In the world of green homes and buildings, a variety of terms are used and some confusion surrounds their definitions.
As governments focus on the imperative of reducing carbon pollution from new and existing buildings, it’s essential to understand the implications of setting energy goals for buildings. For example, a net-zero energy building may still emit significant amounts of carbon pollution if it has a natural gas furnace, or if it uses electricity produced from fossil fuels.
Setting net-zero energy as a goal for new construction can help modernize building practices, but might not ultimately meet our emissions reduction targets. Aiming for zero-carbon buildings more specifically addresses this objective, but should be balanced with good energy efficiency to limit extra demand for clean electricity.
As we prepare our building stock for the low-carbon future, the relative benefits of switching to clean fuels, on-site power generation, and energy efficiency should receive careful consideration.
Tom-Pierre Frappé-Sénéclauze
Director, Buildings and Urban Solutions, Pembina Institute
The Squamish Chief published this letter to the editor on August 16, 2018 (page A11).
