A net-zero energy (NZE) home produces as much energy as it consumes on a yearly basis and has at least one on-site renewable energy system. NZE homes are not necessarily energy autonomous or off-grid because they can be connected to the electricity grid and supply energy back to the grid when the home produces more energy than it needs. In the span of a year the energy supplied to the grid should balance the energy drawn from the grid to achieve net-zero annual energy consumption.
To make your home a NZE home, there are three steps to consider when designing and building your home:
- Reduce the home’s energy requirements.
- Include renewable energy systems to provide the amount of energy required to operate the home.
- Operate the home efficiently.
For more information on the steps toward a NZE home, visit CMHC’s Net-Zero Energy Housing webpage.
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