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We are currently completing the energy retrofit of existing semi-detached home in Toronto, so that it will be Net-zero.  This house will act as a case study and demonstration that it is possible to retrofit existing homes (single-family homes are a major contributor to Ontario’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions) in our climate.

We invite you to come take a look at the house to see the progress to date, and the strategies we are using to make it Net-zero.  There will be tours on the hour (1pm, and 3:30pm during Saturday and Sunday on September 22 and 23).  To learn more about the net-zero energy retrofit visit: http://www.coolearth.ca/net-zero-energy-retrofit/

To get tickets (free) for the event visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/net-zero-energy-retrofit-tour-tickets-36280233154

Overview:

Ontario’s climate action plan seeks to improve the energy efficiency and performance of buildings in order to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The province has identified that we need to take all buildings to Net-Zero or near Net-Zero Energy Use. This means upgrading the leaky, badly insulated homes which pre-dominate much of Toronto and were built after World War 2.  To learn more visit a recent blog post: http://www.coolearth.ca/2017/03/17/blower-door-testing-on-net-zero-toronto-semi-detached-retrofit/

We have made this home Net-Zero energy by adding external insulation, making the home air tight, replacing the original single-pane windows with new high performance triple-pane windows and doors, installing efficient heating and ventilation equipment, and mounting solar panels on the roof. These upgrades will make the home more comfortable, improve the appearance of the home, reduce energy consumption and therefore lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The image above shows the rendering of finished project.  The photo below shows us conducting an initial blower door test.

Sheena, a principal at Coolearth, was interviewed by Adriana, an organizer for Green Energy Doors Open 2017 : 

Here is an excerpt:

What is a net zero building, and how realistic is it for the average homeowner to own a net-zero home?

Net zero means net zero carbon. We are concerned about greenhouse gases (GHGs), and carbon is the biggest GHG that buildings are responsible for onsite and offsite.

It is absolutely realistic to get there and would be good for the economy, however, construction companies are all behind gas because they are inclined politically – but we actually pay more for gas. We can do it – and we have to do it. It isn’t really a question at this point. The UN says if it’s not too late already, we are at 1.4 degrees now, we have to stay under 1.5 preferably. In Ontario, we have reduced our GHGs by 66%, most was done by losing industry. In the next 30 years, we have to go down to at least a 70% reduction.

You can see the whole article here: gedoon.ca/2017/08/22/principal-architect-sheena-sharp-on-net-zero-homes/)

Please give us a call at 416-868-9774 to learn more!