Is net zero for building and renovation here to stay?
Net zero. Is it just a buzzword, a trend? Will we look back some day and recall these times of net zero building and renovation as a flash in the pan?
Not likely. Net zero is a sign of our times, a turning point in our human story. It is the way of the future.
Net zero fits with a critical worldwide push to fight climate change. Many countries including Canada are committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Scientists say It’s the only way to stop climate change.
According to the United Nations on climate action, “Transitioning to a net-zero world is one of the greatest challenges humankind has faced. It calls for nothing less than a complete transformation of how we produce, consume, and move about. The energy sector is the source of around three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions today and holds the key to averting the worst effects of climate change.”
The building and renovation industries, along with homeowners, are a critical part of this transformation.
What is a net zero home?
Lagois Design·Build·Renovate’s lead designer, Jeff Hurdis, explains a net zero home produces as much clean energy as it consumes, with superb insulation, high-performance windows and airtightness. It significantly reduces carbon emissions, and this aligns with global sustainability goals.
Net zero renovation standards
Net-zero-ready renovations are built to the same standards as net zero homes except that the renewable energy system (i.e., solar panels) have not yet been installed. This is because it’s wise for homeowners of existing homes to monitor their energy production for a year following such a renovation before they decide on the size of solar panels they need.
Net zero benefits to homeowners
Net Zero ready renovations are more attainable than ever with companies such as Lagois Design·Build·Renovate. Lagois recently completed Ottawa’s first net zero-ready renovation and is well acquainted with indoor air quality, assessments, and the measuring of all energy-related protocols.
Not only do net zero renovations maximize energy efficiency, reducing waste and minimizing an environmental footprint, but the result means premium comfort levels.
Net zero also makes sense both proactively and financially. In the face of a changing climate, investing in a net zero renovation gives you resilience against big weather events because your home, equipped with things like storm-resistant roofing and flood-resistant foundations, is less likely to require costly repairs or expensive insurance claims.
Net zero energy advisor and the Canadian Home Builders Association
Stephen Magneron is a Master Energy Advisor (MEA) at Homesol Building Solutions qualified by the Canadian Home Builders Association, and a CHBA Qualified Trainer. He works closely with Lagois Design·Build·Renovate.
He explains that net zero in building has developed in process and tools. One tool, for example, is the introduction of an indoor air quality checklist. The checklist is used in new construction projects at the moment, but it will soon become a requirement for companies like Lagois Design·Build·Renovate, which, as an early pioneer in net zero renovations, already knows the checklist well.
Stephen says the indoor air quality checklist and point system tells the project team what they need to know about things like air tightness and a balanced ventilation system.
“A home’s thermal enclosure becomes like a new building and should be secure for decades.”
In every Lagois Design Build Renovate project, net-zero planning is part of the initial design stage whether or not it is to be a full net-zero renovation.
“We complete an energy audit early in design,” explains Jeff Hurdis, “so we have a baseline for the way the home is currently performing and can recommend upgrades and strategic selections up front.”
Holistic design and net zero
This is one of the many steps of the holistic Lagois design process which considers future as well as present renovations. In this way, new spaces won’t need to be redone with further additions or adjustments down the road. This is particularly important as more and more people want homes that can eventually meet net zero standards and become, if they want, a home where they can live in place.
“Lagois is fantastic,” says Stephen Magneron. “It’s wonderful working with them and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a company for a net zero renovation, whether it’s all at once or piecemeal.”
