NCCI stands for the New Construction Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program. This program encourages new commercial and industrial buildings to use energy more efficiently.
It follows national building code performance tiers that are more advanced than the building code requirements adopted by the province. Projects that meet the program's requirements can get incentives to help them build net zero-ready buildings. Private companies, non-profits, campuses, and First Nations can all participate.
To apply, your team needs to register and do energy modeling before construction starts. If your project is preapproved, you can get incentives to cover a portion of the costs of energy modeling and building. These incentives are reimbursements that cover a share of the costs of making your building more energy efficient.
The program offers financial incentives for eligible projects in both Energy Modelling and Construction Implementation. For more details on available incentives, check the program guidelines for each path: Energy Modeling Path Residential Buildings Path Renewables Pat
The program continues where the residential New Homes Energy Savings Program ends. Small apartment buildings that fit under Part 9 of the New Brunswick Building Code can use the residential path of the NCCI program. An Energy Advisor will use the HOT 2000 energy simulation modelling software to determine energy efficiency performance.
A wider variety of buildings can use the energy modeling path, which follows the National Energy Codes of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020 and uses ASHRAE 140 compliant tools. This includes retail buildings, apartment buildings, industrial park buildings and more.
To join the program, you must register during the planning and design phase of the project. If construction has already begun, the project is not eligible for the program.
Follow this sequence of events to set your project up for success in the program.
Remember, there are forms to complete at each program step. Many of these forms can be found and submitted online.
Please use these helpful resources to identify the NCCI path for your specific building type. For most building types, refer to Table A-9.36.1.3. of the National Building Code (NBC) 2020.
For mixed-use and niche building types, the performance path will follow NECB 2020 as per Table A.9.36.1.3 of NEBC 2020. If you have additional questions about your building’s path, please email NCCI@nbpower.com.
Energy modelling simulates the energy use, production, and efficiency of a building, system. It uses computer simulations to predict how different elements—like building materials, HVAC systems, lighting, and weather—affect energy use. This helps architects, engineers, and designers achieve better energy efficiency, reduced energy costs, and reduced environmental impact.
Energy modelling is an important tool for meeting sustainability goals, reducing carbon footprints, and complying with energy codes and regulations.
Each NCCI program path has its own list of modelers: Energy Modelling Path: NECB, Approved Energy Modeling Providers Residential Buildings Path: NBC Part 9, Service Organizations
Your project's design and energy modelling team will know your region's climate zone according to the definitions in NECB 2020. Generally, portions of northern New Brunswick are in climate zone 7a because of colder winters, while most southern regions are in climate zone 6. The energy modeller will note the climate zone in their report for participants in the NECB energy modelling path.
