February 7, 2017

With utility prices burdening many Canadian families, Net Zero homes are back in the news (as we see in this segment on CBC). Builders are being asked by government and consumers to demonstrate that their homes are energy efficient. And the leaders are going beyond this to construct Net Zero homes that produce as much energy as they consume.

And these days, going Net Zero isn't as hard as it sounds. With on-the-market technologies and smart strategies (such as an airtight building envelope, solar panels, and air source heat pumps), Net Zero is a realistic option for builders. This proved to be the case for Reid Heritage Homes with their completed Net Zero home as part of their new subdivision in Guelph, Ontario.

As Andrew Oding, Senior Building Science Associate at Building Knowledge, explains in the TV news segment, "You get a home that owners feel incredibly comfortable in. The temperature is almost identical from top to bottom."

When home owners see their neighbours and friends enjoying Net Zero homes and their virtually non-existent energy bills, the demand for such homes will continue to rise. Innovative builders are starting to aim for Net Zero, and reaching out to Building Knowledge to kick start the process. This process can include everything from training their staff to reviewing designs for efficiency opportunities.

As Andrew points out, the demand for Net Zero is only going to rise. He says, "When you include rising utility bills in the picture, Net Zero homes might be the only affordable homes to live in within 15 to 20 years."