The concept of the “Net-Zero” or “Zero Energy Home” (ZEH) as referred to in the United States is not quite within reach of the average homeowner …yet. Ultra low energy consumption housing however is readily available today and is becoming more and more visible in communities throughout North America. As energy costs rise and technologies advance we move closer and closer to realizing the goal of ultra low or no energy consumption housing being available to everyone.

In the U.S., residential homes account for 15% of the national energy consumption. Recognizing this, the U.S. has been a leader in developing energy effi cient building technologies and has invested heavily in renewable energy research. One of the key technologies in housing research has been the development of super-insulated and airtight building envelopes. Structural Insulated Panels, more commonly referred to as SIPs, have made their way to the forefront of building envelope research and are becoming fundamental in the concept of Net-Zero home design.

As much as 45% of a home’s energy use is for heating or cooling. Just by using airtight, super insulated SIP construction a home’s energy consumption can be reduced by 50%-60%. A true Net-Zero Home incorporates numerous integrated systems and technologies including the on-site generation of electricity such as with photovoltaic or “PV” solar power arrays. To get to zero or ultra low energy, home design integrated systems include using ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) for foundations, geo-thermal heat pumps for heating and cooling, passive solar gain used in design for additional heating, tank- less hot water systems, high effi ciency lighting and other related energy effi ciency systems.

The critical component in achieving the best performance for energy in a home always comes back to a well-insulated building envelope. The most cost effective and widely adopted way of achieving this is through the use of SIPs in the construction of the home.

SIPs are made by laminating a rigid foam core between two skins, typically made of, but not limited to, OSB or Oriented Strand Board. When laminated, the panel is structural and very strong with tension and compression qualities much like an I-Beam or girder. SIP construction employs very little dimensioned lumber and therefore has far less “thermal bridging” for heat loss. SIPs are also easier to seal for airtightness.

ECOSIP Industries Inc. of Duncan, BC, now in its third year of operation, is a manufacturer of SIPs. With the aim of bringing high quality, highly energy effi cient building technology to the forefront of the construction industry, ECOSIP Industries is doing its part in bringing us all closer to the ideals of the Net-Zero home. ECOSIP Industries is also the southern Vancouver Island distributor for ARXX Insulated Concrete Forms and is working with grant research funding to advance the science of building energy effi cient homes right here in the Cowichan Valley.

Although the concept of a Net-Zero energy home is now feasible, the current high costs of PV arrays and other renewable electrical energy generating systems keep the goal of true zero energy slightly out of reach of the average homebuyer. Interestingly, a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center showed that 83% of homebuyers would be willing to purchase a Net-Zero home if the utility savings offset the increased cost of the extra mortgage payment. If that’s the case shouldn’t we all be looking to live in energy free homes?

~ Kim Johannsen, ECOSIP Industries Inc.