Net Zero Demonstration Project

Saskatoon Land is demonstrating its commitment to environmental leadership though the implementation of the Net Zero Energy Demonstration Project. The project provided education and training to local builders on how to construct Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes. 

The Net Zero Demonstration Project is nearly concluded with only the 2022 Parade of Homes portion remaining where local builders will be showcasing Net Zero and/or Net Zero ready homes in Aspen Ridge and Evergreen. The Parade of Homes event is scheduled to take place September through October, 2022.

2022 Net Zero Show Homes

Selkirk: 108 Forsey Ave (Lot 10, Block 720) Aspen Ridge
North Ridge: Pohorecky Cres, (Parcel C) Evergreen

2021 Net Zero Show Homes

Ehrenburg:  132 Thakur St. (Lot 29, Block 722) Aspen Ridge
Pacesetter: 104 Forsey Ave. (Lot 11, Block 720) Aspen Ridge

What is Net Zero?

Net Zero Energy housing is defined by Natural Resources Canada as producing at least as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis. Net Zero Ready homes are designed and built to the same high energy efficiency standards as Net Zero Energy homes. The only difference is that Net Zero Ready homes are designed and wired so that solar panels can be easily installed in the future to become a Net Zero Energy homes when the homeowner is able to add the solar panel system. 

Residential building contractors are continuing to adopt new building technologies in order to keep pace with federal building standards as Canada moves towards a zero-carbon economy. The federal government is working with the provinces and territories to develop a building code that when adopted could require all new buildings to be built to be net zero energy ready by 2030.   

To help facilitate the Certified Professional Home Builders’ transition to Net Zero, the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) has formed a Net Zero Energy Council and has developed a labelling program to distinguish and recognize Net Zero Ready and Net Zero homes.   

The CHBA and Saskatoon and Region Home Builders Association (SRHBA) supported Saskatoon Land’s Net Zero Demonstration Project as the Net Zero Ready and Net Zero labelling authorities. In addition, SRHBA was responsible for integrating the Demonstration Project into the 2021 and 2022 Parade of Homes held in late summer and fall of each year. 

Net Zero Training

The CHBA selected Sun Ridge Residential Inc. (Sun Ridge) to function as the Certified Service Organization for the Net Zero Home Labelling Program in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Sun Ridge provided technical support for the Net Zero Demonstration Project and provided the Net Zero training. Participating builders were responsible for the costs associated for the Net Zero training and for Sun Ridge to model, inspect and label (certification).  

Net Zero Demonstration Project Benefits

Saskatoon Land offered the sale of 12 lots through an application process, within the Aspen Ridge Phase 4 area, to eligible contractors interested in committing to and participating in the Net Zero Demonstration Project. Builders had the option of selecting an alternative lot or using a lot they already purchased – limited to Phase 4 Aspen Ridge.  

Saskatoon Land offered the following benefits to eligible contractors participating in the Net Zero Demonstration Project:   

  • Favorable payment terms including a 6% deposit of the lot price due upon entrance into an agreement for sale. Payment in full required within 36 months at 0% interest. After 36 months an interest rate of 5% will be applicable on the outstanding balance.  

  • Show home rebate of 10% of the lot price from Saskatoon Land to be paid out when home is certified Net Zero or Net Zero Ready and the first Parade of Homes has come to an end. There is also an exemption from the two-lot maximum show home participation if more than two Net Zero ready or Net Zero homes are built.    

  • Marketing and promotional opportunities to aid in customer understanding, marketing and public interest.  

The City of Saskatoon is committed to the strategic goal of Environmental Leadership and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.  Saskatoon Land is supporting this goal through this initiative in support of Action 6 & 7 included in the Low Emissions Community (LEC) Plan which strive for higher efficiency new homes with solar panel compatibility.