Building a Net Zero Home in Squamish and Whistler

Nestled amidst breathtaking mountains, pristine forests, and the shimmering waters of Howe Sound and Cheakamus River, the Sea to Sky communities of Whistler and Squamish offer an unparalleled natural playground combined with vibrant cultural scenes and a strong sense of community.

Whistler is renowned as a world-class skiing and snowboarding destination, host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Residents can enjoy endless days of adventure on the slopes during winter, while in the summer, the region transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and water sports. Mountain biking enthusiasts enjoy exhilarating rides in a vast trail network, including the famous Whistler Bike Park with its thrilling downhill runs.

Hiking enthusiasts in Whistler can embark on picturesque trails that wind through ancient forests, alpine meadows, and spectacular glacial valleys. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there’s zip-lining, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting. Whistler’s lakes and rivers provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and paddleboarding.

Squamish has been dubbed the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.” The Stawamus Chief, a towering granite monolith, attracts climbers from around the world, offering challenging routes and stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding Coast Mountains. Squamish is a mecca for mountain biking, boasting an extensive network of trails with much to offer for all skill levels. From thrilling downhill descents to scenic cross-country rides, bikers can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of coastal rainforests and majestic peaks.

Squamish also is known for hiking trails, offering treks like the iconic Stawamus Chief Trail, the serene Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Provincial Park, or the expansive Garibaldi Provincial Park with its glacier-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Water enthusiasts relish the Squamish River and Howe Sound opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or sailing and kiteboarding, taking advantage of the area’s strong winds.

If you’re planning to build a custom home or retrofit an existing one in BC’s Sea to Sky Corridor, a Net Zero home offers numerous advantages to Squamish and Whistler homeowners. It significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by generating as much renewable energy as it consumes, resulting in a minimal carbon footprint. This not only helps combat climate change but also reduces your reliance on fossil fuels.

Your net zero home will provide substantial long-term cost savings by minimizing BC Hydro energy bills through energy-efficient design and renewable energy generation. A well-designed net zero home will prioritize superior indoor air quality, comfort, and durability, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for your family. Net zero homes exemplify sustainable living and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for everyone.

What is a Net Zero home?

The goal of a net zero home is to achieve a neutral or zero carbon footprint by minimizing energy consumption and offsetting it with renewable energy generation.

A net zero home:

1. 1. produces as much energy as it consumes, and is up to 80% more energy efficient than conventional homes built to the BC Building Code of 2018,
   2. can reduce your BC Hydro energy bills significantly year-round,
   3. offers protection against future increases in BC Hydro and FortisBC energy prices,
   4. is more durable, thanks to superior insulation, high-efficiency doors and windows, elimination of thermal bridging and a sealed building envelope,
   5. promises exceptional comfort all year, thanks to a sealed building envelope, superior insulation, and high-efficiency heating, cooling and ventilation systems,
   6. delivers vastly improved indoor air quality by greatly reducing outdoor air pollution, allergens and asthma triggers,
   7. silences outdoor noise, to provide a quieter, more peaceful living environment.

Net Zero isn’t a clearly defined universal standard in Canada the way Passive House is. According to the Government of Canada, they will provide tools to make new buildings more energy efficient. “Working with the provinces and territories, the federal government will develop a building code that, when adopted by provinces and territories and used by builders, could enable all new buildings to be built net-zero energy ready by 2030.”

Tools designers can incorporate to achieve their targets are:

• exceptional energy efficiency through superior levels of insulation, airtight construction, and energy-efficient windows and doors,
• integration of renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems, or biomass systems to generate clean, on-site energy,
• utilization of smart technologies and energy management systems to optimize energy usage, monitor consumption and manage BC Hydro net metering,
• incorporation of passive design principles that take advantage of the local BC West Coast climate, site orientation, and natural elements to maximize energy efficiency,
• implementation of energy-efficient appliances, lighting controls, and smart thermostats to further reduce energy demand,
• installation of water efficiency measures, such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems,
• use of sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials and construction practices,
• emphasis on indoor air quality through proper ventilation systems and non-toxic materials,
• integration of landscaping and site design to promote sustainability, with native plants, water conservation techniques, and permeable surfaces,
• monitoring and feedback systems that provide you with real-time data on energy usage and performance, enabling informed decisions and ongoing adjustments,
• compliance with rigorous energy performance standards and certifications, such as NetZero Home, CHBABC.

