NET-ZERO HOUSING IN CANADA from the 70’s to now Keith Robertson – Solterre Inc.

CMHC HOUSING STATISTICS

In 1941: < 3,000,000 units

�  27% of housing was in need of “major repair.”

�  93% used coal, coke, or wood.

�  55% had no bath or shower.

�  44% had no toilet.

�  39% had no piped water.

1946: Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation born.

1950s: Focus on construction techniques and mortgage industry. CHBA and NRC born. 1960s: Rapid urbanization, revitalization, “slum clearances.” 1970s: Social housing, affordability, energy. 1980’s: quality. R-2000 “House as a system.” 1990s: Building science, “Healthy housing.” 2000s: All that plus NZE

1980 1990 1970

1975 - PEI Ark

CANADIAN MILESTONES

1977 – Saskatchewan Conservation House

1981 - R-2000 Program

1994 – CHBA Envirohome

2010 2020 2000

CANADIAN MILESTONES

2005 – US EPA Energy Star

2006 – CMHC EQuilibrium House NRCan Energuide for houses

2007 – Riverdale Net Zero

1998 - Kentville Envirohome

2010 - 1st Passive House in Canada, Whistler BC

2012 – R-2000 50% reduction

2015 – Zero Energy Project

2014 – CHBA NZEB Council

2011 – NSERC

CANADIAN MILESTONES

BUZZWORDS

�  Energy efficient �  Super-insulated �  Passive Solar �  High performance �  Sustainable �  LEED® �  Living Building® �  Off-grid �  Autonomous �  Carbon neutral �  Regenerative building

�  Net Zero �  Energy

�  Carbon

�  Emissions

�  Cost

�  Heat

�  Community

NZE LANDSCAPE IN N.A. (2014)

NREL NZE DESIGNATIONS

�  Can be net zero for cost, emissions, site energy, OR source energy.

�  NZE-A – Based on renewables within the building footprint

�  NZE-B – Based on renewables within the site.

�  NZE-C – based on renewables imported from off-site

�  NZE-D – Uses Renewable Energy Certificates

� FOURTEEN different Net Zero designations! (i.e.: NZE-B for emissions)

BOUNDARIES

�  Typically the energy boundary is the property line.

�  Usually addresses operational energy only.

�  Not considered: �  Embodied energy of

materials and construction.

�  Transportation of occupants.

NZE DEFINITIONS

�  CHBA NZE – “A Home that is designed, modeled and constructed to produce as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis.”

�  Living Building Challenge – “100% of the energy needs must be supplied by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis without the use of on-site combustion.

�  NZE Cost - “A home that produces energy to reduce it’s annual energy costs to zero.”

�  CMHC NZE – “A home that produces as much energy as it consumes annually.”

�  USDoE ZEB – “An energy-efficient building where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual delivered energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable exported energy.” (September 2015)

SOURCE ENERGY

Why is source energy important?

�  Different energy sources have different environmental impacts.

�  Source energy includes the impact of transportation, transmission, and production efficiency.

SOURCE ENERGY

APPROACHES TO NET ZERO DESIGN

It’s not just about the technology. Design should take steps toward reducing energy demand through an approach that integrates all aspects of consumption. Aim for 80% reduction in energy first, then apply renewables.

APPROACHES TO NET ZERO DESIGN

IEA Task 40/A52 experts suggest the following for NZEBs: 1.  Optimize passive design

including building form, window type and placement for daylighting and solar gains, envelope insulation, active/passive shading devices, and thermal mass.

2.  Maximize efficiency of both the heating and cooling systems (including controls and operating strategies) and lighting and appliances.

3.  Produce enough on-site or nearby renewable energy to balance the building energy use.

Rather than a linear design process, the above steps should be iterated between to achieve both high performance and economic feasibility.

INTEGRATED DESIGN PREREQUISITES

�  1.Mind Set �  The MIND SET shares risks and promotes an open design PROCESS which

establishes mutually agreed performance targets;

�  2.Process �  Allow each discipline to not be afraid to fail.

�  Have the client involved (they usually support the mind set.)

�  3. Tools & Methods �  Verify targets with appropriate tools and methods.

�  “Failure to use energy simulation leads to unsupported decisions.”

�  4.Stuff �  Use less stuff, use good stuff, delight in the stuff you use.

