Build Smarter, Not Twice: Canada's Chance for a Net Zero Future

Canada is embarking on an ambitious journey to build millions of new homes in the coming decade. With targets like 500,000 new homes every year to help make housing more affordable, this is a massive undertaking – and a huge opportunity!

At Homes to Zero, we see this as our chance to not only build a sustainable future, but also support the Canadian economy and address the cost of living crisis. Instead of building homes today that will need upgrades tomorrow, why not build them ready for a Net Zero future from the very beginning?  By partnering with Canadian companies specializing in low-carbon builds and employing designs that enhance comfort and reduce energy bills without adding to the cost, we can build smarter from the start.

Why Go Net Zero from Day One?

When we talk about a Net Zero home, we're thinking about the carbon it produces once you move in (operational carbon) and the carbon footprint of building it (embodied carbon) – everything from the materials used to the construction process itself.

Building millions of new homes to a Net Zero standard offers incredible benefits:

• Homeowners experience the benefits of living in a Net Zero Home:

  • Low Bills: These may get so low as to be no bills.

  • Unmatched Comfort: Homes are warm in winter, cool in summer, and free from drafts.

  •  A Healthier Home: Excellent indoor air quality and fewer allergens.

• Improve Home Affordability:  Affordable homes mean more than just the initial price tag; it’s also about being able to afford to heat and cool them to a comfortable level. Lower bills means fewer Canadians living in fuel poverty. 

• Environmental Impact: By choosing Net Zero, we're directly helping Canada reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and build a cleaner, greener future for everyone.

• Avoid Retrofits: Another win for homeowners and affordability? If we build it right the first time, organizations like Homes to Zero won't need to come in later to overhaul your home to meet the standard. It's built for tomorrow, today!

• Support the economy:  Low embodied carbon means we need to reduce the transportation distance of materials to the building site. Using Canadian firms, we foster local growth and enable expansion.

Does Net Zero Mean Higher Building Costs? Not Necessarily!

One common concern we hear is that building a new Net Zero home will break the bank. This simply isn't true! Research by Clean Energy Canada shows that choosing lower-carbon materials and methods for building doesn't have to mean higher costs. In many cases, these options are available in Canada at the same price, or with only a very tiny extra cost that's easily offset.

In fact, with smart design, you can actually save money during construction. By planning wisely and choosing efficient materials, builders can reduce overall costs. It's about being thoughtful from the start, rather than spending more.

Want to dive deeper into this? You can read more in the "Building Low-Cost, Low-Carbon" report: Learn More About Low-Cost, Low-Carbon Building

Our Design Checklist for New Build Net Zero Homes

So, what exactly goes into building a home that's ready for a Net Zero future? Here are some key design features that every new Canadian home should consider:

All-Electric Systems

No fossil fuels here! These homes use electricity for heating, cooling, hot water, and cooking. With Canada's grid becoming cleaner, this is the most direct path to Net Zero.

Solar-Friendly Roof

A roof designed for easy solar panel installation. Think clear, sunny sections, ideally facing south, without lots of tricky angles or obstacles. Say goodbye to those turrets!

Smart Home Orientation and Shading

The home is placed on the lot to get the most sun in winter for warmth and is cleverly shaded in summer to stay cool, using natural light and temperature control.

Superior Insulation

Walls, attics, and foundations are built with high-quality plant-based insulation, chosen for Canada's climate.

Airtight Construction with Fresh Air Systems

The house is sealed tightly to prevent drafts. Fresh, filtered air is constantly brought in through a mechanical ventilation system like an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), keeping indoor air fresh without wasting heated or cooled air.

High-Performance Windows and Doors

Multi-paned (we need triple-pane in most of Canada), well-sealed, and specially coated (lowE) windows and doors keep the outside out and the comfort in.

Energy-Efficiency

Advanced electric systems like heat pumps handle both heating and cooling, using less energy than traditional furnaces and air conditioners. Every appliance earns its right to be included, and all lighting is modern, low-energy LED.

EV-Ready

Even if you don't own an electric vehicle yet, the wiring for a charger is roughed in during construction, making it simple and inexpensive to add later.

Where Does Canada Stand Today?

A recent "Report Card on More and Better Housing" by the Task Force for Housing & Climate sheds light on Canada's progress in building low-carbon, affordable, resilient homes. The report grades federal and provincial governments on key actions.

While the federal government and many municipalities are showing significant commitment, much of Canada's progress is uneven. Many provinces are lagging in implementing crucial reforms related to legalizing density, updating building codes to higher energy efficiency standards, and even avoiding construction in high-risk climate zones. This highlights the urgent need for the design principles like our checklist to ensure every new home contributes to a sustainable and affordable future.

This is Canada's Opportunity

As Canada builds millions of new homes in the upcoming decade, we have a unique chance to get it right. By making Net Zero the standard for new construction, we're not just building houses; we're building healthier, more affordable, and more resilient communities for generations to come.

Let's build smarter, not twice, and lead the way to a sustainable future!