Net-zero homes exemplify the possibilities of sustainable living and are playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and creating a greener future for Canadians.

Net zero, the BC Energy Step Code and 2032

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial initiative that sets progressive performance targets for new construction. Local governments in British Columbia can choose to require or incentivize a particular step of the BC Energy Step Code for new construction, or at their option, across all of their projects.

To comply with the BC Energy Step Code designers and builders are required to use energy modelling software and on-site testing, to demonstrate that both the submitted design and constructed building meet the standard’s requirements.

The Step Code sets forth performance targets for new construction, grouping them into steps. The diagram above outlines five steps from the current BC Building Code requirements to “net zero energy ready” requirements for Part 9 residential buildings. The target for achieving Step 5 across all new construction is the year 2032, with all new homes qualifying as net zero ready.

Energy efficiency and cost savings

One of the key benefits of owning a net zero home is its exceptional energy efficiency. Superior insulation, high-performance windows and doors, and an airtight building envelope prevent heat loss or gain; and energy-efficient appliances, lighting fixtures, and HVAC systems are commonly installed to further reduce energy consumption. The energy efficiency of net zero homes translates directly into substantial cost savings.

Solar panels, which are commonly installed on the rooftops of net zero homes, harness the power of the sun to generate electricity, allowing you to become a self-sufficient energy producer. Any excess energy produced can be fed back into the grid, earning credits or monetary compensation through net metering.

Renewable energy and net metering

Solar panels are the key component for most net zero renewable energy systems, harnessing the power of the sun and converting it into usable energy for powering your home.

The cells in your solar panels are composed of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Most household appliances and electrical systems in our homes run on alternating current (AC), so an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into usable AC electricity.

The AC electricity produced by the solar panels is sent to the electrical panel, also known as the breaker box or distribution panel. The electrical panel then distributes the electricity to various circuits throughout your home, providing power to lights, appliances, HVAC systems and other electrical devices. Any excess electricity that is not immediately used by your home can be fed back into the electrical grid through a process called net metering.

BC Hydro’s net metering program was designed for homeowners who generate electricity for their own use. The program was designed to allow you to generate your own power and become self-sufficient while having the flexibility of relying on the power grid during periods when the solar (or wind) system does not provide enough energy to fully meet your home’s needs.

When more energy is generated than you need, it’s fed back to the grid, and you receive generation credits that can be applied toward future electricity use. During periods when your system doesn’t generate enough to cover your needs, you buy power from BC Hydro, applying any accumulated credit.

Superior thermal comfort

As a net zero homeowner, you’ll enjoy outstanding comfort, free of drafts and cold spots, with fresh, filtered air in every room. A sealed building envelope, super-insulation, high-efficiency windows and doors, and an advanced HVAC system deliver stable indoor temperatures.

Thermal bridging refers to areas within your building’s structure where heat can easily transfer through materials with high thermal conductivity, such as studs, beams, metal components or poorly insulated sections. Addressing and eliminating thermal bridging can minimize heat loss or gain.

Creating a sealed building envelope involves meticulous insulation and air sealing, ensuring that there are no unintended gaps or leaks where the conditioned air can escape or outside air can infiltrate. Advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems with zoning capabilities allow you to customize the temperature in different areas of the house, ensuring personalized comfort.

Indoor air quality and health benefits

One of the key features of net zero homes is the air ventilation system, also known as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The mechanical ventilation system introduces fresh, filtered air from the outside and exhausts stale air from the inside.

Controlled ventilation helps remove indoor pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, and airborne contaminants, creating a healthier living environment. By expelling stale air and introducing only filtered air from the outdoors, the system helps remove allergens, odours, and potentially harmful contaminants from the incoming air stream, promoting better respiratory health and reducing the risk of pollutant-related health problems.

Environmental stability and reducing your carbon footprint

One of the primary contributors to carbon emissions is energy consumption from residential buildings, including heating, cooling, and electricity usage. According to the BBC, “Residential properties are responsible for between 17-21% of energy-related carbon emissions globally.” Net zero homes address this pressing climate issue by implementing energy-efficient design strategies and incorporating renewable energy systems.

