Show/Hide All Articles
Residential homes of the future aren’t only on display at the Home Show any more. The Net-Zero Energy Home is already possible, and many homeowners are living it. The objective of the NZE home is to dramatically reduce home energy usage to the absolute minimum. As well, built-in renewable energy elements allow the home to produce energy equal to the amount being used.
The Net-Zero Ready Home is different in some ways than the NZE home. It is designed, modeled and constructed to produce energy equal to what is being consumed, but there are no renewable elements installed. In the future, when “home energy labeling” becomes universal, the differences between each of the two types of NET-ZERO homes will become more specifically defined.
For homeowners familiar with the NZE concept, these homes are not “off-grid”. These homes are still linked to the public electrical grid. They can actually supply surplus electricity to that grid if the home has more than it requires. When personal demand for electricity exceeds what
the home can produce on site, the home will draw power from the grid. Throughout the year, energy supplied to the grid offsets energy drawn from the grid – that is NET ZERO energy consumption.
Currently, the design and construction of NZE homes emphasizes home energy efficiency, while producing renewable energy. Overall, negative environmental impacts are reduced, energy usage is significantly lessened, and the quality of indoor air is enhanced. NZE homes also reduce many energy-related pollutants and emissions. The over-riding objective is to dramatically reduce the short-term energy costs of a residential home, while safeguarding against future cost increases.
Generally, NZE homes are much better designed and built. This allows for higher performance than a conventional home. Indeed, an NZE home can be quite comfortable during a power failure (mainly because little energy is required to operate). As for the indoor environment, these homes are comfortable, healthy living spaces, without having to compromise on the comforts of modern living. In future, neighbourhoods of NZE homes will provide positive environmental impacts.
When designing and building a Net-Zero Energy Home, there are three principal elements to be implemented. The result is a home that is up to 80% more energy efficient, when compared to a typical home built today. Bottom line - the seasonal energy savings are considerable every year.
1. the home’s regular and ongoing energy needs must be reduced
2. the renewable energy systems must be appropriately installed
3. the home must function with energy efficiency as top-of-mind
Significantly reducing home energy consumption is achieved through various strategies. Each of the implementations will make a contribution to the overall energy reduction in the home.
• Installation of high performance insulation in order to reduce seasonal heat loss/heat gain
• Elimination of thermal bridging in order to reduce air leakage through the building envelope
• Installation of a continuous air barrier to block air leakage (to be tested with a “blower door”)
• Replacement of windows in order to fully capitalize on natural heat and light from the sun
Airtightness has a dramatic positive impact on energy use (winter heating and summer cooling). Achieving NZE levels of energy performance relies on a home that is well sealed. Airtightness can be measured and assessed using a “blower door test”, at which time improvements can be made. An NZE home will have air change rates that are ONE-THIRD of a typical home. Airtightness also provides consistency of indoor temperatures, more efficient ventilation, and far less air drafting.
Ideally, a Net Zero Home will produce an amount of energy equal to what is required. And with 80% more energy efficiency than an average home, the NZE home can actually produce more energy than is needed. The bottom line for the homeowner is cost savings and home comfort.
For homeowners and homebuilders who are considering a Net-Zero Energy Home, the energy experts at Great Northern Insulation can offer a number of practical strategies. GNI provides energy efficiency applications for both residential and commercial projects. With an expertise in building science, the team at GNI delivers cost-effective options that dramatically enhance energy performance. For more information about Net-Zero Housing, call a GNI representative toll free at 1-800-265-1914
Conduct a FREE Online Energy Audit of Your Home with the MIT Award Winning My Energy Expert Application.
935 Keyes Drive
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada N4V 1C3
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
Fax: (519) 539-7946
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
7035 Industrial Drive
Comber, Ontario
Canada N0P 1J0
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
1027 Elwell Park Road
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Canada P1P 1R1
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
29 Ferndale Industrial Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Canada L4N 9V5
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
103 North Port Road
Port Perry, Ontario
Canada L9L 1B2
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
450 Industrial Dr,
Toronto (Milton), Ontario
Canada L9T 5A6
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
1035 Moodie Dr #1,
Nepean, ON
K2R 1H4
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
Energy Saving
Energy saving and energy efficiency is easier than one might think. Great Northern Insulation helps to identify performance issues, while taking advantage of improvement opportunities.
100% Canadian
Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.
Do it right the first time
- with foam mastersTM
WALLTITE® ECO™ is a high-performance system, professionally installed by certified and approved specialists. Its C.C.M.C. approved (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) - with product quality guaranteed - and with installation by highly trained experts with the technical know-how to do the job right, the first time.
Best of 2017
From reputation to responsiveness, HomeStars consistently ranks Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction. Thanks to everyone for the great ratings!
Best of 2018
For the second year in a row, HomeStars consistently ranks Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction. Thank you again to everyone!
The GREENGUARD®
Gold Certification promise
GREENGUARD® Gold Certification ensures the strictest criteria for low-level chemical emissions. Certified products are safe for individuals with sensitivities (children/elderly) and safe for use in school environments and health-care facilities. The product certification is widely recognized by the LEED Rating System (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).
Insulthane® Extreme
For the ultimate in high performance spray foam insulation, Insulthane® Extreme is the professional choice for residential, commercial, and industrial application. With improved thermal performance over other products, Insulthane® Extreme has an exceptionally low Global Warming Potential (GWP). Considered environmentally friendly, this next generation spray foam insulation is non-ozone depleting, and exceeds specifications of other HFC product alternatives.
ECOLOGOTM:
Multi-attribute product certification
ECOLOGOTM is an accredited sign of environmental performance – holistic – green – sustainable - and compliant with strict, third party standards. Life cycle criteria for product certification may include manufacturing and operations; health and environment; product materials and performance; and product innovation, development, and management.
3MTM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings
3MTM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).
Baeumler ApprovedTM
Professional, Certified and Insured
Baeumler ApprovedTM gives you peace of mind when connecting with contractors, trades and home service providers. All Baeumler Approved members have demonstrated high quality work for customers and other trade professionals. Members must also have Workers Compensation, liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and prove professional certification.
Holmes and Holmes
Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.
I would like to receive emails from GNI about exclusive offers, promotions, contests, industry trends, news and more!
Yes. I'd like to receive emailsNo, Thank you
Your email address will not be shared and your privacy will be protected. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Click here to access the GNI Privacy Policy GNI Head Office: 935 Keyes Dr., Woodstock, ON, N4V 1C3
Please, enter a valid value
Incorrect values!