CASE STUDIES

ZERO ENERGY PROJECT

�  NRCan and Owens Corning

�  $4.2 M Incentive to 5 developers for 5 homes each.

�  “to demonstrate the feasibility of NZEH communities in ON, QC, AB, and NS.”

�  Disseminate insights through CHBA and HBAs

PROVIDENT HOMES NET ZERO (READY)

�  Bedford NS, 2015.

�  2,070 sf.

�  “$15,000 more than an average home.”

�  Cost-effective immediately.

�  Modeled 75% below energy code.

�  Enough roof area for 8 kW of PV.

NZE COSTS

NRCan NZE Website 2015: NZE: $100 - $150K

Bedford NZE(R), 2015: Envelope: $15K

NRCan – 2014 Study: Envelope: $17 – $26K PV: $40 – $70K

CMHC EQillibrium: Evnvelope: $16K PV: $37 - $50K

Costs dropping every year….

NR

Can

“Pa

th t

o N

ZE…

” C

MH

C E

Qui

llibr

ium

“Le

sson

s Le

arne

d”

OFF-GRID

�  Creates its own electricity.

�  Would be net zero if it is 100% electric, generated by renewables.

�  Might import other forms of energy for generator, cooking, heat.

�  Difficult to export energy to net-out imported energy.

�  Net zero “rules” are vague about wood heat. (Not allowed in the EQillibrium projects.)

OFF-GRID There must be something in-between….

OFF- GRID

LEED® Platinum and Passive House Certified

FEATURES Systems �  Heating:

1.  Passive Solar 2.  Wood heat (on-site deadfall) 3.  Active Solar

4.  Propane boiler

�  DHW: Active solar with propane backup.

�  Insulation 1.  Walls – R55 2.  Roof – R115 3.  Slab – R33

FINISHED GRADE SLOPES AWAY FROM FOUNDATION MIN. 6" IN 10'-0"

PEEL & STICK WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE

SLOPE TOP OF PERIMETER INSULATION

MIN

. 6"

PRE-FINISHED ALUMINUM FLASHING

BASEBOARD

PRESSURE TREATED SILL PLATE

MIN

. 8"

2'-0" 8"

28 PSI TYPE 3 EPS FOAM INSULATION COMPACTED GRAVEL BASE

CONFIRM ADEQUATE SLOPE FOR PLUMBING UNDER SLAB

2" 8"

2" c

lear

6"6"

6" CONCRETE SLAB W/6X6x6/6 MESH REINFORCING

10MIL POLY VAPOUR RETARDER CRUSHER DUST

PRE-FORMED TYPE 3 EPS FOAM UPSTAND & SKIRTING

1'-2"

10M x 20" (4"/16")

4" PERFORATED DRAIN TILE W/SOCK MIN. 8" CLEAR STONE & FILTER FABRIC

2"2"

3-10M REBAR C/W 16" LAPS &16"x16" CORNER BARS

2"2"

6" M

IN.

8"

CEMENT PROTECTIVE LAYER (WASTE FROM SLAB)

1/2" DIA. X 8" ANCHOR BOLT @ 6' O.C,6" FROM CORNERS AND DOORS

1

CONCRETE SLAB W/6 X 6 X 6/6 MESH

REINFORCINGPEEL & STICK WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE

FINISHED GRADE SLOPES AWAY FROM FOUNDATION 8"

MIN

.

SLOPE TOP OF PERIMETER INSULATION TO DRAIN

COMPACTED GRAVEL BASE

CONFIRM ADEQUATE SLOPE FOR PLUMBING UNDER SLAB

PRESSURE TREATED SILLPLATE W/ SILL GASKET

BASEBOARD

CEMENT PROTECTIVE LAYER (WASTE FROM SLAB)

1 1/

2"

BEVELED BLOCKING FOR SLOPE

6 MIL POLYETHYLENEVAPOUR RETARDER

2'-0"

MIN

. 6"

2" 8"

2" c

lear

28 PSI TYPE 3 EPS FOAM INSULATION

6"

2"

6"

CRUSHER DUST

10M x 24" (3"/21")

3-10M REBAR C/W 16" LAPS &16"x16" CORNER BARS

1/2" DIA. X 8" ANCHOR BOLT @ 6' O.C,6" FROM CORNERS AND DOORS

2"

1'-0"8"

6" M

IN.

