There is a new buzzword in the green building industry and it’s
“Zero Energy Homes” (ZEH) or “Net-Zero Energy Homes” (NZEH). The term describes
buildings that are connected to the utility grid, but combine highly
energy-efficient design and technology with solar electric and thermal systems
to produce as much energy as they use on an annual basis, resulting in net zero
energy consumption.
Zero Energy Homes have a number of advantages, including improved comfort, as an
energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations, reliability
because the systems continue functioning during blackouts, protection from
fluctuations in energy prices and environmental sustainability.
They optimize a variety of features, including climate-specific design; passive
solar heating and cooling; energy-efficient construction, appliances and
lighting; and solar thermal and solar electric systems.
In Canada, The Net-Zero Energy Home Coalition, a group of homebuilders and
renewable energy developers, has been discussing the concept for a couple of
years. The group has concluded that Canada has the potential to become a world
leader in the design and development of NZEHs.
“With existing Canadian innovation and technologies, the Net-Zero Energy Home
builds upon Canada’s pioneering work in energy efficient home construction,
embodied in the R2000 standards, and ...
Author Wendy Priesnitz is the Editor of
Natural Life Magazine and a journalist with 35 years of experience.
She has also authored nine
books.
Read her
blog.
