coordinating unifying nze efforts in na project report

Coordinating

Energy Efforts

Net-Zero Energy Home Coalition

[email protected]

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Coordinating and Unifying Net

Energy Efforts in North America

PROJECT

Sonja Winkelmann

Executive Director

Zero Energy Home Coalition

905.867.7410

[email protected]

netzeroenergyhome.ca

March 31, 2014

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Unifying Net-Zero

North America

PROJECT REPORT

Coordinating and Unifying Net-Zero Energy Efforts in North America Page | 1

CONTENTS

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 2

1.0 The Net-Zero Energy Coalition .................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Project Results ............................................................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Project Introduction and Objectives ....................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Organizations Engaged in NZE Activities ................................................................................................. 5

2.3 Interviews .............................................................................................................................................. 10

3.0 Recommendations and Next Steps............................................................................................................ 16

3.1 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 16

3.2 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................. 18

Appendix A: Market Landscape Analysis .............................................................................................................. 19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Net-Zero Energy Coalition would like to acknowledge that the development of this publication was made possible by a financial contribution

from Natural Resources Canada.

DISCLAIMER

The Net-Zero Energy Coalition and its Board of Directors may not necessarily have policy positions on any of the recommendations contained in

this report. While all reasonable care has been taken in the production of this publication, the Coalition and its Board of Directors accept no

liability whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use or reliance upon the information contained within this publication by any party.

Let’s make a difference. Together. To become a part of our Coalition or learn more

Call us: 905.867.7410


Executive Summary

A Positive Asset on the Balance Sheet: Net-Zero Energy Buildings and Communities

NET-ZERO ENERGY TODAY A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that global emissions of greenhouse

gases (GHG) have risen to unprecedented levels despite a growing number of policies to reduce climate change.

Emissions grew more quickly between 2000 and 2010 than in each of the three previous decades.1 Buildings

contribute up to one-third of global GHG emissions.2

Net-Zero Energy (NZE) buildings and communities reduce GHG emissions and can alter the negative impacts of

climate change. More and more organizations are joining the growing NZE movement as new cities and states

adopt NZE policies, solar energy costs continue to plummet to record lows, and the demand for NZE buildings and

communities grows globally.

Research conducted for this project identified over 146 organizations and 333 programs, projects, or initiatives

that are focused on the path to net-zero energy. 53% of these are specifically targeting net-zero energy today, and

47% are energy efficiency-related, with goals working toward net-zero energy.

At the time of finalizing this report, the net-zero energy industry saw 2 significant ‘game-changers’ that will

significantly impact the markets in both Canada and the US:

� The establishment of a Net-Zero Energy Housing Council by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association

� The DOE Challenge Home Program rebranding to the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program

There is positive movement in almost all key focus areas with significant, game-changing initiatives being

developed. Strong collaborations are taking shape and yielding results, and we’re seeing significant momentum

occurring in the US with 59% of the NZE specific activities taking place there. A majority of efforts are focused on

Education & Tools, and there’s a lack of efforts in the area of Finance & Real Estate with only 4% of activities

implemented in these areas.

NEXT STEPS The Net-Zero Energy Coalition Board of Directors approved a 2014-2016 Strategic Plan on February 20

th, 2014. The

mission is to accelerate the market adoption of net-zero energy buildings and communities across North America.

This will be done by executing initiatives that UNITE THE INDUSTRY and ACCELERATE THE MARKET. 10 strategies

have been identified to achieve this over the next 3 years. Mobilizing the 6 Activation Teams to implement the

priority focus areas identified for collaboration is a key part of these efforts.

This project expedited the process for the Coalition to gather strategic market intelligence of NZE efforts and

organizations across North America with whom to collaborate and share knowledge with to advance NZE efforts.

The Coalition will utilize the strategies identified within our 2014-2016 Strategic Plan to unify and coordinate these

activities.

1 http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/ar5/pr_wg3/20140413_pr_pc_wg3_en.pdf

2 unep.org/sbci/pdfs/sbci-bccsummary.pdf


1.0 The Net-Zero Energy Coalition

The Net-Zero Energy Coalition is a change agent, catalyzing and championing a

transformation of the built environment to net-zero energy by executing initiatives

that UNITE THE INDUSTRY and ACCELERATE THE MARKET. The Coalition’s efforts are

guided by the following principles:

� Leadership. Coordinating the strategy, and inspiring and enabling collective action.

� Impact. Harnessing the power of like-minded people to mobilize massive change.

UNITING THE INDUSTRY The Coalition will engage and unite the champions, influencers and key decision

makers from across industry sectors that have mutual responsibility for the building

industry transformation. Together this network will coalesce the vision and objectives,

and execute a leadership agenda that guides the evolving role for the industry.

ACCELERATING THE MARKET The Coalition will utilize a variety of forums to build awareness and knowledge, and to share information,

resources, advancements and best practices in NZE design, construction, technology, standards, programs, policy

and RD&D. Capitalizing on the power in numbers we will develop joint initiatives, coordinate efforts and pool

resources to enable more rapid adoption of solutions and execution of NZE projects.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT As a collective impact backbone organization the Coalition will provide

unique value to net-zero energy stakeholders from across industry

sectors, compelling the participation of a growing number of members,

sponsorship of key activities, and the engagement of new collaborators.

2014-2016 will place a keen focus on bridging the knowledge gap

between the Innovators and the emerging Early Adopter market. As

the only organization solely focused on NZE in North America, the

Coalition will provide trustworthy and easy access to information and

resources, and unite a peer group of industry leaders. We aim to

simplify the adoption of NZE for our customers, enabling them to

accelerate their NZE business.

