Novoclimat

What is Novoclimat^®?

Novoclimat^® is a new home program available to consumers interested in buying a home with a high energy efficiency rating. In addition to improving by a minimum of 25% the energy efficiency of buildings, the Novoclimat^® program encourages the home construction industry to continually improve its building techniques. On a voluntary basis, contractors take training courses that lead to a Novoclimat^® certification. They receive technical support and the homes they build are inspected during the construction phase and certified by the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique (AEE) if they satisfy all applicable requirements.

Walk your way through the Novoclimat^® virtual house!

Insulation, air, vapour and water tightness, windows, ventilation... all the criteria for the certification Novoclimat^® are reviewed in this animation. Many tips, reminders and recommendations are exposed.

Am I eligible?

People who want to buy a new single-family, semi-detached or row house (townhouse)—with the exception of homes built north of the 51st parallel or which main heating source is wood—are eligible for Novoclimat^® certification as long as the construction of the home has been done by a contractor accredited by the AEE and that is satisfies all Novoclimat^® requirements. For pre-fabricated homes, a Novoclimat^® certificate will be granted if a certified contractor has carried out the entire assembly of the home. People who choose to do some of the work themselves (e.g.: assembly or insulating the foundations) are eligible for an attestation of performance that covers all materials assembled at the manufacturing plant.

Will my house be inspected?

An evaluator from a private firm not affiliated with the contractor and mandated by the AEE to conduct inspections examines each house registered in the program. For standard houses, two inspections are done. The first takes place before the plasterboard panels are installed. It includes the blower door test. The second takes place once construction has been completed. It includes a complete visual inspection and verification of airflow rate and calibration of your ventilation system.

What are the benefits of buying a home that has been certified Novoclimat^®?

From increased comfort and better insulation to improved ventilation, the benefits of purchasing a new home that has been certified Novoclimat^® are many.