A Net Zero Energy Home

Last Updated on January 20, 2022 by Showrooms Online

A net zero energy home generates as much energy as it consumes in a year.

The technology to build net zero homes already exists. Improving the energy performance of new building stock is ongoing, with national and local building code upgrades plus energy-efficient building programs.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

However, it is critical to address the energy performance in existing buildings if we are to meet the goals of Canada’s climate plan.

Constructing new low-carbon “green” buildings is not the fastest path to mitigating climate change. Retrofits drastically reduce energy use and waste.

by Susan Ross June 14, 2021

The energy used to build and operate all buildings, commercial and residential, accounts for nearly 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Residential emissions account for almost half of this total. This blog focuses on residential renovations that improve energy efficiency.

How to Achieve Net Zero in Your Home

Homeowners may be interested in renovating to create a more efficient, environmentally-friendly home, However, most homeowners are not familiar with the initial steps.

Hiring an energy consultant to do an evaluation of your home is the best first step. Also, your home energy report will qualify you for rebates and incentive programs.

Research home energy efficiency online. You will then, at a minimum, know what questions to ask and be better informed to work with a design-build renovation contractor of your choice.

A net zero renovation will involve air sealing, improved insulation, installing higher energy-efficient windows, a cold-weather heat pump, proper ventilation (HRV or ERV). Reduce the energy requirements of your home to the maximum extent practical and economical. Then, meet the balance of your energy needs with the installation of a heat pump and solar panels.

Everything works together. The energy renovation part of your renovation project can be done at a cost that will be paid back in a few years with reduced operating costs. The value of your home will also likely increase and give you, even more, return on your investment.

Take a look at the graphic below and start your education. Clicking on each block will open an introduction to each aspect of energy-efficient home design.

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Net Zero Home Renovations in Calgary

A Real-Life Example

A Net Zero Renovation Takes a Home from Ordinary to Extraordinary

Peter Darlington is the owner of SOLARHOMESINC in Calgary. Peter transformed his own house in Calgary as the first project of his new company.

Peter was his own first client and since then has gone on to complete many more home retrofits just like the one you may be dreaming about.

About Peter

The founder of Solar Homes Inc., Peter Darlington, started out in the construction industry in 1996 working with stucco and on the building envelope.

Four years later, he started his own company called Peter’s Exterior Contracting. Over the last twenty years, he has successfully installed exterior cladding on hundreds of homes and commercial buildings.

In 2014, Peter took interest in an online course by Marc Rosenbaum titled Zero Net Energy Homes and later also became accredited as a Certified Passive House Consultant. This launched what would be the next phase in Peter’s career. He soon founded Solar Homes Inc. in order to offer contracting and consulting services to those looking to reduce their environmental footprint. In order to prove his abilities, on September 1, 2015, Peter transformed his ordinary house into a Net Zero energy solar home.

Let Peter tell you in his own words. Watch the video here.

If you live in the Calgary area and are thinking about, or are in the early stages of your research, be sure to make your first call to Peter Darlington.

Resources for Net Zero Energy Home