2025 National Model Codes Released: What Homeowners and Builders Need to Know
A New Era of Safer, Greener, and More Accessible Construction Across Canada
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) has officially released the 2025 National Model Codes, marking one of the most significant updates in recent years. These codes set the framework for how homes and buildings must be designed, built, renovated, and altered across the country. Provinces and territories will now begin the process of adopting these updates into their own building regulations.
For anyone planning a custom home, laneway suite, addition, multiplex, commercial space, or retrofit, these changes matter. They affect design, engineering, energy performance, climate resilience, and accessibility, all core elements of what we deliver at UTES Design & Build.
Below is a breakdown of the most relevant updates.
Key Updates in the 2025 National Model Codes
1. New Climate‑Ready Building Requirements
- The 2025 Codes incorporate forward‑looking climate data, anticipating weather patterns and climate trends over the next 50 years.
- Buildings must be designed to better withstand extreme temperatures, storms, and environmental conditions.
2. Stronger Energy Efficiency Standards
- New harmonized pathways help reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy efficiency requirements now extend to alterations of existing buildings, creating a more consistent framework for renovations and retrofits.
- Builders gain additional compliance paths, including an Energy Use Intensity option and updated prescriptive packages.
3. Increased Accessibility Requirements
- Accessibility objectives now apply to all types of dwelling units, not just select categories.
- New provisions for:
- Adaptable units (reinforced bathroom walls for future grab bars, reachable controls, wider entrances).
- Visitable units in multi‑unit buildings (wider travel paths, accessible entrance‑level washrooms).
4. Expanded Options for Mass Timber Construction
- Increased allowable exposure of mass timber elements.
- Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC) permitted up to 50 metres in height (12 storeys).
5. Modernized Fire and Life Safety Provisions
- Updated limiting distance tables and formulas for unprotected openings.
- New fire safety research incorporated for mass timber.
- Additional clarity for construction‑phase fire risks.
6. New Requirements for Radon Mitigation
- Mandatory passive vertical radon stacks for dwelling units and home‑type care occupancies.
How Does This Affect You?
For Homeowners
- New builds and major renovations will be more energy efficient, accessible, and climate‑ready.
- Radon mitigation and safety upgrades ensure a healthier, future‑proof home.
For Developers & Builders
- Greater design flexibility through more compliance pathways.
- Mass timber mid‑rise development becomes even more viable.
- Accessibility and energy requirements will influence planning, budgeting, and approvals.
For Commercial Property Owners
- Stricter energy and climate‑resilience standards will improve building longevity and operating performance.
- Updated fire and safety codes will impact layout, materials, and systems design.
Building to the 2025 Standard With UTES
As provinces begin adopting the 2025 Codes, UTES Design & Build is prepared to integrate these updates into every project, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and future‑proof performance.
Whether you’re planning a custom home, an addition, a laneway suite, a multiplex, or a commercial building, our architecture‑plus‑engineering approach ensures nothing is overlooked.
Contact us today to learn how the 2025 Codes will shape your next project.
