By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

· Understand moisture dynamics and control methods in high-performance homes.

· Evaluate and implement effective air tightness strategies.

· Assess the performance of windows, doors, and other fenestration elements.

· Analyze the design and performance of below grade walls and foundations.

· Explore the principles behind above grade wall construction.

· Develop strategies for efficient ceilings and attic insulation and ventilation.

· Examine mechanical systems including heating & cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water.

· Investigate renewable energy generation options and their integration into residential designs.

• Discover the history of energy efficiency and Net Zero Energy housing in Canada.
• Identify factors that are driving the Canadian housing market toward higher levels of energy performance.
• Know the various definitions of Net Zero including the CHBA’s definition of Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes.
• Understand how to earn the CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder designation.
• Learn how an integrated design process and other optimization and costing tools together with HOT2000 energy modeling can help project teams reduce costs.
• Know how to design and build Net Zero/Ready Homes that meet the program Technical Requirements using cost effective, off-the-shelf technologies.
• Understand the key Building Science principles behind Net Zero best practices.
• Hear how occupant loads (the largest energy loads in a Net Zero/Ready Home) may or may not impact a builders’ design and construction choices.
• Understand how Net Zero/Ready Homes are designed to deliver excellent indoor air quality, helping to keep occupants healthy – a great selling feature with occupants now spending more time at home.
• Learn the construction technology and techniques behind Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, including:
  • Using modelling, find the balance between energy efficiency and renewable energy with cost effectiveness as a key factor.
  • Best practices for the building envelop, including comfortable basements, above grade walls and exposed floors, super-efficient windows and doors, effective roofing, and ceiling insulation.
  • Best practices for mechanical systems, including space heating and cooling, ventilation, and water heating.
  • Best practices for Solar PV design, sizing, orientation, integration, and installation.

• Understand how to assess for ideal candidates for Net Zero Renovations.
• Learn how to work with a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Energy Advisor to achieve the Net Zero Label for a renovation.
• Receive and review reference Net Zero/Ready Home case studies.
• Identify how varying client motivations for pursuing a Net Zero Renovation could result in different approaches.
• Know the history of energy retrofit incentives as well as some of the unintended consequences from those programs.
• Discover how homes were built in different decades and how this impacts a Net Zero Renovation.
• Understand how to determine if an interior or exterior approach is advisable/cost-effective.
• Hear how energy monitors can be used as sales tools with existing homeowners.
• Understand how a small PV array on a Net Zero Ready home can support the renovation and customer goals.
• Learn how to provide preliminary estimates of PV generation prior to engaging experts.
• Meet peer renovators engaged in deep energy renovations.
• Have tools and tips for promoting Net Zero Renovations on social media.
• Learn how to approach the complex safety issue that can occur with existing fireplaces in deep energy retrofits.

Describe value of homes renovated to Net Zero and new homes built to meet the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program Requirements.