Net Zero Homes are pivotal in Canadians’ growing pursuit of energy efficient living, based on what Canadian homebuyers tell us they want in their homes. Not only are CHBA labelled Net Zero Homes extremely energy efficient, but they can also provide financial and lifestyle benefits to homeowners including reduced energy bills. How? Using advanced construction methods such as better airtightness, better insulated walls and roof, high performance windows, and advanced mechanical systems, these homes need less energy to operate, have more consistent temperatures throughout, and also have improved indoor air quality, which promotes healthier living environments.

But you might be wondering: “Are all builders qualified to build Net Zero Homes?" The answer is, simply, no. Builders who are qualified to build CHBA Net Zero Homes are considered leaders in high-performance housing. They have voluntarily completed rigorous Advanced Building Science and Net Zero Builder training and have demonstrated their skill by building a Net Zero Home that must meet stringent technical requirements verified by various expert third parties, before they receive the CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder designation.

At the time of publishing this article, there are over 150 CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builders dispersed across various regions in Canada, all of which have demonstrated a profound commitment to Net Zero housing. In this blog post, we break down what it takes to become a Qualified Net Zero Builder and why home buyers should consider working with them.

What is a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Qualified Net Zero Builder designation is earned by builders who have demonstrated expertise in constructing Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes qualified under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program.

Averra Developments Inc., Vancouver, BC, with Design Work Group: “Deso Netzero Duplex” – Finalist in the Best Production Net Zero Home category in the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builders take a “house as a system” approach to home building, which ensures every part of a house works together to minimize energy usage, provide consistent temperatures throughout the home, prevent drafts, and filter indoor air to reduce dust and allergens. The result is exceptional home energy performance and the ultimate in comfort, which adds up to a better living experience for the occupant.

Minto Communities Management Inc. and Metropia, Toronto, ON with RN Design Ltd., Bluewater Energy Inc., Building Knowledge Canada Inc., and HVAC Designs Ltd.: “Union Village” – Finalist in the Best Production Net Zero Home category in the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

How Builders are Qualified

Becoming a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder is not a quick process. It involves several steps designed to ensure builders have the necessary knowledge and skills to build CHBA Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Homes. The steps to become a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder are:

1. CHBA Membership

To become a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder, builders must be a CHBA member in good standing, which requires that they register all their homes with a warranty provider and carry an appropriate level of liability insurance.

2. Education and Training

Before becoming qualified to build CHBA Net Zero Homes, builders must first successfully complete a CHBA-approved Advanced Building Science Training course with a passing exam grade of 75%. Once completed, they then must pass the CHBA Net Zero Builder Training with a minimum exam score of 75%. These training courses provide in-depth knowledge about Net Zero Home design and residential construction using a “house-as-a-system" approach. Both courses are delivered by a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Service Organization.

Gary Hamer, BC Hydro, presents during CHBA Net Zero Builder Training in Whitehorse, YK

3. EnerGuide Registration

Once training is complete, and before building their first CHBA Net Zero Home, builders must become an EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) registered builder with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). This allows the builder to use an EnerGuide label for their Net Zero Homes, which is an official federal government record of each home’s energy performance at the time the home was built.

4. Practical Experience: Label a Net Zero Home

Before earning the CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder designation, builders must put their knowledge and skills to the test by constructing and labelling their first CHBA Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home.

Sterling Homes, Calgary, AB: “Building the Future: Award-Winning Net Zero Creation” – Finalist in the Best Production Net Zero Home category in the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

This demonstration process is supported by the knowledge and expertise of two qualified third parties – a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Energy Advisor and a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Service Organization. These impartial third parties provide quality assurance and work with the builder to verify that the home has met the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program requirements in order to obtain both the government ERS label and the CHBA Net Zero or Net Zero Ready label for the home.

5. Registration

Only when all these steps have been completed can the builder register with CHBA for the designation by signing an annual builder agreement and attestation and paying an annual registration fee.

6. Continuous Professional Development and Program Participation

To maintain their designation, CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builders must participate in on-going CHBA Net Zero education and at least one Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home must be labelled every three years. All CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builders must also register with CHBA annually, comply with the builder agreement and attestation, pay the corresponding program fees, and ensure that their subsequent Net Zero Homes meet the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program technical requirements.

By following these steps, builders are recognized as CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builders –builders at the forefront of high-performance home construction in Canada. This designation not only enhances a builder’s professional expertise, but it also contributes to a more energy efficient future in housing.

Why Hire a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder

CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builders provide a unique service offering to Canadians, not only for energy-conscious home buyers, but also those who are looking for healthier and more comfortable living. Builders who achieve this designation are skilled in understanding how all parts of a house work together to create an optimal living environment for the occupant. Plus, they use some of the most advanced construction techniques and materials on the market.

Maison Design+Build, Saskatoon, SK: “Heritage Modern Beauty” – Finalist in the Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home category in the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Overall, achieving this voluntary designation shows that a builder has proven their commitment to building better homes. It means the builder has put significant time and effort into building better than the current building codes and are constructing the homes of the future.

Find a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder

If you’re a home buyer who is looking to hire a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder, visit CHBA’s Net Zero member directory to find one in your region.

Become a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder

Are you a builder looking to lead the charge toward a more energy efficient and high-performance housing sector? The CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder designation is not just an accolade – it's a strategic business advantage to attract home buyers and differentiate your homes, driving a higher demand. Learn more about how to become a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder on CHBA’s website.