- Super-insulated building envelope
- High-quality windows with solar orientation
- Ventilation systems with heat recovery
- Thermal bridge-free
- Airtight
Passive and Net Zero Homes
Transforming your home into a passive and net zero home can cut your home's energy use by half or more. This reduces your home’s impact on the climate, and it is cheaper to keep cozy over time.
Achieve exceptional energy efficiency
There are two key building standards that will help guide you towards having a more energy efficient home: Passive Houses and Net Zero houses. Learn more about similarities and differences between Net Zero and Passive Houses.
Passive houses
Passive House Standards aim for energy efficiency and comfort. They cut heating and cooling needs with insulation, good windows, and smart design. They also stay airtight, so they use controlled ventilation for fresh air and energy savings.
Key components of a passive house
- Year-round stable indoor air quality and temperature
- Quiet and comfortable throughout the changing seasons
- Substantial reduction in energy use and operating costs
- Simple to use, durable systems
- Priceless peace of mind
Net zero homes
Net zero homes make as much energy as they need and are way more energy-efficient than regular homes. They do this by sealing up tight, using things like solar panels, and keeping the inside comfy, draft-free, and clean. This gives you an eco-friendly and cozy home.
Key components of a net zero home
- Air-source heat pumps to help heat and cool your home
- Ground source heat pump to help to heat and cool your home
- Solar panels, which generate power for lighting, heating and cooling, hot water and appliances
- High-efficiency appliances and systems (HVAC) that reduce energy use
- Highly efficient building envelope: exterior walls, foundation, and attic are sealed and well insulated
- Passive heat: the home is oriented to take advantage of sunlight
- Lower your utility bills for years to come
- Be more resilient to weather extremes, power outages, and rising energy costs
- Be more comfortable due to superior heating, cooling and ventilation systems
- Be healthier because of a filtered fresh air system that improves air quality and reduces allergens
- Reduce the impact of occupants’ day-to-day life on climate and the environment
Our support for deep retrofits
Deep retrofits to achieve a standard like Passive House or Net Zero are a smart move. Various levels of government offer incentives, rebates and financing to encourage home retrofits. This makes your deep retrofit easier and more affordable. Contact our Energy Coach to explore available rebates and financing options.
Additionally, you can benefit from programs like Better Homes Kingston. This contributes to meeting our targets, saving money, and bolstering a resilient clean energy system.
Contact
Program Manager
Better Homes Kingston
betterhomes@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-217-7281
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
