Although we have an abundance of energy consumption and emissions estimates for new high-performance homes (thanks to energy modelling), we do not have good information on actual energy consumption and emissions from these homes. Are the estimates accurate? What’s the real-life energy and emissions profile of a high-performance home? Do the regulations need to be adjusted to achieve the desired outcome of local and provincial governments?
ZEBx (a part of the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre), with co-funding from BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver, has launched this data-collection initiative to answer these important questions. In addition to the utility data that we’re collecting for high-performance homes, we also want to determine the real emissions reductions that can be achieved by gas-fired heat pumps (also known as gas absorption heat pumps) and gas engine heat pumps
The focus of this data collection initiative will be homes (Part 9 residential building as defined by the BC Building Code or the Vancouver Building Bylaw) that meet Step 4 and Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code, the Passive House standard or CHBA’s Net Zero and Net Zero Ready certification. Homes with a gas-fired heat pump and at least two years of utility data (one year pre-installation and one year post-installation) are also eligible, regardless of the home’s level of energy efficiency.
$250 for one year of utility data
If the home has one or more secondary suites, the utility bills must account for all secondary suites.
If the building is a duplex, triplex or part of a townhouse complex, each residential unit is eligible for compensation. If the home has one or more secondary suites, the utility bills must account for all secondary suites.
Only the owner of the home is eligible for the compensation, unless the owner provides written consent that the tenants can receive the compensation.
While each application will be assessed according to the above-noted compensation criteria, by applying to the program, the participants acknowledge that the program administrator will have the final decision on how to compensate participants.
If further assistance is needed with completing the application or the questionnaires, please contact:
nearzero@zeic.ca with the subject line NearZero4
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