R-2000 Standard

R-2000 is operated by Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency.

It promotes the use of cost-effective, energy-efficient building practices and technologies. The R-2000 Standard demands a high level of energy efficiency, beyond what building codes require. R-2000 houses are also healthier houses – they incorporate a whole-house ventilation system and low-emissions building materials and finishes to ensure superior indoor air quality.

Participation in the initiative is voluntary. Home builders who build to the R-2000 Standard do so because they consider an R-2000 home to be a better home. Buyers choose R-2000 homes for their superior quality and comfort, as well as energy savings. R-2000 includes the following:

An energy-efficiency standard for new houses that is continually upgraded ongoing education and training courses for home builders testing and certifying of new R-2000 houses

The R-2000 Standard is based on an energy consumption target for each house and a series of technical requirements for ventilation, airtightness (to ensure less drafts), insulation, choice of materials, water use and other factors. Ongoing research ensures that the R-2000 Standard remains at the leading edge of affordable energy-efficient construction technology.
Since R-2000 began, almost 10 000 R-2000 homes have been built and certified. Close to 900 builders have been licensed to build R-2000 homes. While new housing quality has improved as a result of R-2000 and other builder training programs, R-2000 builders still lead the industry in the quality of their homes – quality the Government of Canada stands behind with its R-2000 certificate.

R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada.