Net Zero
Homesol Building Solutions offers Net Zero Consulting services to builders, renovators and homeowners looking to achieve Net Zero for their houses and buildings.
Our Net Zero Services
Evaluation of the house
New Construction – an energy model is created using the construction drawings or sketches, and evaluated to show how the project can achieve Net Zero (ready).
Existing – a home energy evaluation is completed in which the Energy Advisor measures and documents the current state of the home, including performing an airtightness test and looking for significant air leaks. An energy model is created and the home is “upgraded” to Net Zero (ready).
net zero consutling
Throughout the course of the project, we are available for consultation from building science principles to material and mechanical choices, using the energy model as a guide. Any confirmed choices are updated in the energy model and the results are presented to the project team.
Mid-construction airtightness test
We recommend airtightness testing of the air barrier as early and as often as possible With the air barrier accessible, we are able to find potential leaks so they can be sealed before they are covered up.
Final test, verification, submission of file & issuing of applicable labels.
Close to the end of the project when everything is installed, we perform a final airtightness test and verify all the mechanicals that have been installed have been modelled. The energy model is updated and submitted, and the labels and/or certificates are issued.
CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program
The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has been running since its pilot in 2015 and has labelled over 1,000 homes in Canada to date. The Program provides the industry and consumers with a clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and the builders and renovators who provide them. A national network of CHBA Qualified Net Zero Service Organizations, Energy Advisors work directly with the builders and renovators to design, model, test and inspect each home. Net Zero Training courses, delivered by CHBA Qualified Net Zero Trainers, are also a key component to the success of the Program Participants.
The program has become an important stepping stone in Canada’s pursuit to a sustainable future. All the features of both Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes work together to significantly minimize each household’s environmental footprint by preserving our natural resources and protecting against climate change.
Investing in a Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home means embracing an energy efficient future. The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has been designed so that a home could still qualify for Net Zero Ready, R 2000, or ENERGY STAR® if Net Zero isn’t achievable. This diagram shows the increasing energy performance levels of the voluntary residential construction programs in Canada:
NZE Housing Council
The CHBA, the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry since 1943, established a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Housing Council in 2014 to guide its efforts in high-performance housing. The 53 Founding Members were selected for their demonstrated competence and experience in NZE or R-2000 housing as well as their knowledge or capability in specialized areas important to advancing NZE housing.
Significant strides have been made over the last 5 to 10 years by industry innovators. This has reduced the additional costs of Net Zero Homes by as much as 50% – and in many cases we’re now able to achieve cost neutrality when operating costs are considered. This means that the extra cost of Net Zero Homes can be off-set by the monthly energy savings – at net-zero monthly cost!
Net Zero Cost
Consumer Information
Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes offer whole-house comfort, excellent indoor air quality, and superior energy performance using proven advanced technologies and construction practices. The result is a superior quality home that exceeds current and anticipated building code requirements. Each Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Home is verified by government-licensed third-party Service Organizations and recognized by CHBA for its achievement.
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).
