Submitted by Joanne Rodgers
On July 2, Glen Estill welcomed Bruce Peninsula Environment Group (BPEG) members to a guided tour of his net zero house. The house was constructed based on PassiveHaus design principles and operates with a Net Zero energy profile.
Glen says he wanted to build a house that would generate its own energy, use no fossil fuel, such as wood or propane for heating, and have a southern orientation. He spent a year researching the principles of a PassiveHaus and the technologies available at the time. Glen discussed his various options and the reasons for the choices he made when building the house.
His house has solar panels which produce about 12 000 kWh/year. He discussed some of the cost benefits of using solar.
The house has a southern orientation which can reduce heating needs by 25 %. An eave sufficiently wide to block southern windows at mid day in summer is helpful to prevent overheating.
Glen explained the importance of insulation, including the floor, below grade walls/footings, walls and roof. He explained concepts such thermal mass, thermal bridges, air sealing and the need to minimize external surfaces to help prevent heat loss.
He says he uses a Heat Recovery Ventilator in the house. He did not go with a heat pump since the solar panels meet the electricity needs of his house. He uses LED lights throughout the house.
Glen also shared information on the cost to operate his house, and the benefit of ULO (Ultra-Low Overnight)pricing. Glen says the house has produced all the energy it has consumed since it was built, with the cost of energy limited to the amount of the basic connection charge.
BPEG’s next meeting: 6 August 2025, Anglican Church Hall, Lion’s Head, 7 p.m. Francesca Borromeo of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association will present some preliminary findings on her research on Bill 5 and Bill C5.
