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A Net Zero Ready Home stands on decades of technological and design improvements that have made it possible for residents to reduce low energy use, and consequently low carbon emissions. However, the key word here is “possible”, as Building Knowledge Canada Vice President Andrew Oding explains in this video.

Andy: One thing that every Net Zero Ready or Net Zero Home needs is an energy-monitoring device: this is a spot where the homeowner or the occupants can understand where the energy is being used in their home. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Net Zero Ready Program requires that every qualifying home actually have one. 

In a Net Zero Ready or Net Zero Home, the home itself has very low energy use. But we have to realize that 50% to 70% of the energy use in a Net Zero Ready Home is actually due to occupant lifestyle: things like your appliances, dishwasher, televisions, and computers—which the design of the home doesn't really affect. 

What this energy monitor does is to give the homeowner an understanding of how to “drive” the house efficiently.

So, getting the most of out a Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home is an active pursuit—requiring residents to understand how they’re using energy and adapting their energy choices along the way.

Through our Builder 360° program, builders can learn how best to incorporate the latest energy-efficiency systems, such as energy-monitoring devices, into their designs—not only to save money and time but also to offer future-facing homes to their customers.

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