PRE-FINISHED ALUMINUM FLASHING

PRE-FORMED TYPE 3 EPS FOAM UPSTAND & SKIRTING

1 3/4"

3

22 SEPT 2011

Scale:

1110Project No.:

Drawing No.:

Project:

(902) 492-1215

www.solterre.com

3008 Oxford Street, Unit 202Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 2W5

REVISIONS:

SOLTERRECONCEPT HOUSE

SECOND PENINSULALUNENBURG COUNTY, NOVA SCOTIA

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

3/4" = 1'-0"

A8

ICE & WATER SHEILD TOEXTEND 2' IN FROM OUTSIDE OF WALL

HEEL

HEI

GHT

T.B

.C.

2x3 STRAPPING; RUN FIRSTPIECE 12" FROM WALL TO ALLOW

FOR TRUSS MOVEMENT

OSB - SERVES AS AIR BARRIER,TAPE ALL JOINTS

#15 ROOFING FELT

2'-4 1/2"

METAL DRIP EDGE

EAVESTROUGH

PERFORATED FIBRE-CEMENT SOFFIT

FRIEZE TRIM

1x8 FASCIA

NON STRUCTURAL FURRING

WRAP TOP OF WALL ASSEMBLY W/ SELF ADHERINGMEMBRANE TO MAINTAIN CONTINUITY

SIMPSON MODEL No. TC26 TRUSS ANCHOR

1

B

PERFORATED FIBRE-CEMENT SOFFIT

1'-4"

2x3 STRAPPING; RUN FIRST PIECE 12" FROM WALL TO ALLOW FOR TRUSS MOVEMENT

SIMPSON MODEL No. TC26 TRUSS ANCHOR

FRIEZE TRIM

METAL DRIP EDGE

HEEL

HEI

GHT

T.B

.C.

EAVESTROUGH

#15 ROOFING FELTICE & WATER SHIELD AT EAVE

TO 3' IN FROM ROOF EDGE

1x8 FASCIA

WRAP TOP OF WALL ASSEMBLY W/ SELFADHERING MEMBRANE TO MAINTAIN

CONTINUITY

OSB - SERVES AS AIR BARRIER, TAPE ALL JOINTS

B

3

ROOF TRUSS @ NORTH WALL3/4" = 1'1

ROOF TRUSS @ SOUTH WALL3/4" = 1'2

THICKENED EDGE SLAB UNDER LARSEN TRUSS WALL3/4" = 1'3 THICKENED EDGE SLAB UNDER SOUTH WALL

3/4" = 1'4

PERFORMANCE PATTERNS

�  Annual Energy use: �  Propane: 70 litres = 564 ekWh

�  Electricity: 1,800 kWh solar

�  Generator: < 5 kWh

�  Woodstove: 1,800 ekWh

�  Total: 4,169 ekWh

�  Estimated full-time use: 8,000 ekWh (including wood)

�  Average NS house: >38,000 kWh

January Temperatures – unoccupied, systems off

Energy cost:

�  $150 per year (propane+rental)

�  1/3 cord wood ($0 - deadfall)

�  “Surplus” – 2,000 kWh/year

�  “Passive survivability”

NET ZERO CALCULATIONS

Imported Fuels:

�  Propane = 564 ekWh x 1.15

�  Wood = 1,800 ekWh x 1.05

�  Generator = 5 kWh x 8 (est.)

�  Total Import = 2,578 Source ekWh

IF we could export:

�  2,000 kWh x 3.15

�  Total Export = 6,300 kWh

�  Net export of 3,722 kWh

VALLEY WASTE OFFICE BUILDING LEED® Gold and Passive House Certified

FEATURES Systems � Heating/cooling:

1.  VRF air-sourced heat pump

2.  Passive Solar

� Ventilation �  “Tempeff” reverse flow ERV (90% efficient)

� Insulation 1.  Walls – R50

2.  Roof – R96

3.  Found walls R-34

4.  Slab – R27

22 JUNE 2011

Scale:

1024Project No.:

Drawing No.:

Project:

(902) 492-1215www.solterre.com

3008 Oxford Street, Unit 202Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 2W5

REVISIONS:

DRAFTNOT TO SCALE

VALLEY WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ADMINISTRATION OFFICES FACILITY

22 JUN 2011 ISSUED FOR TENDER

DRA

FT

Date: #

1

2

3

4

5

Drawing:

