Aiming to be net-zero energy ready for a 25-unit new construction in Kitchener, Ontario.

Building on an existing analysis of energy-efficiency options, Thresholds Homes and Supports Inc. (THS) will complete an assessment of net-zero energy ready options for a 25-unit new construction in Kitchener, Ontario. The proposed development will offer fully accessible affordable housing as well as supportive housing in the form of individualized mental health support.

While the current building design already provides significant energy-saving measures, (e.g., LED lighting, high-efficiency building envelope, etc.), THS seeks to take a bigger leap at reducing its environmental impact through solar photovoltaic (PV) and passive house design opportunities.

The solar PV evaluation will begin with a site analysis that will result in a passive house energy model. This model will establish a base case scenario that meets the Ontario Building Code’s minimum energy requirements. The model will subsequently inform the viability of achieving net-zero energy ready using onsite solar PV in tandem with various combinations of energy-conservation measures, such as optimizing window-to-wall ratios and thermal performance of enclosures.

Overall, results from this energy assessment will help THS access additional Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and GMF funding to support an eventual capital project. THS is expecting to begin construction in the summer of 2021.

Innovative aspect:

GMF will support the lead applicant through this planning grant to go beyond its new-build design features and explore feasible options to achieve net-zero energy ready.

Replicability:

This initiative will provide an example of an organization successfully using a GMF Sustainable Affordable Housing planning grant to deepen the environmental objectives of an existing feasibility study or building design.

Affordability:

THS secured funding from the Ministry of Health to ensure a deeper level of affordability than required by CMHC or FCM for 100% of the residents in this 25-unit new construction.