The Task Group (TG) continued reviewing public comments on proposed change 2061, focusing on the suggested appendix note reference to ASHRAE 140 for evaluating energy simulation software. A consultant noted that most simulation tools (e.g., Energy Plus, Trace, E-quest) could perform interior temperature calculations using hourly time steps, though they are typically used for larger buildings and not homes. The TG decided that referencing ASHRAE 140 was unnecessary, opting instead to note the importance of hourly time steps in the appendix.

On concerns that mandatory cooling could increase greenhouse gas emissions, especially in northern regions, the TG acknowledged the merit of these comments but emphasized that proposed change 2061 stemmed from policy direction and this remained a policy discussion. It noted that provinces and territories have the authority not to adopt certain changes.

Regarding CHBA's concerns on the implications for tiered energy requirements, staff cited prior cross-committee coordination showing no conflicts. While the TG cannot revise energy provisions, it suggested that the two relevant National Model Code Committees coordinate on:

• The impact of added cooling loads to the reference house on reaching higher tier energy targets,
• Effects on the peak cooling criteria in the performance path
• How modeling energy use in Part 6 buildings (according to the National Energy Code for Buildings (
  NECB)) may be influenced by this change (NBC Part 6 references Sections 9.32/9.33 in certain cases)

For more information, please contact Frank Lohmann