Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Energy Ready

Wondering what a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Home is? It is simply a home that produces as much clean energy as it consumes.  They are up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes and use renewable energy systems (i.e. solar) to produce the remaining energy they need. Every part of the house works together to provide consistent temperatures throughout, prevent drafts, and filter indoor air to reduce dust and allergens. The result: exceptional energy performance and the ultimate in comfort – a home at the forefront of sustainability. It all adds up to a better living experience.

A Net Zero Energy Ready Home (NZER) is designed and built to the same NZE standard with the exception of adding the renewable energy systems (i.e. solar).

Given that utility rates are going up, it is a smart choice.

Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Energy Homes is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, lower utilities bills and increase the value of your home.

• With a NZE and NZER, your utility bills will fall to an all-time low, and stay low all year round.
• A Net Zero Home protects you from future increases in energy prices. Over the years, that could be a very big deal.
• Built to higher standards than conventional new homes, a Net Zero Home is more durable – with high performance, warm windows and better insulated walls and roof.

NZE and NZER provide Greater Comfort and Healthier Living     

A Net Zero Home delivers exceptional comfort all year round.

• Advanced construction methods and materials along with superior heating, cooling and ventilation equipment means more even temperatures throughout the house.

Exceptional indoor air quality for healthier living.

• A built-in filtered fresh air system reduces allergens and asthma triggers, such as dust, pollen and outdoor air pollution.

Tightly built and well insulated, a Net Zero Home is quieter. Outside noise such as traffic, lawnmowers and barking dogs are virtually silenced.

Environmentally Responsible

• By purchasing a Net Zero Home, you’re doing your part to protect against climate change and preserve natural resources for future generations.
• A Net Zero Home produces as much energy – clean, renewable energy – as it consumes.
• All of a Net Zero Home’s features work together to significantly minimize your household’s environmental footprint.

With RRHBA Builder members and renovators there is an opportunity to push the quality of life forward than any time in history. Today we have the building science and technology to meet and exceed the proposed 2030 National Building Codes, which will require every newly built home to be Net Zero Energy Ready.

• Homes built today can easily be 20% more energy efficient then 2020 NBC requirements.
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation system
  • Triple Pane Windows
  • Smart Home Technology
  • High efficiency 2 stage furnace
  • UV light purification systems with Merv 13 furnance filters
  • Dimpled membrane foundation wrap
  • Tankless hot Water Heater
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Outlet
  • Starter solar panels (i.e. 6 solar panels)

Adding these features work together to make your home more energy efficient by producing some solar energy, reducing water and energy usage consumption and preventing heat loss.

Benefits include reducing GHG emission and saving on utility bills.

• Add to these features,
  • Doubling the solar energy production (12 panels) and you can make your home 50% more efficient than the 2020 NBC requirements.
  • Save over $1,000 annually on energy costs
  • Over 4 metric tonnes of GHG reduced annually.
• Getting to Net Zero Ready
  • Making some modifications from when your home was first designed.
  • Enhancing the wall envelope system you can create an airtight system from foundation to attic. Covering your entire home in an energy efficient blanket. You will have a home that stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  • Adding Air Source Heat Pump and Heat Pump Hot Water Tank
  • Increased air quality and noise reduction year round.
• The Canadian Government has committed to moving the Canadian National Building Code to Net Zero Ready no later than 2030 (NBC) and Net Zero Certified building code by 2050. You can be a head of minimum building codes and the market, protecting the long term value of your investment by the choices you make today.
  • 100% more energy efficient than the 2020 NBC
  • Huge saving on the utility bill and the environment
  • Fully certified as a Net Zero Energy Home by a third-party Energy Advisor and registered as a Net Zero Energy Home with the Canadian Home Builders Association.
  • Computer modeling process that fully optimizes every aspect of your home.
  • Highest amount of cost savings (i.e. $2,000 annually on your energy costs) and over 10 metric tines of GHG reduced annually
  • Best possible option towards the future. Making a positive impact on reduing green house gas emissions, saving the most amount of money on utilities and enjoying a home that gives you the best lived experience.

How is modern Building Science changing how a Net Zero Energy home is built?

Building science has made incredible advancements since the Saskatchewan Conservation House was first completed in 1977.

Todays NZE and NZER home take advantage of:

• Superior insulation that minimizes heat loss in the winter and heat gains in the summer. Reduces outside noise and improves air quality.
• Advanced roof, exterior wall, basement and basement slab assembly.
• Tend to use products that reducing waste in the manufacturing of products for NZE and NZER homes that ensures the least negative environmental impact.

It all started here. 

One of the first attempts at building a Net Zero Energy home was in Regina. The Saskatchewan Conservation House built in 1977 on Rink Avenue with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) leading the project to “Design and Build A Solar House appropriate for Saskatchewan”.

At the time, R7 insulation with double glass was considered well insulated.  The Saskatchewan  Conservation Home contained R40 walls and R60 attic, triple glazed windows and vacuum tube solar collectors was the advance technology of the time. 

Technology Transfer for this home was immense:

• • • Heat Recovery Ventilation
    • Triple glazed, double low E, argon filled windows with tight well insulted window frames
    • Well insulated exterior doors with excellent weather strips
    • Solar Orientation
    • Extreme Air Tightness of Homes
    • Blower door testing

Inspiring the creation of programs like ‘Passive House’, the Saskatchewan Conservation House was the start of a revolution in building in Canada and around the world.

Why is an Energy Advisor needed to achieve NZE or NZER?

An Energy Advisor plays a crucial role in ensuring that the building envelope of a high-performance building (NZE or NZER) meets the energy efficiency requirements.

The Energy Advisor conducts energy audits to identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, such through better insulation or sealing air leaks.

The Energy Advisor works with the residential designer, home builder of renovator to ensure that energy-efficient materials and systems are selected and properly installed during construction.

The Energy Advisors can provide recommendations on ways to optimize energy efficiency over the buildings lifetime.

CHBA Net Zero Home Labeling Program

Net Zero Home Label

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Homes are defined as homes that produce as much clean energy as they consume annually, using on-site renewable energy systems. Up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes, Net Zero Homes are extremely well built with extra insulation, high-performance windows, and excellent airtightness to minimize heating and cooling needs. Appliances, lighting, and mechanical systems are all as energy efficient as possible.

Net Zero Ready Home Label

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Ready Homes are built to the exact same efficiency requirements as Net Zero Homes. The only difference is that the renewable energy system (i.e., solar panels) have not yet been installed. However, the home has been designed and constructed to easily  install the renewable energy system in the future. Think of Net Zero Ready Homes as wired for its future renewable energy system, and therefore “Ready” to be fully Net Zero.

Net Zero Home Renovation Label

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Renovations are homes that have been renovated to the exact same requirements as Net Zero Homes. They can either be full Net Zero, or Net Zero Ready (the renewable energy system has not yet been installed).

CHBA NZE Homes receive the Canadian Governments, Natural Resources Canada EnerGuide Label

An EnerGuide label is an official record of your home’s energy performance, and may help increase its resale value.

EnerGuide is backed by the Government of Canada, and all participating builders must be registered with Natural Resources Canada.