North Bay's First Net Zero Home

What is a Net Zero Home?

A net zero home is an incredibly well-insulated building that, alongside renewable energy sources such as solar panels, is capable of producing as much energy as it uses. The result is a building with a zero net energy consumption, contributing less greenhouse gas emissions then a non-net zero home. On an annual basis, a net zero energy home utilizes a third of the energy consumed by a home built to today's Ontario building code.

This particular Net Zero Home, owned by North Bay natives John Halliday and Catherine Ella, features rooftop solar panels, triple glazed windows, a waste water heat recovery system, and an in-depth whole-home insulation system to allow for an extremely effective heating and cooling system.

How Great Northern Insulation Assisted

Great Northern Insulation is proud to have supplied the spray foam insulation necessary in creating North Bay's first certified net zero home. Spray foam insulation is perfect for a net zero home, as it provides an extremely high insulative value, as well as an air and vapour barrier across the entirety of the home envelope. As an organization, Great Northern takes pride in contributing to energy efficient, affordable housing for Ontarians. We greatly look forward to participating in future net zero builds as they continue to become more commonplace!

BASF HP+ Wall System

The BASF High Performance Wall System (HP+) is an essential building element in ensuring this home meets net zero standards. This Wall System is made up of 3 components: Neopor® GPS rigid foam insulation board, 2 x 4 wood wall construction, and Walltite® Eco spray foam insulation installed by Great Northern Insulation.

The result of these 3 key building components is the complete control of moisture infiltration, strength and durability, and the highest R-value per installed inch. There is also a coating applied to the wall that ensures moisture protection and a secondary water resistant barrier.

Living in a Net Zero Has Many Unexpected Benefits

There are a number of obvious benefits to living in a net zero home. These include drastically minimizing your carbon footprint, generating all the power required to run your home (and producing renewable energy), and reducing energy costs.

However, there are a number of unexpected benefits to opting for a net zero home:

Street noise is significantly reduced.
Evenly heated home throughout.
Most comfortable living conditions, regardless of external environmental conditions.

Above all, net zero homes are up to 80% more efficient than an average home. They’re a great alternative for those looking to decrease their environmental footprint, reduce energy consumption, and significantly lessen energy bills. GNI has been installing insulation for over 40 years, and we are proud to help build an energy efficient future for all Ontarians.

North Bay's First Net Zero Home

What is a Net Zero Home?

How Great Northern Insulation Assisted

BASF HP+ Wall System

Living in a Net Zero Has Many Unexpected Benefits

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