PASSIVE HOUSE
EDUCATION
NET ZERO READY vs NET ZERO vs
PASSIVE HOUSE
Net Zero, Net Zero Ready, and Passive House are all terms that have been gaining popularity in the building industry but many do not know the key differences between them. Although they are all focused on energy efficiency, they have very different approaches which can have a big impact on cost, comfort, and environmental savings.
Net Zero and Net Zero Ready
A Net Zero Home is a home that produces as much clean energy as it consumes over a 12 month period. It contains extra insulation, high performance windows, an airtight building envelope, and a renewable energy source. On top of this, appliances, lighting, and mechanical systems are all as energy efficient as possible.
The key difference between a Net Zero Home and a Net Zero Ready Home is the installation of solar panels. Both types of homes are built to the same efficiency standards, but with Net Zero Ready Homes, solar panels have not been installed. If the owner of a Net Zero Ready Home decided to install solar panels later on, their house would be considered Net Zero.
Passive House
With an origin right here in Saskatchewan, Passive Houses are designed and built in a way that requires 80% less energy than a standard new building. They require less maintenance, provide a healthier living environment, are more comfortable, and are environmentally responsible. The best part? There are no compromises. No lifestyle changes need to be made when living in a passive house, and you will even save money over time by the reduction in utility bills.
PASSIVE HOUSE PRINCIPLES
Enjoy the perfect living temperature, all year round.
Super-insulated envelopes reduce heat loss providing the perfect living temperature no matter the season. Added advantages of better soundproofing, greater durability, and building resiliency can also be attributed to the insulation.
Choose when you want to let the breeze in, and when you don’t.
Strategically placed, high-performance windows let in and retain more heat in the winters and reduce their solar gains in the summer due to the position of the sun. They also provide added insulation to ensure even temperatures and reduce noise pollution.
Breathe fresh, clean air, free from outdoor allergens and odours.
An HRV (heat recovery ventilation) system is the key to providing superior air quality and reduction of heat loss. Warm air carried out by exhaust air that would usually be wasted is instead converted to fresh incoming air.
Appreciate the peace and quiet, free from the noises of the outside world.
An airtight home means no drafts in the winter due to unintentional gaps in the building envelope. This ensures the ventilation system can work efficiently and also prevents moisture damage and mold growth.
Experience the comfort of even temperatures throughout the whole house.
Thermal bridges are the easiest way for energy to pass through a building envelope. Therefore, passive houses are designed in a way that eliminates the need for thermal bridges altogether.
Enjoy the perfect living temperature, all year round.
Super-insulated envelopes reduce heat loss providing the perfect living temperature no matter the season. Added advantages of better soundproofing, greater durability, and building resiliency can also be attributed to the insulation.
Choose when you want to let the breeze in, and when you don’t.
Strategically placed, high-performance windows let in and retain more heat in the winters and reduce their solar gains in the summer due to the position of the sun. They also provide added insulation to ensure even temperatures and reduce noise pollution.
Breathe fresh, clean air, free from outdoor allergens and odours.
An HRV (heat recovery ventilation) system is the key to providing superior air quality and reduction of heat loss. Warm air carried out by exhaust air that would usually be wasted is instead converted to fresh incoming air.
Appreciate the peace and quiet, free from the noises of the outside world.
An airtight home means no drafts in the winter due to unintentional gaps in the building envelope. This ensures the ventilation system can work efficiently and also prevents moisture damage and mold growth.
Experience the comfort of even temperatures throughout the whole house.
Thermal bridges are the easiest way for energy to pass through a building envelope. Therefore, passive houses are designed in a way that eliminates the need for thermal bridges altogether.
PASSIVE HOUSE STATISTICS
It pays to go passive
The savings you will accumulate over time living in a passive house will pay back your initial investment many times over.
Passive houses are built in a way that uses up to 80% less energy than a traditionally built house. So, what does this mean for your energy bills? For every $100 your neighbour pays to heat their home, you pay $20. And that’s not the only way you can save with a passive house.
In line with Canada’s goal to be net zero by 2050, the CMHC offers a premium refund of up to 25% to borrowers who either buy, build or renovate for energy efficiency using CMHC-insured financing. Click here to learn more.
Finally, building to the passive standard will increase the value of your house greatly overtime. With carbon prices set to triple by 2030 the demand for passive houses will increase exponentially.
Annual greenhouse gas emission savings are equivilant to approximately:
40,000
fewer kilometres driven
300
trees planted
10,000
pounds fewer of coal burned
PREFAB MEETS PASSIVE
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Using a modular and prefabrication construction method when building passive houses results in a process and product that is higher quality, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Made to last
Our homes are designed and built to withstand dynamic loads of shipping and craning, meaning they are structurally engineered to a far higher standard, and truly built to last.
Faster Construction Time
Modular construction can be completed up to twice as fast as traditional construction as on-site
preparations and module construction happen simultaneously. Weather or site-related delays are also reduced using this process.
Less Waste Produced
Traditional construction is a huge contributor to waste. With modular construction, the amount of waste produced is reduced by up to 90%.
Quality Control
As a home buyer, you will have peace of mind knowing your home from 3twenty comes to you CSA A277 certified and meets the requirements of Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program.
