Building Toward Zero: The Essential Net-Zero Home Guide

What Makes a Home Net-Zero

A home is considered Net-Zero when it produces as much energy as it consumes—in other words, it consumes net-zero energy. Net-Zero homes are up to 80% more energy efficient than conventionally built homes. 

To achieve a Net-Zero certification, builders and renovators need to focus on both sides of the equation: Reducing a home’s energy consumption and increasing its energy production.

Reducing consumption is typically achieved through:

• The use of high R-value materials throughout the home for better insulation
• The use of smart technologies to monitor and reduce energy consumption
• The use of high-efficiency appliances and lighting
• Carefully planning the layout and ventilation of the home

Energy production is achieved through the use of renewable energy sources. Typically, Net-Zero builders focus on solar panel arrays for energy production, but there are several other methods that can be used when building or renovating a home to be Net-Zero. 
 

The Future of Net-Zero

Building codes from the National Research Council, released in 2022, aim to have all new buildings constructed to Net-Zero standards by 2030. This means the industry has 6 years to adapt to Net-Zero. Should the government continue with this plan, Net-Zero construction experience won’t just be beneficial; it will be mandatory.

Currently, in Manitoba, there are only two CHBA-approved Net-Zero Builders, and only one of them is located in Winnipeg. 59% of Canadians interested in buying a home in the coming years feel it’s important to have an energy-efficient home.  In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, that number skyrockets to 72%.

Soon, there will be more people looking for Net-Zero homes than there are builders and renovators who have the knowledge and skills to meet Net-Zero standards. By positioning themselves as innovators in the space now, builders and renovators have the opportunity to seize a burgeoning market; hesitation may see them cornered out of the space by other contractors. 

Cost/Benefit Analysis

The obvious downside to building Net-Zero homes is the upfront costs. Higher quality materials, from insulation to windows and doors, are needed during the construction process. Energy efficient appliances, from fridges to furnaces, need to be installed. Subcontractors and employees may need specialized knowledge to build a Net-Zero home—and that knowledge comes at a premium.

The benefits of constructing Net-Zero energy homes seem to outweigh the costs. These benefits include:

• Access to federal government grants through green building programs and funding, as well as other funding programs
• Net-Zero homes sell for more to the right buyer, which can lead to higher profit margins.
• Building Net-Zero can help you gain access to a larger market; the number of eco-conscious Canadians is trending upward.
• Individuals who buy Net-Zero homes may also be eligible for government grants, like a 25% rebate on their mortgage insurance premium, creating new incentives for buyers.
• The Government of Canada continues to push green legislation; Net-Zero building may be mandatory soon.

As long as contractors can build energy-efficient homes that they sell for as much or more profit as less efficient homes, Net-Zero building will continue to be a viable strategy. The price of solar panels is dropping as production increases; new forms of insulation provide better R-values than ever before. These trends suggest that Net-Zero homes will become more profitable for contractors as time goes on. 

Extreme Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is at the core of any Net-Zero home. The building envelope needs to be extremely well insulated; the goal is to reduce the homeowner’s reliance on HVAC for heating and cooling. R-values beyond what’s recommended and complete air tightness are two key ways to achieve a Net-Zero efficiency standard.

This means that doors, windows, and insulation all have to be selected with high R-values in mind. A consequence of this type of airtight construction is that air can become stale. Energy recovery ventilators can solve this problem without contributing substantially to the home’s energy consumption. The homeowner will benefit from better indoor air quality while maintaining a Net-Zero home.

The use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting is also important. HVAC is a particular concern; mini-split systems may be best in some homes, while other homes will do best with a traditional ducted central air system. No matter which system is chosen, contractors should prioritize high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners. A Net-Zero energy home with particularly good insulation might even be able to handle its heating and cooling through a heat pump.

Smart lighting and smart thermostats can also contribute to energy efficiency, though this depends in part on the homeowner’s willingness to use these tools to their full potential. Always look for high-efficiency appliances, whether it’s a washer, a fridge, or something else, when building a Net-Zero energy home.

Tools like rooftop solar thermal panels and geothermal heat pumps can produce heat for a home at a fraction of the energy cost of traditional hot water heaters and furnaces; these tools can help contractors drastically reduce the energy consumption of the home. 

Renewable Energy Production

Even the most carefully built Net-Zero home will consume some energy; that’s where on-site energy production comes into play. Most contractors opt to produce energy through the use of solar panels, but there are several other ways to produce renewable energy, including wind turbines and water turbines.

When paired with the energy-efficient tools listed above, these sources of renewable energy can produce as much energy as the home consumes—if not more. 

Conclusion

By developing the skills and knowledge needed to build Net-Zero energy homes, contractors have the opportunity to get into an expanding market early. As we mentioned, there are only two Net-Zero builders in Manitoba, according to the CHBA, and there’s plenty of room for new Net-Zero builders and Net-Zero renovators—but there won’t be for long.

At STAR Building Materials, we have the building supplies you need to build Net-Zero houses, including high R-value windows, doors, insulation, and more. Get in touch with us; we’ll help you procure everything you need for your Net-Zero builds.