CHBA and its members have a long tradition of leadership in voluntary programming in energy efficiency, and one of CHBA’s strategic priorities is to advance innovation. CHBA’s Net Zero Energy Housing Council guides the association’s efforts in high‐performance housing. Through the Council, the Net Zero Energy Labelling Program was conceived, resources for members have been developed, and consumer marketing of CHBA Net Zero Homes is a regular part of CHBA’s communications, all of which give members who are voluntarily pursuing Net Zero Energy performance a market advantage.

Why CHBA got involved in Net Zero Housing

CHBA and its members have a long tradition of leadership in voluntary programming in energy efficiency, and one of CHBA’s strategic priorities is to advance innovation. When net zero housing – homes that produce as much energy as they consume each year – was starting to pick up steam with leaders in the industry, CHBA wanted to secure a foothold in the space during its early years and guide the direction of programming for industry (rather than have it guided by others).

About the Net Zero Housing Council

To shape what net zero would be for the association and its members, CHBA established the Net Zero Energy Housing Council in 2014 to guide the association’s efforts in high‐performance housing with the goal of creating a market advantage for CHBA builder and renovator members voluntarily pursuing Net Zero Energy performance. The Council is self-funded through membership and sponsorship. It is made up of primarily builder/renovator members who are passionate and knowledgeable about high performance homes, as well as academia, ex-officio government agencies, and representation from related CHBA Committees and Councils. All Net Zero Council members must apply and be approved by the CHBA Executive. You can read more about the Council here.

About the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program

Through the Council, the Net Zero Energy Labelling Program, including industry training and consumer branding/marketing, was developed. The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program provides the industry and consumers with a clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and the builders and renovators who provide them. You can read more about the Program on this information page written for those in the home building and renovation industry who want more information. The Program was designed to address the barriers to voluntary adoption, all of which are still a challenge in some capacity, including: lack of understanding, awareness, and demand among homeowners; high cost to build or retrofit; education and skill development gaps for industry; lack of appropriate financing mechanisms or incentives for both industry and homeowners; lack of technical standards and support tools for industry; and limited enabling policies by governments (e.g. net metering, incentives).

Resources for Members

The Net Zero Council has many resources for members, whether they’re just exploring the possibility of voluntarily building or renovating high performance homes, or whether they’re committed to Net Zero. Below are some quick links:

• Information on the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program, including how to become qualified, upcoming training dates, on-demand webinar archive, marketing resources, and more.  
• Information on the CHBA Net Zero Energy Housing Council, including how to get involved and what the council is working on.
• Members can subscribe to CHBA’s Net Zero News, a monthly newsletter.
• The Net Zero Home Awards, which is part of CHBA’s National Awards for Housing Excellence, are a marketing advantage for those who have labelled a home through the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program.
• CHBA has a dedicated social media presence @CHBANetZero that keeps industry and the public informed about Net Zero Homes and initiatives on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
  
  

Information for Homeowners

To communicate the value of Net Zero Homes and create a marketing advantage for members who are voluntarily building and renovating them, CHBA points the public to this page. It includes the benefits of Net Zero Homes, financial incentives, and a searchable map for builders and renovators who are part of the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program, including how many homes they’ve labelled. HBAs and members who are looking to communicate the value of Net Zero Homes are encouraged to use language directly as presented on this page – consistent messaging will benefit everyone.

CHBA Staff Contacts

The CHBA website contains a lot of information on Net Zero, but if you still have questions the CHBA Net Zero Energy staff are happy to help.