A Net-Zero-Energy home built in Belgravia in 2012 has achieved what it was designed to do—and then some. Effect Home Builders built the home on spec as a demonstration that a net‑zero‑energy home was possible in Edmonton’s climate. The statement was a success, with the home generating a surplus of energy the last three years in a row. That means the home has generated enough energy for the home’s consumption as well as feeding net-excess energy back into the grid for neighbours to use.
“We are thrilled with the results” says Dale Rott, Managing Partner of Effect Home Builders and member of the CHBA Net Zero Energy Housing Council. “The house performed better than the calculations estimated due to the quality of materials and workmanship. The combination of passive solar design, a highly insulated, air-tight building envelope and a solar-electric system were the key contributors to the results we are witnessing.” The two solar systems (electricity and passive solar heating) generated all the energy required for the home PLUS the solar-electric system also generated a surplus of 4800 kWh for 2 years to the end of 2014, a surplus of 3100 kWh in 2015 and, from January to August, a 2016 surplus of 6100 kWh. This means the total surplus thus far is 14,000 kWh in almost 4 years. The solar electricity generated so far has alone saved 44,000 kg of CO2 emissions from Alberta’s electricity generators.
This includes ALL the energy used to heat the home, provide hot water, and to operate lights and appliances. The surplus could even be used to charge an electrical vehicle in the near future whenever the homeowners want to.
“It has been unbelievably impressive” states the homeowner. “We have no gas bill and produce our own electricity so our utility bills are next to nothing. When you look at our utility savings each month it is amazing how that reduces the cost of home ownership. Looking back it is obvious that it was a solid investment that directly contributes to a better environment”. The family living in the home are also able to walk to work and school.
Gordon Howell, the engineer who designed the solar-electric system and well-known solar expert states “Edmonton is a leader in Net‑Zero-Energy home construction and this is one of the best performing houses. Many factors are considered when designing for solar and it is great to see the actual numbers performing even better than our energy calculations.”
The Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) selected the Belgravia residence constructed by Effect Home Builders as the National and Provincial winner of the Green Home Award in 2012.
For a virtual tour of the Belgravia home or to learn more about Net-Zero-Energy homes visit https://effecthomes.ca/net-zero/.