SIZE AND STRUCTURE The operations of the Coalition are managed by the Executive Director, Sonja Winkelmann, with leadership

provided by the Board of Directors. Organizational and project support is provided by the Coalition’s U.S. Director,

Shilpa Sankaran, and by Hilary Knox for Member and Event Services. As of March 13, 2014 the Coalition has 124

members from across North America. netzeroenergyhome.ca/member-directory

Board Member Position Member Organization Location

Gary Hamer President BC Hydro Burnaby, BC, Canada

Simon Knight Past President C3 Calgary, AB, Canada

Cory Krygier Vice-President Jigsaw Homes Calgary, AB, Canada

Frank Baker Secretary/Treasurer Plasti-Fab Ltd. Blissfield, MI, USA

Peter Amerongen Director Habitat Studio Edmonton, AB, Canada

Ann Edminster Director Design AVEnues LLC Pacifica, CA, USA

David Johnston Director What’s Working Inc. Boulder, CO, USA

Paul Locke Director E. I. duPont Canada Company Mississauga, ON, Canada

Sam Rashkin Ex-Officio Director U.S. Department of Energy Washington, DC, USA

MISSION To accelerate the market adoption of net-zero energy buildings and communities across North America. VISION To make the built environment a positive asset on the balance sheet for the planet.

“Collective Impact Initiatives are long-term commitments by a group of important actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem. Their actions are supported by a shared measurement system, mutually reinforcing activities, and on-going communication, and are staffed by an independent backbone organization.”

Source: "Collective Impact" by John Kania and Mark Kramer (Stanford Social Innovation Review, [Winter 2011])


2.0 Project Results

2.1 Project Introduction and Objectives

To successfully accelerate the market adoption of net-zero energy, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

recognizes the need to unite the diverse group of leaders, practitioners and early adopters of net-zero

energy in North America. This message was reinforced at inaugural Net-Zero North American Leadership

Summit held October 8-10, 2013 with 180 key industry stakeholders in attendance.

The concept of net-zero energy is gaining momentum both in North America and internationally. NRCan's

own analysis has demonstrated that with current trends in PV pricing, and escalating electricity prices

throughout North America, net-zero energy have the potential to be a cost-effective choice for consumers

within the next decade.

The degree to which this form of housing will become more main stream is predicated on creating market

confidence in solutions and a consistent and understandable message by consumers of what is and what

can be expected from a net-zero energy home/building.

This last point is linked to a sound and technically grounded branding strategy that will help grow a niche

market of net-zero energy advocates into a market driven mass market product that municipalities,

builders, building owners, and consumers have confidence in.

At the 2013 Net-Zero North American Leadership Summit it was identified that taking a North American

approach could go a long way to achieving these market confidence and branding goals.

The Net-Zero Energy Coalition is uniquely positioned to develop and foster this North American strategy for

advancing net-zero energy homes, buildings and communities. In order to fully achieve this goal it is

recognized that a coordinated and unified approach needs to be developed among the many net-zero

energy champions that are currently active in this domain across North America. To this end it is necessary

to take stock on who are the most influential and active organizations pursuing net-zero energy efforts and

attempt to find ways to leverage their efforts with other like-minded stakeholders.

OBJECTIVES 1. To gather strategic market intelligence across North America of net-zero energy efforts and identify

strategies to unify and coordinate these activities.

2. To identify specific organizations in the US and Canada with whom the Coalition and NRCan can

collaborate or share knowledge to advance net-zero energy efforts in North America.


2.2 Organizations Engaged in NZE Activities

As a Collective Impact ‘backbone organization’ the NZE Coalition is following a predefined process to ensure

we succeed in meeting our objectives to unite the industry and accelerate the market. We’re currently at

Phase III and, upon conclusion of this project, will embark upon Phase IV: Implementing and Sustaining

Impact, per the diagram below.

Source: http://www.fsg.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/PDF/SF_Workshop_4_Phases_of_Collective_Impact.pdf

Phase I: Creation of the NZE Coalition

Phase II: 2013 Net-Zero North American Leadership Summit

Phase III: The Coalition’s 2014-2016 Strategic Plan, which includes the results of the Summit, and this

project, which identifies key partners/stakeholders to be engaged

Phase IV: The ongoing Activation Teams and annual Leadership Summit

By implementing cascading levels of linked

collaborative work we will enable a structure

that allows us to collectively see, learn and

do. The NZE Coalition’s Board and Strategic

Advisors form our Steering Committee. Our

Activation Teams will be the Working Groups.

Through this project we will identify and

engage our key Partners. And our Community

Members exist within our NZE network.

Source: Channeling Change: Making Collective Impact Work, 2012; FSG Interviews

Success requires that we allow the answers to come from within – we need collaborative action from

industry to lead this process, facilitated by the NZE Coalition. Many small changes implemented in

alignment can add up to large scale progress.

“No Silver Bullets... But we do have Silver Buckshot.”


NET-ZERO ENERGY LANDSCAPE Including our membership, listed below are the major organizations in North America, both public and private,

engaged in the advancement of net-zero energy and energy efficient homes, buildings and communities. This is

not an exhaustive or comprehensive list; it is representative of the key organizations actively engaged in net-zero

energy. The chart below indicates where their efforts are focused, and if they have net-zero energy (�) or energy

efficiency (�) programs/initiatives, visually identifying commonalities as well as differences in their priorities. The

organizations that are engaged in net-zero energy programs/initiatives may also have energy efficiency

programs/initiatives, some of which have been included. The organizations that are engaged with energy efficiency

programs/initiatives were selected due to their overall vision or goals leading to net-zero energy, therefore are

implementing current activities that are on the ‘path to zero’. Those organizations highlighted in light blue are

located in the United States, and those highlighted in grey operate in both the United States and Canada, or

internationally. Coalition members are identified with an asterix.

Figure 1

Organization

Activities

Education & Tools (incl.