Date:

Project Location:

Client:

Project Name:

Bar Scale:

Seal:

Drawing Checked By: Drawing Approved By:

Jennifer Corson Keith Robertson

6

7

8

9

10

11

CONSULTANT:

GENERAL NOTES:

100 DONALD HILTZ CONNECTOR ROAD

KENTVILLE, NOVA SCOTIA

SECTION DETAILS

1" = 1'

A-401

COLUMN(SEE STRUCTURAL)

SLAB(SEE STRUCTURAL)

COLUMN FOOTING(SEE STRUCTURAL)

VAPOUR BARRIER

3

COLUMN FOOTING DETAIL1" = 1'9

CEMENTITIOUS PERFORATEDSOFFIT VENT

ALUMINUM GUTTER

1" X 8" FASCIA

BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENT SEALING STUD WALL TO OSB UNDER TRUSS WOOD TO BE PRIMED BEFORE SEALING

OSB PRIMED AND TAPED AT SEAMS WITH BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENT (TYP.)

2

TOP OF STUD WALL DETAIL1" = 1'1B

METAL DRIP EDGE

OSB ON FACE OF TRUSSFLUSH WITH S.I.P

BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENT LAPPEDOVER TOP OF S.I.P AND WOOD

STUD WALL, WOOD TO BE PRIMEDBEFORE APPLICATION (SEE

AIRSEALING NOTE)

AROOF VENT BAFFLE

(PROVENT OR EQUIVALENT)

GRADE

TYPE 1 GRANULAR

FOOTING(SEE STRUCTURAL)

4" RIGID INSULATIONEXTENDING 8" ABOVE GRADE

ALUMINUM FLASHING EXTENDING6" BENEATH STRAPPING

CONCRETE SLAB(SEE STRUCTURAL)

VAPOUR BARRIER TO EXTEND TO EXTERIOR OF ICF WALL

DRAINAGE MAT W/ CONCRETE BOARD

TORRIFIED SIDING

5

NORTH WALL FOUNDATION DETAIL1" = 1'8

SILL GASKET

RUBBER BASEBOARD

ICF CUT BACK AS REQUIRED

ROLLERBAR ANGLE

DIAMOND POLISHED CONCRETE SLAB

7/8" FURRING @ 16" O.C.

5/8" TYPE 'X' GYPSUM BOARD

RUBBER BASEBOARD

5/8" GYPSUM BOARD NOT TAPED OR FINISHED IN STORAGE ROOM

6

TOP OF ICF NORTH WALL DETAIL1" = 1'5

SOLID ALUMINUM SOFFIT

BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENTSEALING S.I.P TO EXTERIOR OF ICF

2" THICK EPS FOAM

1A

CONTINUOUS 2X8 LEDGERANCHOR BOLTED THROUGH TO

CONCRETE

60MIL DAMPPROOFING ONEXTERIOR OF ICF

CEMENT BOARD SIDING

A

3'-0

"

PARALLEL CHORD TRUSS

COR-A-VENT ROOF-2-WALL VENT INSTALLED PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS

VARIABLE PITCH CONNECTORSIMPSON MDL No. VPA

CEMENTITIOUS PERFORATED SOFFIT VENT OR EQUIVALENT

BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENTSEALING WINDOW OPENING TO

OSB UNDER TRUSS

CLERESTORY WINDOW

2

2

DRIP EDGE AT TOP OF ROOF

CLERESTORY ROOF JUNCTION DETAIL1" = 1'3

1X10 FASCIA

SOLID CEMENTITIOUS SOFFIT

1'-0"

D

FLASH AND SEAL ENDS OF COR-A-VENT AS RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER

FLASH WEATHER BARRIER OVER COR-A-VENT

9

1"

CEMENT BOARD SIDING

BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENTSEALING OSB AND BEAM

JUNCTION, CONCEALED WITH TRIM

STUD TIE, SIMPSONMDL No. HGAM10KTA

1/2" GYPSUM BOARD

1/2" OSB (SEAMS TAPED ANDPERIMETER SEALED)

BEAM

CERTAINTEED PERFORATED SOFFIT VENT OR EQUIVALENT

ALUMINUM GUTTER

1" X 8" FASCIA

2

TOP OF STUD WALL1" = 1'4

E

ICF CUT BACK ASREQUIRED

ROLLERBAR ANGLE

TOP OF SLAB

7/8" FURRING @ 16" O.C.

