Understanding Net Zero Homes: A Comprehensive Guide
- Homes to Zero
- Oct 17, 2024
- 5 min read
The Canadian Government has introduced regulations that will require all existing homes to be Net Zero by 2050.
Currently, buildings and construction contribute to nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Shockingly, most of these emissions come from single-family homes.
By transitioning to Net Zero homes, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprints and make a meaningful impact on the environment. Not only does this help combat climate change, but it also provides significant benefits for homeowners.
In this blog, we'll break down what a Net Zero home is, explain how to achieve it, and highlight why it's crucial for the future. We'll explore the benefits of Net Zero homes and provide tips on how you can start your journey towards a more sustainable way of living.
What Is A Net Zero Home?
A Net Zero home produces zero greenhouse gas emissions, is energy efficient, does not burn fossil fuels onsite and only uses renewable energy for power. It achieves this by incorporating several energy-efficient features, such as high-performance insulation, efficient appliances and an enhanced building envelope.
Net Zero homes only use energy from renewable sources and can generate energy onsite with solar panels or wind turbines, to produce enough energy to cover all their energy needs. If the home can't generate enough electricity on-site to meet its needs, it might buy off-site renewable energy instead.
What are the benefits of a Net Zero home?
Net Zero homes have numerous advantages in addition to being environmentally friendly!
Zero energy homes are designed to provide exceptional comfort all year round with a consistent temperature. Improved insulation, energy-efficient systems, and better indoor air quality contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Net Zero homes are a cost-efficient investment. They use energy-efficient technologies, such as insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps, to reduce energy use and costs.
A Net Zero retrofit can reduce a home's greenhouse gas emissions by 100%! Decarbonising and electrifying your home will significantly reduce your household emissions and your carbon footprint.
Net Zero homes are in high demand. They often have a higher resale value and can be a significant selling point if you decide to move.
Why should I have a Net Zero home?
Canada has introduced new regulations that will require all newly constructed homes to be Net Zero from 2030. The Canadian government is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and so existing homes will also have to meet the same standard by this deadline. The City of Toronto has set their target of achieving this by 2040! Building energy-efficient homes can be achieved with little to no additional costs but the bigger challenge is retrofitting or renovating the over 10.5 million existing single-family homes in Canada to achieve Net Zero.
What Makes A Home Net Zero?
A Net Zero home relies on four main areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, airtightness, and ventilation with heat recovery. By improving these key areas when renovating your home, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint while creating a comfortable and healthy living environment.
What are the 4 Pillars of a Net Zero Home?
Energy Efficiency
One of the ways to toward Net Zero is to reduce energy waste by upgrading appliances, improving insulation, and enhancing the building envelope. Choosing smaller appliances and switching from gas stove to induction will save a significant amount of energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve indoor air quality. Your home’s insulation and building envelope play a huge role in energy-efficiency. For a well-insulated and air-sealed home choose high-performance windows and doors that can considerably reduce energy use in your home.
Electrification:
Eliminating the use of fossil fuels is crucial in addressing climate change. You need to have a plan in place to eliminate any gas, oil or propane burning appliance, especially furnaces and hot water tanks. Replace gas-powered stoves, fireplaces, and BBQs with electric appliances like heat pumps and induction stoves. Not only are they more eco-friendly and energy-efficient, but they may also save you money on your insurance!
Renewable Energy:
There are several options available for homeowners to generate clean and renewable energy, including residential scale wind systems which can be pole mounted or roof mounted. The most common way for homes to generate clean energy is through roof-mounted solar panels. Solar panels work by harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity, and any excess energy produced can either be stored in batteries or returned to the grid for credit.
If shading from adjacent buildings and trees would affect the efficiency of panels, it might be necessary to look for alternatives such as offsite generation. In this regard, blockchain technology is expected to play a significant role in the future of solar energy by allowing energy to be generated and shared at a community level, providing clean, reliable, and sustainable energy.
Monitoring and Maintenance:
You’ll need to keep track of your home's energy consumption to maintain a Net Zero status. Energy monitoring systems are available that can provide real-time information about how energy is being used in your home and identify areas for improvement. For instance, do you really need that beer fridge in the garage? Can you reduce the use of your dryer by hanging clothes to dry? Can power bars be used to eliminate phantom loads? As with most things in life, regular maintenance is essential to keeping your Net Zero home performing at its best. Our climate score tool helps track your energy use and identify areas for improvement, making it easier for you to take the next steps towards a Net Zero home.
How do I make my home Net Zero?
You need to decarbonize and electrify your current home with a Net Zero retrofit. A Net Zero retrofit is the process of making an existing building or home Net Zero energy efficient. This involves a combination of energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and efficient heating and cooling systems. It also involves the installation of renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. The goal is to reduce the building's energy consumption as much as possible and then produce the remaining energy needed through renewable sources.
The most efficient way to do a Net Zero retrofit is by doing all the upgrades at the same time, which is called a "deep energy retrofit." However, we understand that many homeowners prefer a phased approach due to budget or wanting to minimize disruption. No matter your approach, we'll help you prioritize upgrades and ensure each step gets you closer to Net Zero.
Ready to embrace a greener future and save money on your energy bills?
Homes to Zero makes it easy to understand what it takes to get your home to Net Zero.
Already have an EnerGuide audit? Fantastic! Our expert retrofit service can use that information to create a custom plan for your home. We'll handle everything from start to finish:
Personalized plan: We'll work with you to design a roadmap that meets your needs and budget, with prioritized upgrades and phased renovations.
Seamless process: We'll take care of permits, help you access rebates, and assemble a team of qualified contractors.
Professional installation: Our experienced team will complete the work efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your life.
Guaranteed satisfaction: We're committed to making sure you're completely happy with the results.
Book a free consultation to discuss your retrofit!
New to energy assessments? Our virtual assessment is a great (and affordable!) starting point. Here's why:
Fast and convenient: Get your results in just two days (compared to weeks for an EnerGuide audit). No need to wait around!
Clear targets: We'll show you exactly what needs to be done to reach Net Zero, like the specific insulation R-value and type of windows you'll need (e.g., triple glazed).
Empowered decision-making: With this knowledge, you can confidently talk to contractors and installers, ensuring your upgrades are truly effective. Plus, you'll still have complete control over the aesthetic choices that matter most to you.
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