Case Studies)

Products & Technology

Market Awareness

(& Behaviour)

Energy Gen. Storage & Distribution

Financing & Real Estate

Policy (incl. Codes)

RD&D (incl. Demo)

Standards, Certifications & Awards

4 Elements Integrated Design Ltd. * �

Active House �

Acumen LLC �

Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology (ACAT) * � �

Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA) * � �

Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) * � �

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) � �

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

� � � �

Architecture 2030 � � � � � �

ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions (ASU) � � �

Atlas EnviroTech Inc. * �

Barnraisers, Inc (BRI-Design) � �

BASF * �

BC Hydro * � � � � �

Benningfield Group Inc. * � � �

Bfreehomes Design Ltd. * � � �

Blue House Energy � � �

BluePoint Planning * � �

BOSCH Net Zero Home � � �

Bow Crow Design * �

BRE Canada � � � � � �

buildABILITY � �

Build it Green � �

Building Performance Centre, Inc. * �

Building Performance Institute (BPI) Canada �

Building Science Corporation, Building Science Consulting � �

C3 (Climate Change Central) * �

CalCERTS Inc � � �

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) � � � � � � �

Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) * � �

Canadian Gas Association (CGA) * / Energy Technology & Innovation Canada (ETIC)

�

Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) � � � �

Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) � � � �

Canadian Solar (Micro Grid Testing Centre) � �

Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) * � � � � � �

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) � �

Carbon Busters * � �

Cascadia Ecohomes Ltd. * � �

Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) * � � �

Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) of North � � �


Organization

Activities


Case Studies)


Market Awareness

(& Behaviour)




RD&D (incl. Demo)


America

Concord * �

Conference Board of Canada � �

Conservation Services Group � �

Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) �

CRC

CT Zero-Energy Challenge � �

Debra Little * � �

Design AVEnues * � �

DOW Net-Zero Energy Home � �

Dupont Aiming for Zero � �

Earth Advantage Net Zero & Net Zero Ready � � � �

EcoAmmo * �

EcoSYNERGY * �

Enbridge * � � �

Energy Inspectors * �

Energy Matters * � �

Energy Solutions Centre * � � �

Enertest Corporation * �

ENVINT Consulting * �

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) � �

FM Residential * �

GEM Energy � �

General Electric � � � �

Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) � � �

GreenBuildingAdvisor.com �

GreenTO.com * �

Habitat Design + Consulting Ltd. * �

HAWK-EYE Technical Services Incorporated * �

Homesol Building Solutions Inc. * �

Hometech Energy Solutions Inc. * �

Honda Smart Home � � � �

Howell-Mayhew Engineering, Inc. * � �

International District Energy Association (IDEA) � �

International Economic Development Council (IEDC) �

International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 40 � �

International Living Future Institute (ILFI) � � � � � �

Katalytix �

Lafarge * � � �

Lawrence Berkeley National Labs � � � �

Lifelong Education Institute �

Local Impact Design * �

M. Leslie, Inc. * �

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MDOER) � � � � �

Mindscape Innovations * �

Mitsubishi Net Zero Energy � �

Modern House Plans * �

Montana State University � �

National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) � � � �

National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green Designation � � �

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) NZERTF � �

National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) � �

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) � �

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Canmet Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) OEE NZE Pilot

� � � � �

Navigant Research � �

New Buildings Institute (NBI) � � � � � �

North American Insulation Manufactures Association (NAIMA) / NAIMA Canada *

� �

North East Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) * � � �

Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) � � �


Organization

Activities


Case Studies)


Market Awareness

(& Behaviour)




RD&D (incl. Demo)


Owens Corning Net Zero Energy Homes ecoEII Project � �

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Zero Net Energy Pilot Program � � � � � �

Passive House Alliance - Northern Rockies � � �

Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) � � � �

Pecan Street Project / U of Texas � � � � �

Penn State Net Zero Demo Facility � � �

PFB Corporation (incl. Plasti-Fab) * � � �

Powell Center for Construction & Environment, University of Florida *

�

PowerDown * �

Promise Energy * �

Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow (QUEST) � � �

RDH Building Engineering � �

Renewables 100 Policy Institute � � �

RESNET (HERS Rating System) � � �

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) � � � � � �

Roxul * �

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) * � � � �

Schneider Electric * � �

Siemens � �

SIP Building Systems Inc. * �

Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Research Network * � � �

Solar City � � �

Solaris Manufacturing Inc * �

Solid Green Systems LLC * �

Solution Design Inc. * �

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Polytechnic * � �

Southern California Edison (SCE) * � � � � � �

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. * � � �

Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) * � � �

Suncor Energy * � �

SunPower �

Sustainable Housing and Education Consultants * �

SynergEn Systems Inc. * �

TD Canada Trust � �

The Building Science Trust Inc. * �

Thousand Home Challenge � �

Tilbury Design Ltd. * �

Timber Framers Guild �

Unico �

University of Calgary � � �

US Department of Energy (DOE) � � � �

UW Extension - SHWEC �

VanCity �

What's Working Inc. * �

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) � � � �

Zehnder America Inc. �

Zero Net Energy Homes �

ZNE Center �

Legend: � Net-Zero Energy (NZE) Programs/Initiatives � Energy Efficiency (EE) Programs/Initiatives

* NZE Coalition Member White Canada Blue US Grey US & Canada / International


In addition to the entities listed above, below is a cursory list of builders, renovators, developers and designers that are

on the Path to Zero; they’ve participated in the design/construction/renovation of one or more NZE projects:

