Author/Contributor: Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)
Alberta Context: Find builders, energy advisors and training for CHBA’s Net Zero construction that are specific to Alberta
Summary: The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Net Zero Home Labelling Program started in 2015, and it’s labeled over 1,300 homes in Canada. Created by builders, this program sets clear and strict standards for Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and the builders and renovators who create them. Qualified experts collaborate with builders to design, model, test, and inspect each home.
This diagram shows the increasing energy performance levels of the voluntary residential construction programs in Canada:
Here’s a breakdown of the labels:
Net Zero Home Label: These homes produce as much clean energy as they consume annually using on-site renewable energy systems. They are up to 80% more energy-efficient than typical new homes.
Image from: CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program
Net Zero Ready Home Label: These homes meet the same efficiency requirements as Net Zero Homes but lack the installed renewable energy system. They are designed for easy installation in the future.
Image from: CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program
Net Zero Home Renovation Label: These are renovated homes that meet the same requirements as Net Zero Homes, either as full Net Zero or Net Zero Ready (no installed renewable energy system yet).
Image from: CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program
The Net Zero Program includes training (builder, energy advisor, sales, renovator), webinars, and information about how to label your home. Several webinars are available on demand to take in high level information on net zero buildings. There are also in person training opportunities across the country. This program is active and applicable in Alberta and across Canada.
Read more about the Net Zero Home Labelling Program and its offerings here.
References
Overlay image:
David Campbell, T5M Connect, Homestretch Developments (2023). https://homestretch.ca/
Page copy images:
Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Net Zero Home Labelling Program. (2023). Overview of the Net Zero Home Labelling Program. https://www.chba.ca/CHBA/HousingCanada/Net_Zero_Energy_Program/CHBA/Housing_in_Canada/Net_Zero_Energy_Program/NZE_Program_Landing_Page.aspx?hkey=4af3da17-b4da-42ef-bf20-261a9cfbe39f