Net Zero Construction

A Net Zero Energy home is one that generates as much energy as it uses. Many jurisdictions around the world are looking at incorporating net-zero construction standards into residential building codes. 

A Net Zero Energy structure is sometimes referred to as a Zero Energy.

It all starts with building a home that's very energy efficient and airtight, has systems that use little energy, one that contains energy efficient appliances. If the home is designed to use less energy, that's less energy you'll have to produce with expensive mechanical systems.

With enough money you can often overcome weaknesses in the building envelope but the investment in mechanical systems will be much greater.  Sure a geothermal HVAC system is efficient but what if your house used so little energy that you didn't need that expensive system? 

Insulation and air-tightness are the new sexy in home construction!

insulation doesn't require ongoing maintenance, doesn't break down, and benefits you for the life of the structure. It's a hedge against rising energy costs and an investment that boosts the value of your home, not the bottom line of your utility.

• LESS ENERGY: Net-zero homes are designed to use less energy. The best path to Net Zero is to first build an energy efficient home that uses less power to being with. A Passive House level performing home may use up to 80 per cent less energy than conventional homes.
• GOOD DESIGN: Thoughtful layout of the spaces in the home and orientation of the home so that it can take advantage of warmth (passive heating) and light from the sun.
• WELL CONSTRUCTED: Built to be exceptionally airtight and insulated beyond building code to retain heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer. Minimizing thermal bridging so the temperatures inside remain more stable, regardless of what's happening outside.
• EFFICIENT HVAC: High-efficiency heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, appliances and other electrical devices help keep energy use down.
• BEHAVIOURAL AWARENESS: Homeowners also manage their own behaviours to lessen energy usage. Awareness of the energy used by various activities and functions in the home can help homeowners make better energy decisions.

Actions to be taken according to the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change:

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments will work to develop and adopt increasingly stringent model building codes, starting in 2020, with the goal that provinces and territories adopt a “net-zero energy ready” model building code by 2030