Canada

Avalon Master Builder, AB

Construction Voyer, QB

EcoCité Developments, QC

Effect Home Builders Ltd, AB

Global Sustainable Solutions, ON

Habitat Studio, AB

Igloo Prebuilt Homes, AB

Insightful Healthy Homes, BC

Jigsaw Homes, AB

K&P Contracting Ltd., NL

Landmark Group of Builders, AB

MontrealZERO, QC

Nexbuild Construction Corporation, BC

Project Green Architecture, BC

Provident Developments Inc, NS

RDC Fine Homes, BC

Reid's Heritage Homes, ON

Sonbuilt Custom Homes Ltd., BC

The Now House Project Inc., ON

VerEco Homes Inc., SK

Canada & United States

Brookfield Residential, AB/ON & CA/CO/TX

Mattamy Homes, AB/ON & AZ/FL/MN/NC

Minto Communities Inc, AB/BC/ON/QB & FL

United States

361 Architecture, CA

377 Builders LLC, MA

Appropriate Designs, CT

ARK Contractors, CT

Beazer, AZ/CA/DE/FL/GA/IN/MD/NV/NJ/NY/NC/PA/SC/TN/TX/VA

Belcher Custom Homes, MO

Benjamin and Company Timberframes and Custom Homes, ME

Bensonwood and Unity Homes, NH

BPC Green Builders, CT

BrightBuilt Homes, ME

Clarum Homes, CA

Clifton View Homes, VT

Cobblestone Builders, MI

Cooper Lane Builders, CT

De Young Properties, CA

Decker Homes, MI

Deltec Homes, NC

dsa Architects, CA

EcoBuildingCollaborative, OR

Ferrier Custom Homes, TX

Gable Construction Company Inc., CT

Geoffrey H. Richon Company, MA

Green Core Builders, MA

Green Craft Builders LLC, TX

Green One Construction Services, OR

Green Planet Inc., CT

Greenhill Contracting, NY

GreenTech Construction, OH

Groton Timberworks, VT

Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction, CA

Hardwick Post and Beam, VT

Houze Advanced Building Science Inc, TX

J&P Building and Remodeling LLC, CT

KB Home, AZ/CA/CA/FL/DC/NV/NM/NC/TX

Klopf Architecture, CA

Lawrence Nadeau Construction Co. Inc., CT

Lehto Design/ Build, CT

Lifestyle Homes, FL

Little Green Homes, NH

LivingHomes, CA

Meritage Homes, AZ/CA/CO/FL/NC/SC/TN/TX

Native Green Homes, TX

New England House Wrights Ltd, VT

Nexus EnergyHomes Inc, MD

Oakwood Homes, CO

One Sky Homes, CA

Pacific Housing Inc, CA

PassivWorks, CA

Patrick Hughes/The Patrick Project, VA

PDX Living, LLC, OR

PFB Custom Homes, ID

Preferred Builders, CT

Proud Green Home, KY

R.E.A. Homes LLC, MO

Redwood Energy, CA

Reiss Building and Renovation, VT

RH Irving Homebuilders, NH

S&A Homes, PA

Shea Xero Homes, AZ/CA/CO/FL/NC/NV/TX/VA/WA

SiteWorks, OR

Smarthomze for Net Zero Energy Living, VT

Solaire Homebuilders, OR

SOM, NY

South Mountain Company, MA

Sunshine Construction LLC, WA

SunTerra Homes, OR

Sustainable Homes Inc, TX

TC Legend Homes, WA

The Builder’s Partnership, MA/NH

Thomas Pittsley, MA

THRIVE - Net Zero Energy/GreenovationTV, MI

Tommy Williams Homes, FL

Transformations Inc, MA

verb Architecture, TX

Verdisian LLC, NY

Visionary Home Builders, CA

W.H. Hull Company, OR

Wolfworks, CT

WoodCraft Builders Inc, OR

Zero-Energy Plans LLC, WA


2.3 Interviews

Based on existing relationships as well as the analysis above, senior officials (or if unavailable, key

personnel) of targeted organizations were interviewed to identify scope of investment, accountability,

funding envelopes or engagement in net-zero energy. Opinions on the Coalitions strategic priorities were

solicited to validate alignment of efforts.

The results of these interviews were synthesized to identify potential areas of collaboration, alignment and

misalignment with the Coalition's strategic priorities.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS Figure 2

While the net-zero energy market across North

America is nascent, given early stages of policy and

market adoption in pockets, there are a great number

of public and private organizations that are currently

engaged in, and have made significant investments in

net-zero energy. This is a positive sign for the future of

NZE, given the support and interest of these 146+

organizations and 100+ builders that comprise the

Innovators. (See Figure 1.) Each of these players is

similar in that they believe the future of the industry

will be net-zero energy and have embedded it as a goal

and aspiration within their offerings. Many of these

organizations will help facilitate and support the

growth of the market all the way through mass market

adoption. However, given the sheer number of entities

engaged in NZE activities, there is potential for market

confusion, overlap, and inefficient use of resources,

including capital. We are therefore, at a critical point in

time when the right collaborations could result in

resource and information efficiencies, and greater

market acceleration.

The following are key themes from our analysis: Figure 3

� Strong Collaborations. There are already strong

collaborations across the industry that are taking

shape and yielding results. These span public and

private entities. 13 of these are summarized in the

next section below.

� Strong Path to Zero. Not all organizations are solely

focused on NZE, but are leveraging deep energy

efficiency (EE) as a path to zero anticipating industry

adoption will take a period of time. With 53% of

programs/initiatives focused on NZE and 47% on EE

it is a fairly even distribution.

� U.S. Concentration. The concentration of NZE-specific efforts (59%) are in the United States via 41

organizations. While 51% of North American efforts are driven by Canadian organizations, the NZE

specific efforts (21% of total NZE efforts via 21 organizations) are deep and focused.

The ‘Diffusion of Innovations’ according to Rogers.

With successive groups of consumers adopting the new

technology (shown in blue), its market share (yellow) will

eventually reach the saturation level. Rogers, E. M. (1962). Diffusion of Innovations. New York: Free Press.


