About the Net Zero Home Labelling Program
Homes Labelled Across Canada: 2,794
Last Updated: May 22, 2025
Detached:
Attached:
MURB Units:
(within 18 buildings)
Renovation:
1,734
823
207
30
The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has been running since its pilot in 2015. 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 and 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 and Net Zero Renovation
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. They have been designed and constructed (or renovated) for optimal energy efficiency and cost. Net Zero Homes have 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 and Net Zero Ready Renovation
CHBA Qualified Net Zero Ready Homes meet the exact same efficiency requirements as Net Zero Homes, but do not yet have renewable energy systems (i.e., solar panels) installed. Net Zero Ready Homes that have sufficient on-site generation ability have been designed and constructed (or renovated) to easily install renewable energy systems in the future whenever the homeowner is ready.
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!
