JOSEPHINE NOLAN, CONDO.CA. The idea of the net zero energy building is beautifully simple: the building creates as much energy as it uses, thus reducing its carbon footprint and saving the occupants money on energy bills. Everybody wins. There’s no question that the concept works; plenty of prototypes and one-off examples have been built, even in cold climates. The biggest problem is cost. Using current construction methods and technologies, the additional cost to build net zero in Canada is about $90–$120,000 per home, a hefty premium that few homebuyers would be willing to pay. Even with energy savings of 50 to 80 per cent, the cost is prohibitive.

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