� Education & Tools Concentration. There is

significant activity in the Education & Tools

category with 34% of the researched

organizations providing these services. This

signifies a growing understanding of NZE and

developing workforce. However, this is the main

area for collaboration and consolidation due to

the greatest potential for market confusion and

fragmentation.

� Lack of Finance & Real Estate Efforts. The area

with the weakest focus is Finance & Real Estate,

with only 4% of the organizations providing

services in this area. This is an opportunity for

organizations currently focused on NZE to step up their offerings, and for new niche players to enter and

provide the necessary financing mechanisms and real estate infrastructure.

CURRENT COLLABORATIONS There are already existing collaborations proving the potential of market acceleration with collective action.

The following are examples of such collaborations:

Canada

� CMHC / NRCan EQuilibrium™ Housing Demonstration Initiative: A national initiative that brought the

private and public sectors together to develop 12 homes across Canada that combine resource and

energy-efficient technologies with renewable energy technologies to reduce their environmental

impact.

� CMHC / NRCan EQuilibrium™ Communities Initiative: A sustainable community demonstration

initiative that provided financial assistance to developers of 4 selected neighbourhood projects for

research and technical activities to improve, monitor and showcase their performance in the areas of

energy, water and storm water, protection of the natural environment, land use and housing,

transportation and financial viability.

� The NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Building Strategic Research Network (SNEBRN): The major Canadian

research effort in smart net-zero energy buildings. It brings together 29 Canadian researchers from 15

universities to develop the smart net-zero energy homes and commercial buildings of the future. The

Network also includes researchers and experts from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Hydro-

Québec. Industrial partners from the energy and construction sectors are involved in most projects,

developing the know-how that will help them compete in the global market. The budget of the Network

over five years (2011 – 2016) is about $7.5 million, with $5 million from NSERC, and the balance from

NRCan and industry and utility partners.

� Avalon Master Builder / SAIT Polytechnic / Holmes Approved Homes - Discovery 5: Avalon’s 5th Net-

Zero Demonstration home, 3rd home with a Net-Zero Energy goal, certified LEED Platinum.

� Landmark Group of Builders / Brookfield Residential Properties / CCEMC: 27 NZE Home Demonstration

project. Benefits of this initiative will be improved market affordability of their NetZero Homes for

mainstream housing; sharing of solutions with other Alberta homebuilders; and movement of the

market diffusion point of NetZero Homes ahead by at least five years.

� Bosch / Tight Lines Productions / Maple Leaf Homes - EcoPlusHome: To prove that an average

consumer’s home can achieve net zero status at a reasonable price of about $275,000 USD, between

Dec 2009 - Dec 2010, a family of six – while living in the EcoPlusHome consumed approximately 14,000

Figure 4


kilowatt hours (kwh). At the same time, the home generated roughly 15,000 kwh - more electricity than

it consumed.

� Owens Corning Net Zero Housing Community Project / NRCan ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative

(ecoEII): To achieve wide acceptance and industry adoption of NZE homes, a community-sized

demonstration by production builders is critically important. This project is the largest NZE Community

demonstration in Canada to date, working with 5 production homebuilders from across the country.

� Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Toronto / the Ontario Association of Architects /

Sustainable Building Canada - Toronto 2030 District: The proposed Toronto 2030 District would make it

the largest area to date, with boundaries from Bathurst Street to the Don Valley, and Dupont to Lake

Ontario. The 2030 District approach is so strong and unique because it brings people together under a

common set of goals, namely, meeting the 2030 Challenge for Planning, issued by Architecture 2030.

United States

� Green Home Builder / the KTGY Group / Habitat for Humanity / Southern California Edison - The ABC

Green Home 2.0 Demonstration Home: The home showcases best practices in high performance

American homebuilding and will be net-zero as well as LEED Platinum certified. The ABC Green Home

2.0 project strives to show that energy efficient homes, that are: affordable, buildable and certifiable,

can be built.

� Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) / Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): Conducted research for the “Net

Energy Metering, Zero Net Energy, and the Distributed Energy Resource Future: Adapting Electric Utility

Business Models For The 21st Century” report. The report covers critical steps needed to find common

ground among utilities, regulators, and technology providers to create incentives, build rate structures

and utility business models, and build trust among stakeholders with competing interests.

� Honda / University of California-Davis / Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): The Honda Smart Home US, is

showcasing technologies that enable zero net energy living and transportation. The home, located on

the West Village campus of the University of California, Davis, is capable of producing more energy on-

site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit

EV for daily commuting. PG&E is collecting more than 200 channels of energy data that will be used by

PG&E, UC Davis and other researchers. Eventually, data will be released publicly.

� New Buildings Institute (NBI) / American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE): Advancing

new construction programs for the Commercial Sector project. The team is working with a number of

utilities to share best practices and programs that drive deep energy efficiency on the path to zero

within the commercial sector. The project will enable utilities with less experience in new construction

and will drive existing programs to higher standards.

� Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) / U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE): These

two organizations are engaged in multiple areas of collaboration. For example:

- Commercial Building Asset Rating (BAR) Pilot underway, gathering building performance information

to help inform how to develop standards and ratings for NZE performance in the commercial sector.

- Residential scorecard pilot in Springfield area, focused on providing homeowners performance

information (scorecard) to determine if it impacts energy consumption.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION The Coalition will engage and unite the champions, influencers and key decision makers from across

industry sectors that have mutual responsibility for the building industry transformation. Together this

network will coalesce the vision and objectives, and execute a leadership agenda that guides the evolving

role for the industry.


The Coalition will utilize a variety of forums to build awareness and knowledge, and to share information,

resources, advancements and best practices in NZE design, construction, technology, standards, programs,

policy and RD&D. Capitalizing on the power in numbers we will develop joint initiatives, coordinate efforts

and pool resources to enable more rapid adoption of solutions and execution of NZE projects.