Net zero homes focus on minimizing energy waste and optimizing energy use. By reducing the energy demand, your Squamish or Whistler net zero home lessens the strain on the power grid and decreases your need for energy generation from traditional, hydro and carbon-intensive sources. Renewable energy systems such as solar panels generate clean, renewable electricity, reducing your reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.

This decentralized approach to energy production not only minimizes carbon emissions but also increases energy resilience and reduces transmission losses associated with long-distance energy distribution. In addition to their direct impact on reducing carbon emissions, net zero homes serve as role models and catalysts for broader environmental change. They showcase the potential of sustainable, low-carbon living and inspire businesses and industries to adopt energy-efficient practices and renewable energy systems.

Planning your net zero project

The goal of a net zero home project is to minimize your home’s carbon footprint by generating as much energy as it consumes, resulting in a net zero energy balance. Here are a few key net zero principles to consider when planning your custom home:

1. 1. The building should be oriented to maximize solar gain, with large windows strategically placed to capture natural light and heat.
   2. Your home should be airtight and well-insulated, using superior insulation materials and thermal bridging techniques to reduce heat loss or gain. This includes insulating the foundation, walls, and roof, installing high-efficiency windows and doors, as well as ensuring airtightness.
   3. Incorporating a renewable energy system is essential to achieving net zero. Installing solar panels on the roof or in the yard will help generate enough electricity to meet the demands of your home. Your solar panel installer or design-build contractor can help arrive at the size and placement of the solar panels to optimize their performance. Also, consider exploring other renewable energy sources such as geothermal heat pumps or wind turbines, depending on your location and feasibility.
   4. Energy-efficient appliances and electrical systems are another crucial component of any net zero home. Selecting energy-efficient appliances, such as Energy Star®-rated models, can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Installing energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures, HVAC systems and water heaters can contribute to overall energy savings.
   5. Leveraging Smart home technology can further enhance energy efficiency. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperature settings based on occupancy or time of day. Home automation systems can control lighting, appliances, and other devices to ensure they are only used when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
   6. Water conservation should also be a priority when planning your net zero home. Installing low-flow fixtures, such as faucets and shower heads, will reduce your family’s water usage. Incorporating rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling systems can conserve water for irrigation or non-potable uses.
   7. Opting for sustainable, locally sourced materials with a low carbon footprint can help reduce embodied energy and promote eco-friendly practices. This includes using recycled or reclaimed materials where possible and selecting non-toxic and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products for better indoor air quality.

Planning your net zero home construction project will involve thoughtful consideration of design, energy generation and efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. When you have a good idea of what your new net zero home looks like, it’s time for drawings and estimates.

Advantages of hiring a design-build contractor

Hiring an architect and contractor separately typically requires you to manage and coordinate between these two entities. The architect or contractor may handle project management and the hiring of trades, or that task may fall on you. A design-build contractor instead offers a comprehensive approach by combining the roles of the architect and general contractor into a single entity, streamlining the entire project from conception to completion.

Design-build contractors provide seamless coordination between the design and construction phases. Having a single point of contact avoids the potential pitfalls of miscommunication and delays that often occur when working with separate architects, contractors and trades. Close in-house collaboration between design and execution ensures seamless communication, efficient decision-making, and effective problem-solving throughout the entire process. It allows for real-time adjustments, quicker problem-solving, and a faster construction process.

Choosing a net zero builder in Squamish and Whistler

Experience matters. Net zero home construction requires specialized knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. You’re looking for a Squamish builder with a proven track record of successfully completing high-performance custom home and retrofit projects. Please familiarize yourself with our portfolio.

Based out of the North Shore and Squamish, Coast Essential Construction has over 25 years of building experience. From the age of ten Coast Essential Construction owner, Reid Madiuk, worked alongside his father building some of Whistler’s first condominium complexes and townhouse developments and he has continued building ever since.

Coast Essential Construction is a registered BuiltGreen builder, has been a PassiveHouse Canada member since 2019, and is a NetZero Home builder with the Canadian Home Builder’s Association. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

If you have a net zero home idea you need brought to life, we provide in-house drafting and design services which can streamline the transition from design into construction, to get your project underway quickly.