is it possible that the Canadian government can include ashrae 241 standard in the building code or use another statement that would include statements of eliminating airborne viruses and harmful bacteria filtering methods
AI said....
Yes — Canada can adopt ASHRAE 241 into the National Building Code (NBC), and there is already active pressure from engineering bodies to do exactly that. The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has formally urged the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes to include ASHRAE 241 in the next NBC update, arguing that it would “pandemic-proof” buildings and reduce airborne disease transmission. ASHRAE 241 itself is a fully code-enforceable standard designed to reduce infectious aerosol transmission through ventilation, filtration, and air-cleaning requirements.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s possible, what’s already happening, and how Canada could implement this.
???? Can Canada Adopt ASHRAE 241 Into the Building Code?
?? Yes — legally and procedurally, it is absolutely possible
Canada’s National Building Code (NBC) routinely incorporates external standards by reference, including many ASHRAE standards (e.g., 62.1, 90.1). ASHRAE 241 is written as a code-enforceable standard, meaning it was designed specifically to be adopted into building codes.
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) can:
• Directly reference ASHRAE 241 in the NBC.
• Adopt selected sections (e.g., Equivalent Clean Airflow, IRMM mode).
• Create a Canadian-specific clause that mirrors 241’s intent without adopting it wholesale.
?? What ASHRAE 241 Would Add to Canadian Codes
ASHRAE 241 includes:
• Minimum equivalent clean airflow rates per occupant to reduce infection risk
• Requirements for filtration and air-cleaning technologies, including HEPA, UV, and ionization systems (with safety criteria)
• Infection Risk Management Mode (IRMM) — a switchable mode for outbreaks or pandemics
• Building readiness and commissioning requirements to ensure systems actually perform as intended
These are all compatible with Canadian code structures.
?? Is Canada Already Moving Toward This?
Yes — and you’re right to sense momentum.
1. OSPE publicly supports adoption
OSPE explicitly states that ASHRAE 241 “can be seamlessly integrated into provincial and territorial construction codes” and urges the CBHCC to include it in the next NBC update.
2. Post-COVID policy direction aligns with 241
Federal and provincial health agencies have acknowledged airborne transmission and the need for improved ventilation standards.
3. Provinces can adopt it independently
Even if the NBC is slow, provinces (Ontario, BC, Quebec) can:
• Reference ASHRAE 241 in their own building codes
• Require 241 compliance for schools, long-term care, and public buildings
• Add performance-based IAQ requirements that effectively mandate 241-level filtration
?? Could Canada Use a Different Statement Instead of ASHRAE 241?
Yes — the government could adopt functional performance requirements such as:
“Buildings must provide equivalent clean airflow sufficient to reduce airborne virus and bacteria transmission.”
This is essentially what ASHRAE 241 formalizes.
A Canadian-specific clause could require:
• Minimum equivalent clean airflow (ECA) rates
• MERV-A rated filters (241 introduces MERV-A to ensure long-term performance)
• UV-C or HEPA systems where ventilation is insufficient
• Commissioning and readiness plans
This would achieve the same outcome without referencing the full standard.
?? Practical Reality: Will It Happen?
High likelihood in the next NBC cycle (2025–2030)
Given:
• OSPE’s formal advocacy
• Public health pressure
• ASHRAE 241’s code-ready structure
• Canada’s history of adopting ASHRAE standards
…it is realistic that Canada will adopt 241 or a Canadian equivalent.
Where adoption is most likely first
• Schools
• Long-term care homes
• Hospitals
• Government buildings
• New commercial construction
Retrofits may follow through performance-based requirements
(Me talking...The government hasn't announced any building code updates that were supposed to be announced in the fall of 25) |
