About the Project | zeroenergy.ca | ecoEII Net Zero Communities

THE STORY

What is net zero?

A net zero energy (NZE) home uses energy efficiency design strategies to result in a building consuming equal to or less energy than it produces on an annual basis.

How did this start?

buildABILITY has worked in the energy efficiency in housing sector for over 30 years. We found that NZE homes have been stuck in a research and development with little focus on unique challenges that production builders face. To achieve wide acceptance and industry adoption, a community sized demonstration by production builders is critically important.

Who’s involved?

Natural Resources Canada has helped fund this project under the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative. Owens Corning Canada is the lead proponent and buildABILITY Corporation is the lead consultant and project manager. 5 leading builders across Canada were selected to build these houses. For more about the project team, please see the team page.

What is the current progress?

All houses are complete and are currently for sale. Visit each individual homebuilder’s page to find more details. Or contact business@buildability.ca !

Feasibility

To demonstrate the feasibility of building Net-Zero Energy Housing (NZEH) Communities in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Alberta;
Production Housing

To address challenges of building to NZEH performance levels specific to production housing; and
Expand Green Housing in Canada

To act as a platform for the broader adoption of NZEH across Canada.

The Project will assess and resolve challenges in relation to among other things site planning, construction, equipment, grid connections, cost, trade capability, warranty, reliability, sales, marketing, and homebuyer information/education.

Owens Corning and buildABILITY assembled a team of experts in the fields of building technology, building science, solar technology, and energy efficiency, each with experience mentoring production builders to adopt voluntary energy efficiency/renewable energy measures including NZEH. Builders were selected based on their experience and successful adoption of voluntary measures in their products.

Project insights will shared through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) and local Home Builders’ Associations (HBA)s to promote and facilitate the construction of other NZEH communities. As part of our knowledge transfer commitment to NRCan, buildABILITY will host workshops to share the learnings from this project. If you are interested in a private workshop, please contact candice@buildability.ca

Feasibility

Production Housing

Expand Green Housing in Canada