The Impact of Higher Energy Efficiency Standards on Housing Affordability in Alberta

This report presents the results of a life cycle costing analysis that compared a standard house constructed to EnerGuide 80 levels of energy efficiency to one built with the 2006 ABC minimum requirements in Alberta. In Calgary, the EnerGuide 80 levels of energy efficiency resulted in a positive net present value of approximately $ 6,600 (energy savings minus initial capital cost) over the study period, while in Edmonton the same upgrades resulted in a positive net present value of approximately $ 11,000.