Including the existing collaborations listed in the section above, there are many entities that are actively

working on net-zero energy initiatives. The organizations that are more significantly aligned with the

opportunities for acceleration that were identified by industry at the 2013 Net-Zero North American

Leadership Summit - offering the greatest potential for widespread collaboration and market influence

across North America - have been identified and are highlighted below.

Several other organizations were identified as having strong alignments in specific areas of focus (see pages

7-10) and have been highlighted within individual categories in the Recommendations section of this report.

Canada

� The most significant development that occurred in Canada at the time of finalizing this report was that

the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) established a Net-Zero Energy Housing Council on

April 3, 2014 - to take a lead role in NZE homes. Since ~80% of Canadian home builders are a member of

the CHBA, the Coalition sees this as a vital step in moving from the ‘Innovator Market’ to the ‘Early

Adopter Market’ – and ultimately to the ‘Early Majority Market’ in, potentially, as early as 5 years. The

Coalition has already reached out to the CHBA to express interest in aligning efforts, and to avoid

duplication of efforts. As the CHBA begins the development of their NZE Home Council over the next

few months, the Coalition will learn more about how it will specifically enable our Canadian efforts.

� Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) works in the fields of housing, building, communities, industry, and

transportation to help Canadians take advantage of the benefits of energy efficiency, such as lower

energy costs, cutting emissions, improving operating performance, and increasing asset values.

CanmetENERGY research experts are working to make NZE homes widely possible by developing new

market viable technologies and processes. Their research builds on recent accomplishments that

include:

- Monitoring new and innovative products at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology (examples:

lighting, shading devices, window coatings, ECM blower motors, and furnace duty cycler motor

operation)

- Field trials of new products (e.g. forced air zoned system and integrated mechanical systems)

- Defining the initial performance requirements for NZE homes in Canada (for EQuilibrium®) and

working with international counterparts to define common terminology

- Creating and refining the technical requirements for Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) Programs such

as those for ecoENERGY® - Retrofit Homes, the Energuide Rating Service for New Housing and R2000

Initiative for new homes (i.e. the R2000 NZE Home Pilot Program)

- Enabling the use of integrated energy design processes in the housing market

- Scanning to find promising new technologies for near- and long-term energy reductions in the

housing market

- Developing test protocols and standards for innovative products (e.g. integrated mechanical systems

and drain water heat-recovery products)

Continuing our relationship with NRCan will support efforts in almost all of the key areas of focus. The

Coalition will develop a strategy to leverage more of NRCan’s efforts.

� Both the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) EQuilibirum™ Housing and

Communities initiatives represent a great deal of knowledge and lessons learned that can be applied to

the Early Adopter Market. By working with CMHC to share information on how to get to NZE, we will

support their efforts to contribute to informed housing decisions by homebuyers and to advance


sustainable housing. The Coalition already has a relationship with CMHC but should develop a

communication plan to assist in the dissemination of their information pieces.

� As described in the Current Collaborations section above, the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Building

Strategic Research Network (SNEBRN) will be completed in 2016. The opportunity for the Coalition to

collaborate with this network and disseminate the results of their R&D will assist with the transfer of

knowledge to industry.

� The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government

since 1901. With over 2,000 members, FCM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and

program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small

urban and rural communities, and 21 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Their Partners for

Climate Protection (PCP) program is a network of Canadian municipal governments that have committed

to reducing greenhouse gases and acting on climate change. Since the program's inception in 1994, over

240 municipalities have joined PCP, making a public commitment to reduce emissions. These members

cover all provinces and territories, and account for more than 80% of the Canadian population. PCP is

the Canadian component of ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) network, which involves more

than 1,100 communities worldwide. PCP is a partnership between the Federation of Canadian

Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. The program empowers

municipalities to take action against climate change through a five-milestone framework that helps

members to create GHG inventories, set realistic and achievable reduction targets, and develop and

deliver local action plans along with measurable actions to reduce emissions. PCP receives financial

support from FCM's Green

Municipal Fund. Engaging FCM

and their municipal PCP

members will support the

Coalitions efforts to succeed at

the NZE Community scale.

Fostering a deeper strategic

relationship with FCM is

recommended. (NOTE: The next

FCM Sustainable Communities

Conference is in February 2015 in

London, Ontario.)

� The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents

approximately 500 solar energy companies throughout Canada. Since 1992, CanSIA has worked to

develop a strong, efficient, ethical and professional Canadian solar energy industry with capacity to

provide innovative solar energy solutions and to play a major role in the global transition to a

sustainable, clean-energy future. A national, not-for-profit association, CanSIA works on behalf of its

members to facilitate and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of solar energy across

Canada. CanSIA provides education and networking opportunities for members, researches and

develops renewable energy policy options for different levels of Canada’s government and implements a

broad range of communications activities on solar energy. Currently, the most costly aspect of NZE is the

renewable energy generation. Developing a strategic relationship with CanSIA would allow the

Coalition to leverage opportunities to develop community scale programs, with the intent of reducing

costs and increasing implementation efficiencies.

Coordinating and Unifying Net-Zero Energy Efforts in North America

United States

� Earth Advantage (EA) provides training and professional designations for residential construction

professionals (contractors and designers), realtors, and appraisers. EA views net

building standard, and focuses on preparing the industry for this standard

certifications. Therefore, EA certification incorporates NZE curriculum in order to provide builders and

real estate professionals with cutting

two unique offerings are their

program that incorporates NZE and NZE

training is delivered online and can be accessed across North America.

collaboration is coordination with the real estate industry (e.g., National Association of Realtors) and

other training programs (e.g., NESEA’s training by Mark Rosenbaum) to ensure each organization is

providing a unique set of training without ove

participation. Additionally, the certification program is unique, and expansion through partnerships

could be explored.

