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Net Zero Ready Discovery Homes

Expert advice to build a Net Zero Energy Ready (NZER) discovery home

Part of the Residential Savings by Design program, the Net Zero Energy Ready offering provides new construction builders and developers free access to industry experts, energy modelling and incentives to help design and build a NZER discovery home to market to prospective homebuyers.

If you’re interested in building sustainable, high-performance homes, contact us.

How you can benefit

Enhance your knowledge of NZER homes

Get building science expertise, free of charge.

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Be a sustainability leader

Support your sustainability goals with better quality construction and durability.

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Get customized, one-on-one coaching

Free training to address design, construction and sales-related barriers.

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Gain a competitive advantage

Differentiate your homes with energy-efficient technologies and systems.

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Future-proof your business

Stay ahead of upcoming code changes.

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Get recognized

Each NZER discovery home is verified by the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA), a third-party service organization.

Plus, you’ll meet buyers’ needs with:

Improved energy performance

Reduced energy consumption

Lower environmental impact

Enhanced comfort

Waverley Heights: Inside Corsica Homes’ estates of the future

Jeremy Marchildon, President of Corsica Homes, knows that today’s buyers are looking for homes built to a higher standard. A Net Zero Energy Ready home is more energy-efficient, more comfortable and healthier for families. Thanks to expert advice and incentives from Savings By Design, Corsica Homes recently unveiled Waverley Heights—a brand new community of large Net Zero Energy Ready bungalows on estate lots.

CHBA-qualified Net Zero Energy Ready homes are built to the exact same efficiency requirements as Net Zero homes. The only difference is that a renewable energy system has not yet been installed. However, the home has been designed and constructed to easily install a renewable energy system in the future. Think of Net Zero Energy Ready homes as wired for a future renewable energy system and therefore “ready” to be fully Net Zero.

Key features

  • Envelope air sealing
  • Energy-efficient heating and cooling
  • Tri-pane windows
  • Dual-fuel furnace and air-source electric heat pump
  • Ready to connect to a renewable energy system

“Corsica Homes encourages any builder that’s not building to net zero standards to take the leap now. You’ll be happy with the results.”

Jeremy Marchildon
President, Corsica Homes

How the program works

Step 1

Visioning session

1 – 2 hours | No cost

We’ll meet with your project lead, sustainability manager and design team members to discuss project requirements and sustainability priorities.

Step 2

Integrated design process workshop

1 day | No cost—a $30,000 value

Your team will learn what it takes to get to Net Zero Energy Ready in a discovery home, supported by building science experts and on-site training.

  • Real-time energy modelling will show how different design choices impact the home’s performance. You’ll receive a detailed final report that summarizes energy-saving recommendations and key outcomes.

Step 3

Associated training

Up to 3 half days | No cost

You’ll receive free on-site technical training for your trades as well as sales training during the construction of the discovery home.

Step 4

Energy assessment

No cost

An energy assessment of your NZER discovery home will be conducted to ensure it meets CHBA NZER standards. You'll also receive a CHBA NZER label for the discovery home.

Step 5

Discovery home incentive

NZER discovery home incentive of $15,000* to help offset the costs to upgrade to NZER standards.

Step 6

End-of-project wrap-up meeting

1 – 2 hours | No cost

Enbridge Gas’ authorized delivery agent will review successes and lessons learned in a final wrap-up meeting.

Is your project eligible?

To participate, you must meet the following criteria:

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    In the design development stage or earlier in the design process.

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    Low-rise residential single family, semi-detached and townhomes qualify.

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    Projects must be located within the Enbridge Gas service area.

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    Must have not built a NZER discovery home previously.

Connect with your regional representative today

The Residential Savings by Design program is available to Ontario builders and vendors licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). Owner-builders are not eligible.

All fields required.

Expert help to build more sustainably

Savings by Design Residential

Build new homes to a higher standard with free design expertise and financial incentives.

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Savings by Design Affordable Housing

Get help to design and build affordable housing that saves energy and costs less to operate over the long term.

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Savings by Design Commercial and Multi-Residential

For projects greater than 25,000 square feet, get free access to sustainable design expertise and financial incentives.

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* HST is not applicable and will not be added to incentive payments. Builders and developers (inclusive of all subsidiaries) will only be able to participate once and receive a single incentive. Terms and conditions apply.