Net Zero Homes
Net Zero Housing Explained
The impact of climate change is redefining how we think about our homes’ energy consumption and energy efficiency features. Carbon emissions have occupied much of
The impact of climate change is redefining how we think about our homes’ energy consumption and energy efficiency features. Carbon emissions have occupied much of
I’d say Building Science is the most important thing to have a good grip on in today’s high performance building space. Let me explain…. I was recently challenged when asked why we adopted Net Zero, Net Zero Ready ( see article) What does it mean to be NET ZERO? and Energy star as the sustainable programs of choice. Why not just build to code and make the changes as code requires it? A good question.
The US’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that inside air can actually be more polluted than outside air. International speaker, Engineer, and Building scientist, Gord Cooke points out there are somewhere between 4-6000 sources of pollution inside a home due to chemical cleaners, VOC’s and hygiene products we bring into the home. As we tighten up building envelopes, striving for more energy efficient and comfortable homes, that promote health improving indoor air quality becomes all the more a concern.
Time for an update on our Net Zero Ready, Devon Road project another Oakville luxury home in progress. and an opportunity to talk about Net Zero building. As we have commented before Net Zero not only provides a responsible approach to saving energy and being environmentally conscious it’s simply a great way to build. It really breaks down to 1) insulate well 2) Efficient windows 3) Seal up the shell 4) super efficient HVAC 5) Solar panels ( to remove the “ready” label)
Our Ennisclare project has passed framing inspection and is now at the insulation / drywall stage. As the exposure is South west facing on lake Ontario that means the home will be subject to prevailing winds and is more exposed to the elements. Although not NET ZERO this home will certify as Energy Star level 2. So what does that mean? Each component of the home’s energy efficiency is scrutinized to levels much higher than current code requirements. The end result is less drafts and cold spots and a healthy indoor environment! So lets look at some key points in a good spray foam job….
I’m old enough to recall, as an engineering student, being critiqued on line quality of drafting. Should you use an HB pencil or 2H or 2B? Did you keep your instruments clean to prevent smudges and a”dirty” drawing?
In our last blog we touched on Indoor Air Quality ( IAQ) and how we optimize the indoor environment for your family’s health. Starting with NET ZERO specification we seal the house tightly, then to be a truly HIGH PERFORMANCE home we ensure that despite the bone dry outside winter air, the indoor humidity is set for maximum health benefits!
In our cooler Canadian climate we spend a great deal of time indoors. The INDOOR AIR PLUS program by the EPA helps families BREATHE EASY. As we all become increasingly aware of the benefits of a HEALTHY indoor environment, how we build homes and the products and systems we use, need careful consideration. So what is a healthy home? We’ll share some of the steps we take, striving to build homes, inspired by this EPA program with a better indoor environment for your family’s health! The Lakeshore West project is a registered NET ZERO Ready home and also built under the Energy Star Program, both labels guaranteeing energy efficiency and third party verified quality!
As our Lakeshore project emerges from the ground, foundations complete and will soon be ready for framing! When complete this home will be Net Zero Ready, a relatively new building standard in the industry at large but a familiar term to high performance builders.
Framing and roofing are now in progress on Devon Road part of East Oakville’s Wedgewood Park which is becoming a very popular neighbourhood. After seeing so many resales that weren’t quite what they wanted our clients approached Chatsworth to build their dream home “just as they wanted it”.
We are continuing our discussion from our last newsletter, and here we are picking up on some key po
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