� In 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

residential construction in California will be zero net energy by 2020, and all new commercial

construction in California will be zero net energy by 2030. As a regulated utility,

(PG&E) has implemented programs to suppo

needs related to NZE. As such, PG&E has completed 7 assessment reports, held ZNE training with over

100 participants, held the “Architecture at Zero” competition, conducted several presentations,

assisted with 3 NZE demonstration projects

builders. Southern California Edison (SCE)

the many NZE initiatives, SCE has built two AB

production builders to help design and has market net

grid impacts), and is conducting RD&D

the state of CA, there is great potential to make the case studies available in an industry

database that provides a standard format of information. The U.S. DOE is beginning this process and

may serve as the repository. Additionally, the r

distributed and publicized to the industry. Finally, the training curriculum could be replicated within

other territories throughout North America.

� Since 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE)

Challenge program has recognized hundreds of leading builders for

their achievements in energy efficiency

energy efficient homes and millions of dollars in energy savings. The

DOE Challenge Home — an ambitious successor to the Bui

Challenge program — represents a whole new level of home

performance, with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding

levels of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability. This same

program has now been rebranded to t

(ZERH) Program with a goal to Transform the housing market to

high-performance homes so energy efficient they can offset most or

all annual energy consumption with renewable energy. This will be

achieved by effectively delivering proven innovations from t

Building America Program that deliver 40

IECC while effectively managing builder and homeowner risks.

through ongoing funding of research across the U.S., conducting forums for infor

training programs, building upon a centralized case study database, and market awareness and

education programs.

Zero Energy Efforts in North America

provides training and professional designations for residential construction

professionals (contractors and designers), realtors, and appraisers. EA views net

building standard, and focuses on preparing the industry for this standard


real estate professionals with cutting-edge education that will keep them ahead of the mainstream. The

two unique offerings are their Earth Advantage NZE Certification and their Realtors & Appraisers training

program that incorporates NZE and NZE-ready. While EA operates within the Pacific Northwest, the

training is delivered online and can be accessed across North America. The opportuni



providing a unique set of training without overlap, and is co-promoting courses to increase


California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted the aspirational


construction in California will be zero net energy by 2030. As a regulated utility, Pacific Gas & Electric

has implemented programs to support and contribute to California policy efforts and customer


100 participants, held the “Architecture at Zero” competition, conducted several presentations,

assisted with 3 NZE demonstration projects, one of which will be scaled with 10 additional production

Southern California Edison (SCE) is also taking national leadership in net-zero energy. Among

the many NZE initiatives, SCE has built two ABC Demonstration Homes, is working directly with

production builders to help design and has market net-zero energy, has conducted several studies (e.g.,

grid impacts), and is conducting RD&D in its ZNE Lab in Irwindale, CA. While the initiatives are all wit

the state of CA, there is great potential to make the case studies available in an industry


may serve as the repository. Additionally, the research is invaluable, and could be more widely


other territories throughout North America.

U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Builders

Challenge program has recognized hundreds of leading builders for

their achievements in energy efficiency—resulting in over 14,000

energy efficient homes and millions of dollars in energy savings. The

an ambitious successor to the Builders

represents a whole new level of home

performance, with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding

levels of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability. This same

been rebranded to the Zero Energy Ready Home

with a goal to Transform the housing market to

performance homes so energy efficient they can offset most or

all annual energy consumption with renewable energy. This will be

achieved by effectively delivering proven innovations from the DOE

Building America Program that deliver 40 – 50% savings above 2009

IECC while effectively managing builder and homeowner risks. In addition, the DOE is taking leadership

through ongoing funding of research across the U.S., conducting forums for infor


Page | 15

provides training and professional designations for residential construction

professionals (contractors and designers), realtors, and appraisers. EA views net-zero as the next

building standard, and focuses on preparing the industry for this standard with courses and


edge education that will keep them ahead of the mainstream. The

Earth Advantage NZE Certification and their Realtors & Appraisers training

ready. While EA operates within the Pacific Northwest, the

The opportunity for



promoting courses to increase


al goals that all new


acific Gas & Electric

policy efforts and customer


100 participants, held the “Architecture at Zero” competition, conducted several presentations, and

, one of which will be scaled with 10 additional production

zero energy. Among

C Demonstration Homes, is working directly with

zero energy, has conducted several studies (e.g.,

While the initiatives are all within

the state of CA, there is great potential to make the case studies available in an industry-centralized


esearch is invaluable, and could be more widely


In addition, the DOE is taking leadership

through ongoing funding of research across the U.S., conducting forums for information exchange,



3.0 Recommendations and Next Steps

3.1 Recommendations

The recommendations have been categorized into the 6 key areas of focus that have been used throughout

this report, which will be deployed by the Coalition via 6 Activation Teams. These Activation Teams will:

� Perform a gap analysis by mapping existing resources/efforts/players.

� Compare gaps to the ‘top priorities for action’ that were identified by industry at the 2013 Net-Zero

North American Leadership Summit, as well as the Coalition’s Industry Implementation Plan.

� Develop a prioritized roadmap for each Activation Team.

� Begin executing on the roadmap early activities.

The focus will be on bridging the knowledge gap from the ‘Innovator Market’ to the ‘Early Adopter Market’.

In addition to the organizations highlighted in the ‘Opportunities for Collaboration’ section of this report,

the organizations listed below as potential partners for each Activation Team represent specific/focused

opportunities for market acceleration. These are cursory recommendations, not comprehensive lists; each

Activation Team will be tasked with ensuring all key players are identified as part of their mapping exercise.

Also noteworthy is that the builders who are already on the Path to Zero represent a significant

collaboration opportunity. These industry leaders, the ‘Innovator Market’, have paved the way for the ‘Early

Adopter Market’ and offer important lessons learned that will assist in bridging the knowledge gap. The

Coalition will utilize services such as the Builder Exchange and our online centralized NZE resources to

engage this group and facilitate knowledge transfer.

