This monthly e-publication provides you with updates on the efforts of the CHBA Net Zero Council (NZC) including announcements of opportunities to get engaged, and information on related events and news. Back issues are posted here. We invite CHBA members to submit content for upcoming issues by emailing us.
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In this issue:
- APPLY BY AUG 11: Call for NZC Member and Sponsor Applications
- Congratulations Newly Qualified Net Zero Professionals!
- SURVEY: Help Create Builder Resources for Wildfire Resilience
- Update on the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program in Canada
- Upcoming Net Zero Training + Rebates Available!
- CSA F280 Whole-house Design Heat Loss and Gain Calculations: Understanding and implementing efficient design principles
- Blog Post: Canada’s Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Homes
- Net Zero Renos Roadshow is kicking off in September!
- NEW Renovation Incentives CHBA Webpage & Homeowner Resources
- Net Zero Solutions Video Library
- News from the Net
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Call for NZC Member & Sponsor Applications
APPLY BY AUG 11 @ 5PM ET
Join the Net Zero Council and be part of the leadership group working together to accelerate the voluntary adoption of Net Zero Homes in Canada. CHBA members are invited to apply for membership on the Council for a 2-year term starting November 1, 2025. There are currently 6 voting member seats available within the following two categories:3 Bronze Sponsor Members and 3 Builder/Renovator Members, with the possibility of more seats opening in other categories. Visit chba.ca/nzc to learn about the benefits of Membership, check out this years’ Sponsorship benefits, and review the Terms of Reference (which includes the annual fees) before submitting an Application Form to sonja.winkelmann@chba.ca by August 11 @ 5PM ET.
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Congratulations Newly Qualified Net Zero Professionals!
In the second quarter of 2025 (Apr-Jun) 4 Builders, 1 Renovator, and 2 Energy Advisors became qualified under the Net Zero Home Labelling Program! Please join us in welcoming them aboard!
Builders
- HL Design & Construction (BC)
- Hoboken Developments (BC)
- Homes by Avi (AB)
- Wilden Construction (BC)
Renovators
- Level UP Consult - Design - Build (ON)
Energy Advisors
- Henock Abraham, EnviroCentre (ON)
- Kylee Seddon-Johnstone, Bernhardt Contracting (BC)
You can find our complete Net Zero Builder and Renovator map directory on our consumer page at www.NetZeroHome.com or www.chba.ca/net-zero/#search. Our directory of Qualified Net Zero EAs, Trainers and SOs can be found at www.chba.ca/nze under the menu option “who to work with.”
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SURVEY: Help Create Builder Resources for Wildfire Resilience
The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) are leading the Resilient Homes Task Force (RHTF) – a group of six best-practice builders and six insurance executives. The RHTF wants to develop practical solutions for protecting homes from climate risks and is currently gathering insights from industry professionals on effective strategies for wildfire. Your feedback will help to create useful checklists and resources for builders. If you are a building industry professional directly involved in the design, construction, or repair of homes or properties (builders, renovators, contractors, restoration contractors, landscape professionals, etc.), please consider completing this survey at your earliest convenience. If you have questions or would like more information about the Resilient Homes Task Force, please contact Frank Lohmann.
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Update on the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program in Canada
JUN 26 | NRCAN PROGRAM BULLETIN 139
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is aware of recent developments in the United States regarding the possible cancellation or restructuring of the ENERGY STAR program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are monitoring the situation closely and remain in contact with the EPA. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program. The name and symbol are trademarks registered in Canada by the U.S. EPA. In Canada, the program is administered and promoted by NRCan through the Office of Energy Efficiency. Moreover, the current ENERGY STAR for New Homes (ESNH) program remains active and fully supported in Canada by NRCan. It is important to also note that the ESNH Technical Standard is developed, published, and operated independently by NRCan. This means the technical foundation of ESNH remains secure under Canadian federal authority, regardless of any changes to the ENERGY STAR brand or its administration in the U.S. ENERGY STAR certified products, homes, and buildings remain a reliable option for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. NRCan continues to work with the EPA to meet its obligations as an international ENERGY STAR partner. Questions about the program’s future in the U.S. should be directed to the EPA. Should there be any changes that affect the program’s branding or structure in Canada, NRCan will work transparently with stakeholders and ensure appropriate consultation and communication.
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Upcoming Net Zero Training + Rebates Available!
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CSA F280 Whole-house Design Heat Loss and Gain Calculations: Understanding and implementing efficient design principles
AUG 12 | 10:30-5:00 ET | ZOOM
If you’re an Energy Advisor who wants to gain the ability to perform precise whole-house heat loss and heat gain calculations in the retrofit market, providing essential calculations that HVAC professionals can use to size heat pumps accurately, visit cacea.ca/events to learn more about this session.
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Blog Post: Canada’s Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Homes
In this blog post, we’re highlighting the top 5 projects for Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home in the 2025 award competition. (In June, we highlighted 2025’s top 5 projects in the Best Production Net Zero Home award category.) Every year, builders and renovators across the country repeatedly raise the bar in energy efficient home design with these Net Zero projects – so check out this blog post to get inspiration for your next project!
