Belvedair news

The Novoclimat program requires higher standards than those set out in the Quebec Building Code, particularly in three major areas: the building envelope (walls, roof, foundations), air tightness, and ventilation.

• • Superior insulation: Novoclimat-certified homes must use high-performance insulation materials continuously from the basement to the roof, limiting heat loss.
• Excellent airtightness: An airtightness test measures air permeability. The Novoclimat protocol requires airtightness not exceeding 1.5 ACH (air changes per hour), which reduces drafts and thermal bridges, allowing for more efficient heat retention.
  At Belvedair, we go even further than these criteria. This allows us to achieve better results in airtightness tests. For example, the Sanctuary projectachieved a score of 0.7 CAH even before the gypsum walls were closed. This is close to PassivHaus standards of 0.6 ACH.
• Controlled ventilation: To ensure good air quality, the program requires a ventilation system with heat recovery (or HRV), installed by certified specialists. Ces mesures techniques limitent les pertes d’énergie et optimisent l’usage du chauffage et de la climatisation.
  
  

2. Improved comfort and air quality

A Novoclimat house offers better thermal comfort: with its high insulation and airtight envelope, rooms stay at a more consistent temperature, without any drafts.

The controlled ventilation system also plays a significant part: it renews the air in the main rooms while expelling humidity and contaminants outside, which improves indoor health and reduces the risk of mold, as highlighted by the Government of Quebec.

For our customers, we do everything we can to ensure healthy air: radon vents; mechanical ventilation that meets the highest standards; natural ventilation that is carefully considered from the planning stage onwards; and a choice of healthy, sustainable materials and finishes.

3. Energy savings: concrete figures

According to Quebec's Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP), which is responsible for the Novoclimat program, the annual energy savings resulting from a certified home can be approximately 20% compared to a new home built according to the standard building code.

In addition, an official evaluation of the Novoclimat program conducted by Econoler, experts in energy efficiency, (2017-2021 period) indicates that 7,281 Novoclimat-certified units saved 98,896 GJ (Gigajoules) during this period. These energy reductions result in a substantial decrease in heating and electricity bills over the years.

4. Financial assistance and return on investment

The Novoclimat program offers financial assistance of up to $4,000 for buyers. The energy savings generated allow you to recoup the additional costs associated with building a Novoclimat home in just a few years. Afterwards, the home will continue to produce energy savings since its consumption is reduced in a sustainable way.

Finally, the reduction in energy and maintenance costs means that, even if the purchase price is higher than for a standard home, the total cost of an eco-friendly home can ultimately be lower!

Would you like to learn more about the cost-effectiveness of an eco-friendly home?

The Novoclimat process includes inspections during construction: a certified advisor evaluates whether the building meets insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and other standards. These inspections ensure that construction quality complies with standards, limit energy loss from the outset, and maximize the building's efficiency.

6. Energy efficiency and program effectiveness

According to a program evaluation report, the unit cost of Novoclimat per gigajoule (GJ) saved is $146/GJ, which places it among reasonably effective residential energy performance programs.

In other words, the program succeeds in generating energy reductions at a competitive cost, while offering increased comfort to occupants.

7. Impacts on value and resale

Beyond immediate savings, a Novoclimat-certified home can have a higher resale value. Prospective buyers may view favorably a home that is designed to be energy efficient, comfortable, and certified. The program's evaluation report notes “positive effects on resale value” among the benefits observed.

8. Limitations to consider

• The program only applies to Novoclimat-certified contractors: not all builders are eligible, which limits the number of certified builders available. When choosing a builder for your project, it is therefore essential to check that they have obtained Novoclimat Select accreditation. Belvedair has been Novoclimat Select certified since 2008.
  
  
• The initial investment is higher than for a standard home, but the additional cost can be recouped through savings and subsidies.