Built Green Launches Net Zero Energy+ Program for New Single Family Homes
January 18, 2022 | By HPAC Magazine
The course was created in anticipation of what builders will need to know and do before Net Zero building code changes come into effect.
Built Green Canada, a certification program that offers residential building courses that encourage more energy efficient building practices, has launched its Net Zero Energy+ program for single family new homes, a new level of achievement within the organization’s green building program.
The Built Green certification program has a presence in five provinces (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario), and the organization is committed to guiding incremental improvement through its four certification levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) each with increased energy performance requirements.
With the launch of its Net Zero Energy+ program, there is the option for another level of achievement (Net Zero), and while the new course is focused on Net Zero, it takes a holistic approach that goes beyond energy—represented in the program’s title, with the plus sign.
In addition to advanced envelope and mechanical system content, the course includes discussion on how occupant behaviour impacts the overall energy use in a house and affects the sizing of renewable energy systems.
The training has seven modules, takes an estimated 20 hours to complete and is a partnership between Built Green Canada and Blue House Energy.
Blue House Energy took content they’d developed for training Energy Advisors, and tailored and expanded it for builders.
“This course was created in anticipation of what builders will need to know and do, before Net Zero building code changes come into effect,” said Shawna Henderson, CEO of Blue House Energy in a media release. “Our self-directed (on-demand), interactive training model has proven to be a great fit for busy industry pros, so we’re excited to offer this course on another critical topic.”
Consistent with its other programs, BUILT GREEN Net Zero Energy+ for Single Family New Homes maintains energy efficiency as its fundamental component, integrating the EnerGuide label through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
It then goes beyond energy efficiency, moving the industry toward a more holistic approach to sustainable building practices: including the preservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, ventilation and air quality, and home durability.
As such, builders and their customers get a two-in-one: the BUILT GREEN label and the EnerGuide label on the finished product, offering verification of the energy performance and the green features integrated into the home.
Built Green’s certification is on the build, and while its interest is also on the builder and those who have contributed [to the build], it does not certify the builder, nor the Energy Advisor, as the program is about each product: each home built.
