CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program

Homes Labelled Across Canada: 1,614

Last Updated: December 1, 2023

 Detached:


1,032
         

 Attached:


510
         

 MURB Units:
(within 7 buildings)

64

 Renovation:


8

The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has been running since its pilot in 2015 and has labelled over 1,500 homes in Canada to date. The Program provides the industry and consumers with a clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and the builders and renovators who provide them. A national network of CHBA Qualified Net Zero Service Organizations, Energy Advisors  work directly with the builders and renovators to design, model, test and inspect each home. Net Zero Training courses, delivered by CHBA Qualified Net Zero Trainers, are also a key component to the success of the Program Participants.

The program has become an important stepping stone in Canada’s pursuit to a sustainable future. All the features of both Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes work together to significantly minimize each household’s environmental footprint by preserving our natural resources and protecting against climate change.


Investing in a Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home means embracing an energy efficient future. The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has been designed so that a home could still qualify for Net Zero Ready, R-2000, or ENERGY STAR® if Net Zero isn’t achievable. This diagram shows the increasing energy performance levels of the voluntary residential construction programs in Canada:


Net Zero Home Label

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Homes are defined as homes that produce as much clean energy as they consume annually, using on-site renewable energy systems. Up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes, Net Zero Homes are extremely well built with extra insulation, high-performance windows, and excellent airtightness to minimize heating and cooling needs. Appliances, lighting, and mechanical systems are all as energy efficient as possible.

Net Zero Ready Home Label

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Ready Homes are built to the exact same efficiency requirements as Net Zero Homes. The only difference is that the renewable energy system (i.e., solar panels) have not yet been installed. However, the home has been designed and constructed to easily  install the renewable energy system in the future. Think of Net Zero Ready Homes as wired for its future renewable energy system, and therefore “Ready” to be fully Net Zero.

Net Zero Home Renovation Label

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Renovations are homes that have been renovated to the exact same requirements as Net Zero Homes. They can either be full Net Zero, or Net Zero Ready (the renewable energy system has not yet been installed).

CHBA Position on Net Zero

CHBA members can learn more about CHBA's position on Net Zero here.

The CHBA, the voice of Canada's residential construction industry since 1943, established a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Housing Council in 2014 to guide its efforts in high-performance housing. The 53 Founding Members were selected for their demonstrated competence and experience in NZE or R-2000 housing as well as their knowledge or capability in specialized areas important to advancing NZE housing.

Learn more here.

Significant strides have been made over the last 5 to 10 years by industry innovators. This has reduced the additional costs of Net Zero Homes by as much as 50% - and in many cases we’re now able to achieve cost neutrality when operating costs are considered. This means that the extra cost of Net Zero Homes can be off-set by the monthly energy savings - at net-zero monthly cost!

Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes offer whole-house comfort, excellent indoor air quality, and superior energy performance using proven advanced technologies and construction practices. The result is a superior quality home that exceeds current and anticipated building code requirements. Each Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Home is verified by government-licensed third-party Service Organizations and recognized by CHBA for its achievement.

See more benefits here.

National Leadership

Participation in this national program offers recognition as an industry leader for those delivering the next generation of high-performance housing to discerning Canadian home buyers. As part of the program, CHBA offers the following benefits to qualified program participants:

BRAND leadership as the residential construction industry's top tier performance target.
COMMUNICATION of program results to key stakeholders such as utilities, government and media, providing program and policy direction.
RESEARCH focused on advancing the voluntary adoption of affordable Net Zero / Ready Homes, including Net Zero Renos and Net Zero MURBs.
CONSUMER LITERACY development through delivery of content, to drive demand for Net Zero Homes.
COORDINATION of efforts nationally through a network of qualified professionals and online data collection systems.

Canadians want their homes to be as tough as they are; to be able to endure Canadian winters with ease! CHBA members will meet the housing aspirations of Canadians, and renew Canadian leadership in high performance housing by offering consumers a “made in Canada” solution: Net Zero Homes!

Net Zero Program Official Launch

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Net Zero Home Label to Recognize Homes that Produce as Much Energy as They Consume

Ottawa, May 2, 2017 – The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) today officially launched its Net Zero Home Labelling Program - continuing CHBA’s long history in leading energy efficiency in residential construction. The Program provides the industry and consumers with a clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and identifies the builders and renovators who provide them. A pilot version of the Net Zero Home Labelling Program ran from September 2015 to December 2016 to validate technical and administrative details.

“CHBA supports leading-edge innovation in the residential construction industry with the goal of having those innovations as a voluntary and affordable choice for consumers,” said Kevin Lee, CEO. “The Net Zero Home Label will help to meet the energy efficient housing aspirations of Canadians, and renew Canadian industry leadership in high performance housing. CHBA members have always been leaders and innovators - this program continues that trend.”

Net Zero training has been developed for CHBA members who want to be part of this exciting program. This training will help get the necessary knowledge into the hands of key stakeholders and accelerate the industry’s capacity to achieve Net Zero.

A national network of CHBA Net Zero Qualified Service Organizations, Energy Advisors and Trainers will work directly with the builders and renovators to design, model, test and inspect each home.

“CHBA would like to thank all of our Net Zero Council members and industry stakeholders who participated in the development of the Program through the pilot phase. Your advice and leadership throughout the process helped shape Net Zero and the future of energy efficiency in housing.” said Sonja Winkelmann, Director, Net Zero Energy Housing.

Contact

   

Brett Cass

Technical Manager,
Net Zero Energy Housing
613.230.3060 x233
[email protected]