5/8" TYPE 'X' GYPSUM BOARD

HAMBRO JOIST

RUBBER BASEBOARD

GRADE

TOP OF ICF SOUTH WALL DETAIL1" = 1'7

CEMENT PROTECTION BOARD EXTENDING 4" BELOW GRADE

4

1B

TORRIFIED OPEN JOINT SIDING

E

GEOTEXTILE MATERIAL ENCAPSULATING TDA

TIRE DERIVED AGGREGATE (TDA)

4

3

SOUTH WALL FOUNDATION DETAIL1" = 1'10

DRAINAGE MAT W/ CONCRETE BOARD

60 MIL DAMPPROOFING SEALED TO UNDER SLAB VAPOUR BARRIER, EXTENDING TO BOTTOM OF EPS SLAB

5" DIAMETER DR 28 DOWNSPOUT PIPING @ 4' BELOW GRADE

4" PERFORATED PVC DRAIN TILE W/ SOCK

TYPE 3 GRANULAR

TRIM TO COVER MEMBRANE

2

TRUSS BEARING ON BEAM1" = 1'2

OSB SHEATHING PRIMED AND SEALED TO BEAM WITH BLUESKIN OR EQUIVALENT

B

2X4 TOP PLATE NOTCHED INTO COLUMN

2X4 STUD WALL BEYOND

AIRSEALING DETAIL TOP OF COLUMN1" = 1'

1A

TRUSS

SEAL THREE SIDES OF CONCRETE PILASTER BACK TO 2X4 TOP PLATE AND TO OSB CEILING LAYER TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS AIR BARRIER

12X12 CONCRETE PILASTER

CUT EPS FOAM WEDGE TO PROVIDE BACKING SURFACE FOR APPLICATION OF AIR SEALING MEMBRANE

SPRAY FOAM BETWEEN MEMBRANE AND OSB CEILING LAYER

BLUESKIN OR EQUIV. CONNECTING EXTERIOR OSB OVER TOP OF SIP TO 2X4 TOP PLATE

8.25" STRUCTURALLY INSULATED PANEL

DRYWALL

DRYWALL

A

STEEL COLUMN(SEE STRUCTURAL)

STEEL BRACKET(SEE STRUCTURAL)

6

COLUMN AT UPPER SLAB1" = 1'6

OFFICE BUILDINGS IN CANADA

0

200000

400000

600000

800000

1000000

1200000

"Average Office" ASHRAE Reference Final VWRM

Plug Loads

DHW

Fans

Cooling

Heating

Lighting

VWRM PERFORMANCE - ENERGY

406 kWh/M2

115 kWh/M2

56 kWh/M2

BEST IN CANADA?

115

69 56

46

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

ASHRAE 90.1 "Grander View" VWRM Modelled VWRM PH EAC

Office Buildings in Canada

kWh/M2/Year2

89

THE “ELEPHANT AND CAMEL”

Utilities need to:

�  “Provide the exact amount of electricity needed exactly when it’s needed, 24 hours a day.”

�  Plan for a change to the load profiles.

�  Be able to adjust for variability in renewable energy supply.

THE “DUCK”

�  Utilities need a certain amount of base load equipment running.

�  Potential for over-generation of renewables.

�  Challenge to ramp-up equipment to meet peak demand.

�  Utilities may limit net metering, or require other mitigation measures.

WHERE TO?

�  “Flattening the duck”

�  Utilities want a flatter load line.

�  Shift the renewables to evening?

�  Storage!

WHERE TO?

�  Storage at the source.

�  California already moving that direction.

�  Tesla early into the home market.

�  Storage by the utility.

�  NS and California are testing compressed air storage. ( ? )

BEST IN CANADA, EH?

115

69 56

46 56

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

ASHRAE 90.1 "Grander View" VWRM Modelled VWRM PH EAC

Office Buildings in Canada

kWh/M2/Year2

89

FINAL THOUGHTS

�  What does the consumer want?

�  Is “Zero” really that important?

�  Don’t worry about the certification.

�  Celebrate the small victories.

� What does Mother Earth see?