legislation, municipalities may or may not have the authority to adopt requirements above and beyond the adopted Code, which would affect which Stream (1 or 2) they fall in. It seems silly to me for each of Canada’s 3 500+ municipalities to work on solutions in silos. So let’s do it together!
You can reach out through our website, or connect with me directly on LinkedIN or at [email protected]
Talk soon,
KL
P.S. I realize my profile picture below is some default mustache man. I’m not sure why. Our IT department tells me the anticipated fix date is summer 2023. I am the IT department, and appreciate your understanding and patience.
