📌 Mandatory for Commercial Building Permits in Ontario

Under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Supplementary Standard SB-10, all new commercial, institutional, and large residential buildings in Ontario must meet minimum energy efficiency requirements. This is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining a building permit for most non-residential new construction and major renovation projects.

OBC SB-10 aligns with the province’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve long-term building performance.

🔗 Official resource:

Ontario Building Code – Supplementary Standard SB-10 (Government of Ontario)

💼 What Is SB-10?

SB-10 sets out energy performance targets for:
• Part 3 buildings (commercial, institutional, high-rise residential)
• New construction, additions, and major retrofits
• Design options: Prescriptive, Performance, or Alternative Compliance Paths

The standard references national and international codes such as:
• ASHRAE 90.1
• NECB (National Energy Code for Buildings)
• Ontario’s Tiered Energy Code (2023 updates)

🧩 Who Must Comply?

  • Architects, engineers, and developers designing commercial or large multi-residential buildings
    • Projects seeking building permits in Ontario municipalities
    • Buildings that fall under Part 3 of the OBC
    • Renovations or additions that exceed defined thresholds of area or energy system impact

🛠️ Our Expertise

We help ensure full SB-10 compliance while optimizing your energy design:
✅ Code pathway selection (Prescriptive vs. Performance)
✅ Energy modeling using NECB, ASHRAE 90.1, or eQuest/IES
✅ Envelope, HVAC, lighting & service water system calculations
✅ Compliance report preparation for permit submission
✅ Integration with LEED®, TGS, or other sustainability frameworks

🧷 Can Be Combined With:

Your SB-10 compliance process can also support eligibility for:
• Toronto Green Standard (TGS)
• Enbridge Savings by Design or HPNC
• CMHC – MLI Select
• Net-Zero or LEED Certification Pathways
• Federal or Provincial Incentive Programs

📞 Permit Ready. Code Compliant.

Don’t let permitting delays hold up your project. We’ll guide your team through the SB-10 process to achieve fast-track compliance and energy-efficient outcomes.