EDUCATION & TOOLS

Activities: 1. Identify competency and capacity gaps in the workforce: who we’re going to teach, what

to teach, how; segment and prioritize target groups for dissemination of information

2. Create a database of education resources / capture and disseminate NZE best practices

3. Develop a standardized format for case studies (task group formed to do this); look at

Challenge Home case studies / coordinate collaborative performance data gathering and

monitor, document and disseminate performance and cost information

4. Incorporate Integrated Design Process (IDP) and energy modeling tools a part of process

for designing, building, measuring, and certifying NZE buildings

Potential

Partners:

� Education: NRCan, CMHC, DOE, Building Science Corporation & Building Science

Consulting, Design AVEnues, NESEA/Marc Rosenbaum, Earth Advantage, PHIUS,

CalCERTS, Bluehouse Energy, Build it Green

� Tools: RMI, Architecture 2030, Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY

Activities: 1. Address barriers to entry for product certification issues

2. Form an industry influencer group to drive quality, specs, and costs of product

manufacturers. Early wish list includes affordable triple glazed windows, early

quantification of value, smaller DHPs, small scale HRVs, and energy dashboards

3. Oversee superefficient dryer initiative – model already gaining great traction

4. Work with partners currently undertaking NZE RD&D for next-generation building

envelope and integrated renewable energy systems to

- establish testing protocols, performance optimization, and durability standards

- identify cost-reducing technologies through 3rd

party simulation, testing,

demonstration and commercialization


Potential

Partners:

� Roxul, Lafarge, PFB Corporation/Plasti-Fab, BASF, BOSCH, Canadian Solar, Dupont, DOW,

GE, Honda, Mitsubishi, Owens Corning, Schneider, Siemens, Unico, Zehnder

� Applied RD&D: NRCan CanmetENERGY, SNEBRN, IEA Task 40, Southern Alberta Institute

of Technology (SAIT) Polytechnic, Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC),

Building Science Corporation & Building Science Consulting, DOE (incl. Building America,

NREL, NIST)

MARKET AWARENESS

Activities: 1. Conduct a behavioural study to understand the industry needs, and messaging to create

market transformation

2. Launch an industry awareness campaign, borrowing from other successful campaigns

3. Develop methodologies and tools for builders to educate buyers and stimulate demand

so NZE has a clear market preference with consumers/owners/operators

4. Develop and provide information/materials related to the operation and maintenance of

NZE buildings for users

Potential

Partners:

� ACEEE, Bill Webb, CMHC, Navigant Research, Zero Net Energy Homes, Katalytix

POLICY

Activities: 1. Form an advisory committee and group to influence policy stakeholders. Enlist policy

advocacy advocates (environmental groups), enlist a broader audience, leverage existing

efforts (i.e. RMI eLab, ACEEE) and enlist leveraging agents

Potential

Partners:

� Canada: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), MCCAC (incl. AUMA/AAMDC),

and Coalition members from municipalities

� US: RMI, ACEEE, California, Cambridge/MA, Montpelier/VT, Connecticut

FINANCING & REAL ESTATE

Activities: 1. Train real estate appraisers on green and energy efficient code

2. Work with State/Provincial boards to change appraisal standards

3. Create a simple costing budget/business case for NZE

4. Develop tools such as calculators to value NZE

5. Form an industry influencer group to educate and drive key financing and real estate

stakeholder groups

6. Work with partners to develop new and innovative financial frameworks and business

models so costs and benefits of NZE are considered and distributed across impacted

stakeholders

Potential

Partners:

� Royal Bank, ScotiaBank, TD Bank, VanCity, NAR, Wells Fargo, WECC, Build it Green

ENERGY GENERATION, STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION

Activities: 1. Develop white paper on top 10 issues (business models, technical issues, model NZE

codes, align with carbon issue, storage issue, cost)

Potential

Partners:

� Canadian Solar Micro Grid Testing Centre, CanSIA, QUEST, IDEA, BC Hydro, OPA, OSEA,

NESEA, Enbridge, CGA/ETIC, ZNE Centre, RMI


3.2 Next Steps

The Net-Zero Energy Coalition Board of Directors approved a 2014-2016 Strategic Plan on February 20th

,

2014. The mission is to accelerate the market adoption of net-zero energy buildings and communities

across North America. This will be done by executing initiatives that UNITE THE INDUSTRY and ACCELERATE

THE MARKET. 10 strategies have been identified to achieve this over the next 3 years. Mobilizing the 6

Activation Teams to implement the priority focus areas identified for collaboration is a key part of these

efforts.

This project expedited the process for the Coalition to gather strategic market intelligence of NZE efforts

and organizations across North America with whom to collaborate and share knowledge with to advance

NZE efforts. The Coalition will utilize the strategies identified within our 2014-2016 Strategic Plan to unify

and coordinate these activities.


Appendix A: Market Landscape Analysis

Category Organizations % Programs %

TOTAL 146 333

NZE 76 52% 176 53%

EE 92 63% 156 47%

Education & Tools 104 31%

Products & Technology 37 11%

Market Awareness 32 10%

Energy Generation, Distribution, Storage 28 8%

Financing & Real Estate 13 4%

Policy 33 10%

RD&D 52 16%

Standards & Certifications 34 10%

UNITED STATES 63 43% 166 50%

NZE 41 65% 103 59%

EE 32 51% 59 38%






Policy 18 11%

RD&D 27 16%


CANADA 61 42% 119 36%

NZE 21 28% 37 21%

EE 50 23% 79 51%






Policy 10 8%

RD&D 17 14%


MULTINATIONAL 22 15% 52 16%

NZE 13 17% 34 33%

EE 10 11% 18 31%






Policy 5 10%

RD&D 10 19%
