What is R-2000?
The R-2000 Standard (R-2000) is a technical performance standard for energy efficiency, air tightness quality for homes and also encompasses environmental responsibility in home construction. When a home is built to the R-2000 Standard, they will typically exceed the energy performance requirements set out by Canadian building codes, and are recognized as being environmentally responsible homes. The R-2000 Standard has become the target for energy efficient new homes in Canada. As the standard is upgraded, it includes new technologies and is flexible enough to apply to any type of home.
R-2000 is managed through consultations by the Government of Canada and industry representatives, such as researchers, home builders, product manufacturers, and other housing experts. These partners meet regularly to review new housing research and will upgrade the R-2000 Standard as new developments occur. R-2000 certified builders receive additional training and information to keep them up to date with the current R-2000 practices and standards.
What are EnerGuide Ratings?
An EnerGuide rating shows an average of a home’s energy performance. It shows exactly how energy efficient the home is. The rating is calculated based on standard operation assumptions so that the energy performance of one house can be compared against another.
The home’s energy efficiency level is rated on a scale of 0 to 100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation, and extremely high energy consumption. A rating of 100 represents a house that is airtight, well insulated, sufficiently ventilated, and requires no purchased energy on an annual basis.
| Typical Energy Efficiency Ratings | |
| Type of House | Rating |
| New house build to building code standards | 65-72 |
| New house with some energy-efficiency improvements | 73-79 |
| Energy-efficient new house | 80-90 |
| House requiring little or no purchased energy | 91-100 |
For a brand new house, a rating of 80 or higher is excellent.
Information sourced from The Office of Energy Efficiency, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Canada.
