1985 Calgary Home Goes Net-Zero

Peter Darlington of Solar Home Inc. transformed his 1985 home from a building with higher than average GHG emissions to net-zero with this site-built deep retrofit.

Building Type Single-Family 2+ Stories Location Calgary, AB
Year Built 1985 Foundation Type Concrete (Full Basement)
Structure Type Wood-Framed Post-Retrofit Total Floor Area 185.8m2
Climate Zone 7a Heating Degree Days 5000
Retrofit Status Complete Year Completed 2018
Retrofit Phasing No Annual Energy Savings 107.57%
Operational Carbon Savings 12.2 tCO2eq/y Retrofit Type Envelope and Mechanical
Performance Level Net Zero

Project Team

Project Priorities

  • Reduce Energy Consumption
  • Achieve Net Zero or Net Zero Ready
  • Reduce GHG Emissions

Upgrades

Envelope Improvements

  • Air Sealing / Airtightness

Windows and Door Improvements

  • Window Replacement – Triple Pane

Mechanical: Heating and Cooling Improvements

  • Air Source Heat Pump – Ducted

Mechanical: Hot Water Improvements

  • Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH)

Renewables & Storage Improvements

  • Solar PV System

Appliances and Lighting Improvements

  • Energy Efficient Appliances
  • LED / Efficient Lighting

Project Description

The Retrofit Story

Peter Darlington of Solar Homes Inc. converted his high-emission 1985 detached single-family home to net-zero ready by making the building super-insulated and airtight and installing high-performing windows, energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

When the deep retrofit was done, Peter took the project to net-zero by installing solar panels on his garage.

After a year of monitoring, Peter confirmed the solar array produced slightly more energy than he and his family consumed. The solar panels powered the entire home, including lighting, appliances, electrical outlets, hot-water heating, as well as space heating and cooling.

In 2018, Peter acquired a 2014 Chevy Volt and installed more solar panels on the property. The vehicle is entirely solar-powered and carbon neutral.

The project was the Canadian Home Builder’s Association’s first CHBA Labelled Net Zero Renovation.

Before & After

General

Envelope

Mechanical & Electrical

Annual Energy Usage

Carbon Emissions

Technical Documents

Photos