These datasets provide information collected through EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) residential energy efficiency evaluations. Data is provided by calendar year, at the Forward Sortation Area level (FSA, the first 3 digits of the postal code) for files since 2004. Home energy efficiency evaluations are performed by independent service organizations (SOs) and their registered Energy Advisors (EAs) using Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) HOT2000 software to simulate the annual energy consumption of a home, as well as the impact of recommended upgrades. EAs perform tests and collect data about the home to populate an energy model and create a HOT2000 file, which is submitted to NRCan. The ERS database includes existing housing assessments (pre retrofit (D files), post retrofit (E files)), and evaluations for new homes (plan files (P file) and as-built houses (N files)). This dataset includes over 400 fields of home specific information (e.g. heating equipment fuel type, number of doors, etc.) available at the FSA level. Note that NRCan initiatives (ERS for existing and new homes) are voluntary, and may be affected by self-selection bias. Data is based on homes that received an EnerGuide Rating System evaluation and may not be representative of the entire Canadian housing stock. Some areas may be better represented due to participation in local incentive programs. In accordance with Statistics Canada policies, FSA’s with data from less than 10 homes have been removed from the dataset to protect against re-identification. Calculation results (such as energy consumption, heat losses and greenhouse gas emissions) are based on standardized operating conditions and long-term climate data. Data from a home energy evaluation is collected and entered manually and is subject to human error, despite some validations being done on each file. This dataset is provided to support research on residential energy efficiency. It is not intended to report on participation in energy retrofit incentive programs. The HOT2000 software calculations and data collection procedures have changed over time. Refer to the Data Dictionary for details. Natural Resources Canada is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in the reproduced material. Natural Resources Canada shall at all times be indemnified and held harmless against any and all claims whatsoever arising out of negligence or other fault in the use of the information contained in this publication or product.

This table shows the 2021 population and dwelling counts for reported forward sortation areas.