Novoclimat: everything you need to know
- coraliefortin076
- May 15
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Building or renovating a home in Quebec is much more than just a real estate project. It's a long-term investment that must combine comfort, energy efficiency, and profitability. In a context where energy costs are constantly evolving and environmental issues are a central concern, it is becoming essential to consider sustainable solutions.
It is with this in mind that the Novoclimat program was established by the Quebec government. It aims to encourage the construction of new residential buildings that meet energy performance standards higher than those of the current Construction Code.
At Plan Maison Québec, we're committed to guiding our clients through this type of project by providing them with plans that meet the most stringent standards. In this comprehensive guide, discover everything you need to know about the Novoclimat program before starting your house, cottage, or garage project.
The Novoclimat program: a sustainable vision of residential construction
The Novoclimat program was launched with the goal of reducing the energy consumption of new construction while improving occupant comfort. It targets several types of residential buildings, including single-family homes, multi-unit dwellings, multi-generational homes, and even certain institutional buildings. The goal is to move the construction sector toward more responsible practices without complicating the process for owners.
Unlike traditional buildings, Novoclimat homes must meet strict requirements in terms of thermal insulation, airtightness, mechanical ventilation, and the quality of heating systems. These elements significantly reduce energy loss and ensure a healthy and consistent indoor climate, regardless of the season.
Why choose a Novoclimat certified house?
One of the main attractions of the Novoclimat program is that it offers tangible benefits in both the short and long term. When you choose to build according to this program with the help of Plan Maison Québec, you are investing in a better-designed, more sustainable home that will save you money year after year.
1 ) Long-term energy savings
A Novoclimat-certified home uses approximately 20% less energy than a conventional home. This can represent savings of several hundred dollars on electricity and heating bills each year. With harsh winters like those experienced in Quebec, this savings quickly becomes significant. It is even more beneficial when energy costs rise.
These savings are made possible by a combination of high-performance insulation materials, energy-efficient doors and windows, and optimized mechanical systems. The choice of heating, often based on electricity or residual forest biomass, is also better suited to the building's overall performance.
2 ) Exceptional interior comfort
The difference is felt from the first weeks of occupancy. Thanks to reinforced thermal insulation and better ventilation management, Novoclimat homes offer superior comfort in all seasons. Temperature variations between rooms are reduced, floors are warmer, and unpleasant drafts are virtually eliminated.
Indoor air, often neglected in traditional homes, is also of better quality. Mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV) ensure constant air circulation while maintaining optimal humidity levels. This reduces the risk of allergies, asthma, or mold, and improves the overall health of occupants.
3 ) A capital gain on resale
Novoclimat-certified homes stand out in the real estate market. For informed buyers, this certification is a guarantee of quality and energy efficiency. It provides reassurance regarding future maintenance costs and allows for a better resale price. In addition to being a strong marketing argument, it demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, attracting more and more buyers concerned about their environmental impact.
Eligibility criteria for the Novoclimat program
The Novoclimat program is primarily aimed at new construction projects. To be eligible, the building must meet certain essential criteria. It must be located in Quebec (south of the 51st parallel), be intended for residential use, and be built according to specific energy performance standards.
The heating system must be based on a clean source such as electricity or residual forest biomass. Heating systems based on fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas are generally not accepted, unless otherwise justified. This encourages a transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Another key point is that the project must be registered with the program before construction begins and carried out by an accredited contractor. The government maintains an up-to-date register of builders recognized for their Novoclimat construction expertise. These contractors must have undergone specialized training to master the program's technical requirements.
At Plan Maison Québec, we not only help you design plans compatible with Novoclimat, but we also connect you with certified partners to ensure the compliant completion of your project.
What are the steps in the certification process?
Once you've decided to build a Novoclimat home, there are several steps you must take to obtain certification. First, the planning and design must meet the program's requirements. This is where Plan Maison Québec comes in, offering you personalized house plans that integrate all the required elements from the start:
House orientation
Insulation thickness
Choice of materials
Mechanical systems
Etc.
When construction begins, inspections are carried out at various stages of the project. An independent inspector visits the site to ensure that the methods and materials used are compliant. Particular attention is paid to airtightness, measured by a blower door test. This test detects air leaks in the building envelope and ensures optimal energy efficiency.
If all requirements are met, certification is issued and financial assistance can be paid.
Financial incentives to help you take action
One of the major advantages of the Novoclimat program is the possibility of obtaining direct financial support. This assistance varies depending on the type of housing:
A single-family home (5.5 rooms or more) can earn you up to $1,700.
An average-sized house (4½) is eligible for $1,350.
For a small dwelling (2.5 or 3.5), the assistance is $1,000, and it can drop to $500 for more compact dwellings without a kitchen or full bathroom.
Additionally, if you are a first-time buyer (i.e., purchasing your first property), you could receive an additional $2,000 bonus, bringing the total up to $4,000. This amount can be used to offset certain construction-related costs, or to invest in additional high-performance equipment.
These financial incentives make the program very attractive and help offset some of the initial cost of building an energy-efficient home. In return, the monthly energy savings will continue to accrue throughout the life of the home.
Plan Maison Québec: your partner for a Novoclimat house
For many years, Plan Maison Québec has been recognized for its expertise in designing residential construction plans in Quebec. Our team of architectural technicians has a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Novoclimat program. We don't just draw up plans: we design sustainable living projects, tailored to your budget and Quebec's climate.
Each project is personalized. Whether you want to build a chalet in the countryside, a family home in the suburbs, or a garage integrated into your residence, we design plans that adhere to the principles of sustainable development. We also assist you with administrative procedures and connect you with certified professionals to ensure construction meets standards.
Doing business with Plan Maison Québec means choosing a trusted partner who places your needs at the heart of the process, while guiding you towards the best energy solutions.
Conclusion: Take action with Plan Maison Québec
Choosing to build a Novoclimat-certified home is a concrete step toward the environment while making a smart and sustainable investment. This government program offers a unique opportunity to optimize your home's energy performance, improve its comfort, and benefit from advantageous financial assistance.
Do you have a construction or renovation project? Don't wait any longer.
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