Specification 44

This 63-minute course provides a comprehensive introduction to Specification 44, a performance-based compliance pathway for residential energy efficiency under the National Construction Code. Through detailed modeling demonstrations and practical examples, participants will master the fundamentals of using Specification 44 for Class 1 building energy assessments and compliance reporting.

Key Course Content:

The course begins by establishing the regulatory foundation of Specification 44 within the National Construction Code's H6 Energy Efficiency provisions, specifically H6P1 thermal performance requirements. Participants explore the three critical load limits: heating load limits (S44C2), cooling load limits (S44C3), and thermal energy load limits (S44C4), understanding how these equations incorporate heating/cooling degree hours and area adjustment factors for buildings between 50-350 square meters of habitable space.

A significant portion focuses on practical model setup using the platform's residential modeling tools. The session demonstrates building geometry creation, space tagging systems for efficient specification distribution, and the critical distinction between habitable rooms (bedrooms, living areas, offices) and non-habitable spaces (bathrooms, corridors, garages) as defined by the NCC. Participants learn to apply H6V2 verification method assumptions for occupancy schedules, internal heat gains, lighting loads, equipment specifications, and HVAC set points, while understanding the limitations and potential biases of these default assumptions.

The course extensively covers model optimization strategies through hands-on examples. Participants observe real-time building fabric improvements including wall insulation upgrades (achieving R2.4+ performance), roof system enhancements (R5.5+ with thermal bridging considerations), window specifications (reducing solar heat gain coefficients to 0.37-0.46), and strategic shading design. The session demonstrates the iterative design process using zone load analysis to identify key opportunities such as glazing solar control, floor insulation improvements, and equipment load rationalization.

Advanced topics include infiltration modeling (0.35 ACH defaults), natural ventilation strategies with operable windows, custom equipment loads based on Energy Rating Calculator values, and the use of airflow networks. The course covers practical tools including the Table H6V2B calculator for occupancy adjustments, custom climate data input options, and lighting/equipment fraction specifications for LED and mixed kitchen loads.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be proficient in creating compliant Specification 44 models, interpreting load analysis results to guide design optimization, and understanding the performance-based design brief requirements for building certifier engagement and design team coordination.

Course Completion:

A Certificate of Competency will be awarded upon achieving an 80% pass mark on the final assessment, demonstrating practical understanding of Specification 44 modeling methodology and compliance procedures.

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