By skyforbes 
Net Zero homes in Canada: The CHBA certification process & a landmark case study
In May of 2017, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association [CHBA] officially launched its groundbreaking Net Zero Home Labelling Program, marking a pivotal moment for sustainable construction in Canada.
Following a successful 15-month pilot project, the program now provides the industry and homeowners with a clearly defined, rigorous standard for ultra-efficient homes. This two-tiered system recognizes both Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes, formally identifying the elite builders and renovators qualified to deliver them.
A Net Zero Home is defined as a residence that produces as much clean, renewable energy as it consumes on an annual basis. This remarkable feat is achieved through a combination of superior energy efficiency and on-site energy generation.
While connected to the local electricity grid, the home supplies surplus energy back to it, balancing out any energy drawn during periods of low generation. The result is a net-zero annual energy bill and a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
This voluntary program supplements existing standards like ENERGY STAR and R-2000, encouraging the industry to embrace advanced building science and aim for a higher standard of performance. A key requirement for builders is mandatory training in building science, ensuring they treat the home as a single, integrated system for optimal results.
Canada’s first certified Net Zero home: A case study
The very first home in Canada to receive the official CHBA Net Zero label was a stunning West Coast Contemporary residence located in Saanich, BC, on Vancouver Island. This landmark project was the result of a visionary collaboration between designer Ryan Hoyt of Hoyt Design Co. and builder Falcon Heights Contracting. The home not only achieved this historic certification but also serves as a masterclass in blending high performance with breathtaking architectural design.
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This landmark Net Zero Home was designed to maximize ocean views and energy efficiency. © Falcon Heights Contracting |
The blueprint for Net Zero success: how this home achieved it
Achieving Net Zero status required a holistic strategy that prioritized energy conservation at every step. The design and construction were guided by three core principles:
- Radical energy reduction: The foundation of the home’s performance is its “fabric-first” approach. This involves creating a high-performance, hyper-airtight building envelope to minimize heat loss. Key components include superior insulation levels far exceeding code requirements and high-performance triple-pane windows and doors with exceptional thermal resistance.
- Strategic passive design: Situated on a narrow, sloping oceanfront lot, the 4,500-square-foot house features a terraced, three-story design. This staggered model masterfully takes advantage of the site, maximizing passive solar heating in the winter and capturing stunning ocean views from every level. Covered decks and strategic overhangs provide essential shading in the summer to prevent overheating.
- On-site energy generation: Once the home’s energy needs were dramatically reduced, a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array was installed. This system is sized to generate enough clean electricity over the course of a year to offset the home’s entire energy consumption.
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The rooftop solar PV system is sized to produce enough energy annually to offset the home’s total consumption. |
Architectural design & West Coast ambiance
This home proves that sustainable design can be both intelligent and beautiful. To enhance privacy from close neighbours and screen the home from the road, the garage was detached and cleverly linked to the main house with a glass-covered walkway. The exterior presents a rich, multi-textured facade featuring prominent timber-frame components that ground the modern structure in its natural West Coast setting.
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The main Net Zero house Living Area, a beautiful custom home design by Hoyt Design Co. that maximizes both privacy and waterfront views. |
Inside, the main floor boasts an open and airy concept, defined by impressive curved glulam beams and expansive windows that frame the ocean view. The ambiance is perfected through a harmonious palette of natural and luxurious materials, including abundant, well-balanced rift-cut white-oak cabinetry, exposed wood beams that add warmth and texture, plush wool carpets, local stone, elegant porcelain tile, and timeless oak floors.
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Masterful craftsmanship and a palette of natural materials define the home’s warm and modern interior. |
Understanding the building science behind such projects is now essential for any forward-thinking builder. It’s no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘how’, and this project demonstrates how builders are achieving these new energy standards in Vancouver and across BC.
A legacy of excellence: Industry awards and recognition
The success, innovation, and masterful craftsmanship of this landmark project were celebrated across the industry, earning it a remarkable collection of prestigious awards.
2018 National Awards for Housing Excellence
- GOLD: Net Zero Home
- FINALIST: Custom Home 3501 to 5000 sq. ft.
2018 Georgie Awards
- GOLD: Custom Home Valued between $1.9M and $3M
- GOLD: Best Certified Custom Home
- FINALIST: Custom Home Builder of the Year
- FINALIST: Best Single Family Kitchen under $150,000
2018 VIBE Awards (Vancouver Island Building Excellence)
- GOLD: Project of the Year
- GOLD: Fortis BC Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in New Residential Construction
- GOLD: Best Single Family Home over 4500 sq. ft.
- GOLD: Best Single Family Kitchen over $50,000
2017 CARE Awards (Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence)
- GOLD: Best Single Family Detached Home $1.5M to $2M
- GOLD: Best Contemporary Kitchen over 250 sq. ft.
- GOLD: Best Master Suite over 500 sq. ft.
- GOLD: Best Interior Residential over 5,000 sq. ft.
- GOLD: Best Indoor Environmental Achievement and Energy Efficiency
- SILVER: Project of the Year
- SILVER: Best Custom Millwork over 4,000 sq. ft.
Now you’ve seen a deep dive into Canada’s first Net Zero Energy home. Read more about sustainable and resilient home building in the Ecohome Green Building Guide pages:
Learn about all the benefits of a free Ecohome Network Membership here.
Portions of this feature were first published by our print magazine affiliate, SAB Magazine.