1.5 ConEd Learning Hours
4:00 p.m. ‐5:30 p.m.
How do you make an affordable net‐zero home? Firstly, focus on energy‐efficient design and insulation. Implementing proper insulation, better‐choice windows, and airtight construction minimizes energy loss, reducing reliance on costly heating and cooling systems. Selecting energy‐efficient appliances and lighting further contributes to lower utility bills. Next, integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels. Advances in solar technology and decreasing costs make solar energy increasingly accessible. Governments often provide incentives or subsidies for renewable installations, enhancing affordability. Smart home technologies can be leveraged to optimize energy consumption, ensuring that power is used efficiently. Carbon optimization involves using sustainable materials and construction practices. Employing recycled and locally sourced materials reduces the environmental impact and can be cost‐effective. Government incentives, grants, and partnerships with green building initiatives can significantly lower the upfront costs for builders and homeowners. Collaborations with utility companies for energy‐efficient financing models can further ease financial burdens. By combining these strategies, net‐zero homes become both environmentally responsible and economically viable, making sustainable living more accessible for everyone.
Learning Objectives
1. Learn what makes a home net zero energy.
2. Learn what makes a home affordable.
3. Learn the processes to making an affordable net zero energy home.
4. Learn the future of residential home construction beyond energy.
Jack Zhou, MEA Owner
A & J Energy Consultants Inc.
With a background in building science, Jack Zhou has worked in low‐rise residential construction since 2004; he was the first to apply and receive the Master Energy Advisor designation in Canada. Early in his career, Jack worked as a framer, insulator, drywaller, installed high‐velocity ductwork, and performed energy simulation. He later earned the HRAI Residential Air System Design Technician and Residential Hydronics Design Technician Designation and started designing HVAC systems and performing energy audits for existing homes. Jack teaches energy‐efficient housing techniques through both private and public sector organizations, colleges, and universities in Ontario, British Columbia, the Republic of China, and South Korea. He also works as a Technical Committee member for the Ontario Home Builder’s Association (OHBA), Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA), Natural Resources Canada ENERGY STAR for New Homes Standard, and Canadian Associations of Consulting Energy Advisors (CACEA). Jack enjoys cost‐effectively accelerating the transition to sustainable housing.