Background
The Institute for Research in Construction (IRC), part of the National Research Council, is the leader in research, technology and innovation for the Canadian construction industry, the country’s largest industrial sector. Through its research and in partnership with industry, the Institute works to improve the safety, durability and comfort of Canadian workplaces, homes and public infrastructure while helping builders become more competitive.
IRC works with industry to develop innovative building materials and products such as high-performance concrete, superior walls, windows and roofs, and fire-resistant and energy-efficient systems. Its research programs also enhance the comfort of indoor environments, provide effective noise control for homes and offices, increase the structural safety of both new and rehabilitated buildings, and improve the durability, safety and cost-effectiveness of dams, bridges, water mains, sewer systems and other types of public infrastructure.
The Institute is responsible for developing Canada’s model construction codes and works extensively with industry and the provincial and territorial governments to produce building, fire, plumbing, energy and other national codes. They are used across Canada to provide safe and reliable construction.
Through its national evaluation service, the Institute determines whether new construction materials and products meet the standards set out in national codes. In this way, innovative products and processes are more quickly accepted by the marketplace.
IRC also plays a critical role in ensuring that construction technology developed in Canada and around the world reaches those who need it. Information about this technology is provided through publications, seminars and electronic media. And through NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Institute forges industrial partnerships to effectively transfer new technology to Canadian engineers, architects, builders and property managers.
The IRC Advisory Board provides the National Research Council with an industrial perspective on strategic requirements, opportunities and priorities within the construction sector.
Contact Information
Licensing opportunities and project partnerships:
Telephone: (613) 991-2987
Fax: (613) 993-1638
E-mail: Harris.Cunningham@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
To purchase the National Building Code or other codes:
Telephone: (613) 993-2463 or 1-800-672-7990
Fax: (613) 952-7673
Email: IRCpubsales@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Technical enquiries concerning the codes:
Telephone: (613) 993-9960
Fax: (613) 952-4040
Email: codes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Canadian Construction Materials Centre (product and materials evaluations):
Institute for Research in Construction
National Research Council Canada
Building M-24, 1500 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6
Telephone: (613) 993-6189
Fax: (613) 952-0268
Email: ccmc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Please direct all other enquiries to:
Institute for Research in Construction
National Research Council of Canada
1200 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: (613) 993-2607
Fax: (613) 952-7673
Email: Irc.Client-Services@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Web Address: http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
