Net Zero Ready Homes:
Built for Today, Prepared for Tomorrow

What Does Net Zero Really Mean?

The Canadian Government is setting bold new regulations that will require all homes to be Net Zero by 2050. With buildings and construction responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and single-family homes being a major contributor, it’s clear that the future of home building is all about sustainability. So, what exactly is a Net Zero home?

Simply put, a Net Zero home produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. These homes are designed with exceptional comfort in mind, providing consistent temperatures year-round. Thanks to improved insulation, energy-efficient systems, and enhanced indoor air quality, Net Zero homes create a healthier, more comfortable living environment while greatly reducing environmental impact.

What Are the Benefits of a Net Zero Home?

Comfort and Health:
Net Zero homes offer a cozy, even temperature all year long, without drastic changes in heating or cooling. This is achieved through improved insulation, air sealing, high-performance windows, and state-of-the-art ventilation systems. They not only provide comfort but also improve indoor air quality, reducing allergens and asthma triggers like dust, pollen, and pollution.

Savings:
Net Zero homes are a smart investment. By utilizing energy-efficient technologies like insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps, these homes dramatically reduce energy consumption—and energy bills. With rising energy costs, having a highly efficient home is a great way to future-proof finances.

Climate Impact:
Opting for a Net Zero retrofit is a bold step toward reducing a home’s carbon footprint. A Net Zero retrofit can reduce a home’s greenhouse gas emissions by 100%. Decarbonizing and electrifying a home contributes to a greener future.

Home Value:
As demand for sustainable homes grows, Net Zero homes often boast higher resale values. Whether staying for decades or planning to move, owning a Net Zero home can be a significant selling point.

Why Choose a Net Zero Home?

Canada is making strides toward a greener future. Starting in 2030, all newly constructed homes will be required to meet Net Zero standards, with the goal of having all existing homes converted by 2050. While building energy-efficient homes today involves little to no extra cost, the bigger challenge lies in retrofitting the over 10.5 million existing single-family homes across Canada to meet Net Zero standards. Whether building new or renovating, achieving Net Zero is a smart move for the future.

What Makes a Home Net Zero?

A Net Zero home centers around four pillars: energy efficiency, renewable energy, air tightness, and ventilation with heat recovery. By improving these key areas, energy consumption and carbon footprint can be drastically reduced, while enhancing comfort and health in the home.

The Four Pillars of a Net Zero Home

1. Energy Efficiency:
Start by upgrading appliances and improving home insulation. Smaller, energy-efficient appliances and a switch from gas stoves to induction cook tops save a considerable amount of energy, reduce emissions, and improve indoor air quality. High-performance windows and doors, combined with an air-tight building envelope, play a crucial role in reducing energy use.

2. Electrification:
One of the most effective ways to reduce emissions is to eliminate fossil fuels from the home. Transitioning to electric heat pumps, induction stoves, and electric water heaters not only reduces environmental impact but can also lower insurance costs.

3. Renewable Energy:
Solar panels are one of the most common ways to generate renewable energy at home. They harness the sun’s power to create electricity, with any excess either stored in batteries or returned to the grid. If solar isn’t an option due to shading, offsite generation or emerging technologies like blockchain may allow communities to share renewable energy resources.

4. Monitoring and Maintenance:
Achieving and maintaining Net Zero means keeping track of the home’s energy consumption. Energy monitoring systems can identify areas for improvement, from cutting down on phantom power usage to minimizing dryer cycles. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the home continues to perform at its best.

Why Purchase Instead of Retrofit for Net Zero?

Turning an existing home into a Net Zero home involves several upgrades, including improved insulation, air sealing, and renewable energy systems like solar panels. However, these retrofits can be quite expensive, especially when done all at once through a “deep energy retrofit.

For this reason, purchasing a Net Zero Ready or Net Zero home can often be a more practical and cost-effective choice. These homes are built with energy efficiency in mind from the beginning, eliminating the need for costly retrofits and allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits of energy savings right away.

What Is a Net Zero Ready Home?

A Net Zero Ready home is designed to meet the same high energy-efficient standards as a full Net Zero home but does not include renewable energy systems like solar panels—yet. However, these homes are built with the future in mind, fully prepared to accommodate renewable energy when the time comes. Think of it as a home that’s already wired and designed for solar, ready to be upgraded to full Net Zero status whenever it’s right.

Why Choose a Net Zero Ready Home?

Choosing a Net Zero Ready home offers the best of both worlds. It provides the benefits of energy-efficient living—lower energy consumption, reduced bills, and enhanced comfort—without the upfront cost of renewable energy systems. When the time is right, upgrading to a full Net Zero home is simple, thanks to the thoughtful design of Net Zero Ready homes.

Urbandale takes this commitment to sustainability even further by including 13 solar panels generating 5 kW of green energy, saving an estimated $750+ per year. This significant bonus not only provides an immediate reduction in energy costs but also gives a major head start toward achieving a full Net Zero home. The transition becomes easier and more cost-effective with this advanced feature.

This combination of flexibility and affordability makes Net Zero Ready homes a leading choice for those seeking energy efficiency. Enjoy the immediate benefits, with the option to add more renewable energy systems when it aligns with future plans and budget.

Moving Toward a Sustainable Future

As the demand for energy efficiency grows, Net Zero homes are becoming the benchmark for sustainable living. Choosing a Net Zero Ready home ensures immediate benefits like lower energy bills and greater comfort, with the added advantage of being prepared for renewable energy when the time is right. Whether building new or upgrading an existing home, Net Zero Ready offers a practical and forward-thinking solution. It’s a smart step toward sustainability, comfort, and long-term savings.

Learn More