Building for the Future: Net-Zero Living

Research Area: Energy Efficiency  | Status:  Ongoing | Led By: Student-led

The Challenge

Our climate is changing, giving rise to concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and non-renewable energy sources. Natural Resources Canada has noted that housing accounts for 11% of our country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Fighting climate change requires a strategy that relies heavily on creating energy efficient buildings and finding ways to reduce our collective carbon footprint.

The Solution

NBCC is working with Saint John Energy and Habitat for Humanity to build a Net-Zero-Ready small home. The home is part of a campaign to raise awareness among the public and homebuilding professionals around features and equipment that are both sustainable and attainable. It is also an opportunity to engage students across several programs into the design and build of the home. Once it has been finished and showcased, the house will become a permanent family home for clients of Habitat for Humanity, continuing a longstanding partnership between the non-profit and NBCC.

This collaboration demonstrates ways that homeowners can reduce energy costs while at the same time minimizing their home’s carbon footprint. A Net-Zero-Ready home is capable of producing as much energy as it consumes, by using renewable resources such as solar while reducing overall energy consumption. The house will be outfitted with cutting-edge smart energy devices sourced with generous support from Saint John Energy to help the homeowner take control of their energy efficiency. This will award homeowners with significantly reduced operating costs, a quiet and more comfortable living atmosphere, health benefits of high indoor air quality, and the satisfaction of helping reduce regional carbon emissions.

About the Collaboration

Project Partners/Funders