Be sure to share using @CHBANetZero and #CHBANetZero so that more homeowners and homebuyers will learn about Net Zero Homes!
Visit our website here to read more of our Net Zero blog posts. You can also find and share all our Net Zero blog posts (geared towards consumers) via our four social media accounts; LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.
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Net Zero Renos Roadshow is kicking off in September!
Calling all renovators and high performance retrofit teams!! The Towards Net Zero Renos project team is hitting the road to deliver workshops in the participating municipalities across Canada with its team of building science experts and Net Zero Renovators. The first 3 workshops in Ontario kick us off as we dig into the tools and resources as well as completed Net Zero renovation projects that have met their client goals following the “Towards Net Zero Renos Roadmap”. Join us at these not-to-be-missed events!
Registration fees have been reduced to $25 for members with support from project funding. To register for these and the upcoming dates in other provinces, details and registration links (as they become available) can be found in the Net Zero calendar.
Call-out for Net Zero testimonials for cross-Canada tour!
For our educational material in the workshops, we’re seeking builder, renovator and homeowner testimonials on the value of new and renovated Net Zero Homes. Please send your testimonials to netzero@chba.ca.
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NEW Renovation Incentives CHBA Webpage & Homeowner Resources
Do your clients know that the federal government offers a variety of tax credits, rebates, and loans to make renovation projects more affordable for homeowners? If your clients are upgrading for energy efficiency, accessibility, or adding a secondary suite - there are many incentives available that could be help turn their renovation dreams into reality. Check out the new Renovation Incentives and Resources page on the CHBA website. It's packed new, easy-to-understand fact sheets for your clients. You are encouraged to download, print, and/or add these resources to your website.
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Net Zero Solutions Video Library
CHBA's new Net Zero Solutions video library offers solution providers with exposure to builders and renovators looking for Net Zero Solutions for their projects. By consolidating essential information and best practices, and offering valuable insight, this new webpage empowers our members to showcase their mechanical, envelope, energy, or other innovations. If you would like the opportunity to add your company’s video, please visit our website to learn more.
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- Only 3 years left – new study warns the world is running out of time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The data in our report helps the world to understand not just what’s happened in recent years, but also what to expect further down the track. If nationally determined contributions are implemented, the pace of climate change will slow down. This is vital not just for the countries – and economies – currently on the frontline against climate change, but for a functioning global society.
- WARMING HAS REACHED 1.5°C. What does that mean for climate advocacy? With global warming now at 1.5°C and accelerating, our latest discussion paper asks the hard questions: Are we relying on flawed assumptions about system stability and recovery? And what would it really take to restore a safe climate? Exploring the limits of current strategies, it sets out an alternative: a three-lever approach combining zero emissions, large-scale carbon drawdown, and urgent research into safe short-term cooling.
- Earth Overshoot Day 2025 falls on July 24 - The date when humanity’s demand on nature surpasses Earth’s capacity to replenish nature during the entire year.
- A grim report about climate change in Ontario was kept quiet for 8 months. Southern Ontario to see 60 days of temperatures over 30 degrees by 2080s: report
- ABACUS DATA SURVEY: Public concerns about climate up 15-points since October 2024. This article looks at how recent extreme weather is raising public concern, even as most Canadians remain focused on everyday issues like affordability and the economy.
- SURVEY: Manitoba Roadmap to Net-Zero
- Connecting regional electricity grids should be Canada’s top nation-building project. Electricity infrastructure projects can drive economic, environmental, security, and reconciliation benefits.
- UN says booming solar, wind and other green energy hits global tipping point for even lower costs. The global switch to renewable energy has passed a “positive tipping point” where solar and wind power will become even cheaper and more widespread, according to two United Nations reports released Tuesday, describing a bright spot amid otherwise gloomy progress to curb climate change.
- The wildfires burning across Canada are a call to act on resilience. Let’s build the resilience across the country that Canadians need and deserve.
- The Climate Shift Index (CSI) is a new mapping tool that shows the fingerprint of climate change, every day, anywhere on earth. It quantifies how much more likely a day’s temperature is due to human-caused climate change. Read more here.
- When alignment becomes a liability. ENERGY STAR and the case for a made-in-Canada approach to appliance and equipment efficiency.
- The Future of ENERGY STAR. After months of uncertainty and industry-wide anxiety, it appears that the ENERGY STAR program will carry on business as usual.
- How ready for heat pumps is Toronto Hydro? Can the utilities handle the increased demand for electricity?
- Canada’s Housing Market Is Trapped In A Dangerous Triangle. This is more than an economic challenge — it is a test of Canada’s ability to build a housing system that serves the aspirations of its people.
- Minnesota Moves to Adopt Hempcrete, Strawbale in Residential Building Codes.
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The Canadian Home Builders' Association
141 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 500
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3
communications@chba.ca
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