If you are planning to build a New Home (Addition or Extensive Renovation) in Ontario, you need to comply with the Energy Efficiency requirements of the Ontario Building Code SB-12. One of the ways to demonstrate compliance is to fill out and submit the Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) form, also known as the SB-12 form. This form is used by a designer to show that the energy efficiency design of a house meets or exceeds the minimum standards set by the OBC.
But what is the SB-12 form, and how do you complete it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what the SB-12 form is, how it works, where to find it, and why it is important. We will also provide some tips and best practices for filling out the form correctly and efficiently.
Table of Contents
What is the SB-12 Form?
How Does the SB-12 Form Work?
Where to Find the SB-12 Form?
Why is the SB-12 Form Important?
Tips and Best Practices for Completing the SB-12 Form
FAQs for the SB-12 Form
Step-by-Step EEDS Form Completion
What is the SB-12 Form?
The SB-12 form is a document that summarizes the energy efficiency design of a house that is built under Part 9 of the OBC, which covers residential buildings. The form is based on Supplementary Standard SB-12, which provides various compliance options and packages for achieving energy efficiency in houses.
The SB-12 form has two versions: one for the prescriptive method and one for the performance or other acceptable compliance methods. The prescriptive method requires that each component of the house (such as insulation, windows, heating system, etc.) meets a specific minimum requirement. The performance or other acceptable compliance methods allow for more flexibility and trade-offs, as long as the overall energy performance of the house is equivalent or better than the prescriptive method.
The SB-12 form includes information such as:
- Project details (address, permit number, etc.)
- Compliance option and package chosen
- Project design conditions (climatic zone, heating fuel source, etc.)
- Building specifications (values and ratings of energy efficiency components)
- Energy efficiency substitutions (if applicable)
- Designer information and declaration
How Does the SB-12 Form Work?
The SB-12 form works as follows:
1. The designer of the house chooses a compliance option and package from SB-12 that suits the project's needs and goals.
2. The designer fills out the appropriate version of the SB-12 form with the relevant information and calculations.
3. The designer signs and dates the form, declaring that the design complies with SB-12 and the OBC.
4. The designer submits the form along with the permit application to the local building authority for review and approval.
5. The builder constructs the house according to the approved design and specifications.
6. The building inspector verifies that the house matches the design and complies with SB-12 and the OBC.
Where to Find the SB-12 Form?
The SB-12 form can be found here:
Alternatively, you can contact your local building authority.
Why is the SB-12 Form Important?
The SB-12 form is important for several reasons, such as:
- It ensures that your house meets or exceeds the energy efficiency requirements of the OBC, which can save you money on energy bills, improve your comfort and health, and reduce your environmental impact.
- It provides a clear and concise summary of your house's energy efficiency design, which can help you communicate with the builder, the building authority, and potential buyers or renters.
- It legal requirement for Building Permit in Ontario
Tips and Best Practices for Completing the SB-12 Form
Completing the SB-12 form can be a complex and tedious task, especially if you are not familiar with the technical terms and calculations involved. Here are some tips and best practices to help you complete the form correctly and efficiently:
- Review the SB-12 standard carefully and choose the compliance option and package that best suit your project's needs and goals. Consider factors such as cost, performance, flexibility, and availability of materials and equipment.
- Use the latest version of the SB-12 form and fill it out electronically if possible. This can help you avoid errors, omissions, or illegibility.
- Provide accurate and complete information and calculations on the form. Use reliable sources and tools to obtain the values and ratings of the energy efficiency components. This information can always be found on Building Cross Section.If you are unsure about something, consult a qualified designer or an expert.
-You will be required to calculate the area of all above grade portions of your home. From final grade to underside of conditioned ceiling areas.
-You will also need to calculate the total rough stud openings of all exterior windows and doors
- Check your work and make sure that everything is consistent and coherent. Verify that the design meets or exceeds the chosen compliance option and package. Make sure that the form is signed and dated.
- Keep a copy of the form and all supporting documents for your records. You may need them for future reference or verification.
FAQs for the SB-12 Form
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the SB-12 form:
Q: Who is responsible for completing the SB-12 form?
A: The designer of the house is responsible for completing the SB-12 form. The designer can be the owner, the architect, the engineer, or another qualified person.
Q: When do I need to submit the SB-12 form
A: You need to submit the SB-12 form along with your permit application to the local building authority before you start construction. The building authority will review and approve your design based on the information provided on the form.
Q: What if I make changes to my design after submitting the SB-12 form?
A: If you make changes to your design that affect its energy efficiency, you need to update and resubmit the SB-12 form to reflect those changes. You also need to obtain approval from the building authority before implementing those changes.
Q: How do I prove that my house complies with SB-12 after construction?
A: Your OBC inspections to verify that your house was built to the approved designs.
Step-by-Step EEDS Form Completion
Click the link below to navigate to our SB-12 Completion Guide
Complete the questions in the Guide
Check your email for your completed SB-12 Form
Note: This guide works to ensure you are placing the required information in the correct locations on the form. The information for completion of the summary form should be found within/derived from your architectural drawings. While this Guide does its best to aid you in the completion of your form, we make no claims in regards to the accuracy, or completeness of the information you have provided, the sufficiency of the form or suitability of its use.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand what the SB-12 form is and how to complete it. Completing the SB-12 form is an essential step in building an energy-efficient house in Ontario that complies with the OBC.
However, completing the SB-12 form can also be a challenging and time-consuming task that requires technical knowledge and skills. If you need help with completing the SB-12 form or any other aspect of your HVAC design, heat load calculations, or HVAC drawings, you can contact us at SALTZBERRY Design.
SALTZBERRY Design is a professional HVAC design company servicing Ontario. We have over 20 years of experience in designing energy-efficient HVAC systems for residential buildings. We can help you with:
- Filling out and submitting the SB-12 forms
- Providing supporting documents and calculations
- Delivering high-quality HVAC drawings
To get started and complete form yourself or call us at (phone number). We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free quote and consultation.