Design your new home to be energy efficient
Building a New Home in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia – Energy Efficiency Programs for New Homes
Nova Scotia has a robust set of programs through the Efficiency Nova Scotia organization, which works to reduce the province’s overall energy consumption by incentivizing energy-efficient home builds.
Home Efficiency Rebate Program
This program helps new homeowners and builders with the upfront costs associated with energy-efficient designs and equipment.
Key Features:
- EnerGuide Rating: The EnerGuide rating system plays a significant role in determining eligibility for incentives in Nova Scotia. Homes must achieve a minimum of an EnerGuide rating of 80 for an automatic rebate.
- Energy Star Certification: Nova Scotia encourages homes to be built with Energy Star features. Homes meeting the Energy Star standards receive better rebates and are more marketable for environmentally conscious buyers.
Rebates & Incentives:
- Rebates for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements: Builders incorporating energy-efficient systems can receive rebates. This can cover costs for things like high-efficiency heating systems, water heaters, windows, doors, and insulation.
- Home Energy Efficiency Audit: A pre-construction and post-construction audit will determine if a home qualifies for rebates based on the energy-efficient materials and technologies used.
- Net Zero Homes: The Net Zero Ready Homes program in Nova Scotia is an initiative encouraging homes to be energy self-sufficient. Builders that design homes to these standards (with features like solar panels, advanced insulation, and passive design principles) may qualify for additional incentives.
Energy Efficiency Requirements:
- Nova Scotia is aligned with national standards, including the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) and Energy Star building standards.
- Insulation, Windows, HVAC Systems: Homes need to feature high-efficiency insulation, windows, and HVAC systems. Additionally, the home must pass a blower door test (which measures airtightness) to ensure minimal air leakage.
New Home Build Energy Efficiency Program in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia the government in partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia, builders and homeowners is offering incentives, rebates and support for new homes built to higher energy‐efficiency standards and encouraging integration of renewable energy.
What is the Nova Scotia New Home Energy Efficiency Program?
This provincial program, often referred to as “Net-Zero Ready” or “EnerGuide 80+,” aims to encourage the construction of homes that are significantly more energy-efficient than standard builds. It provides financial incentives to builders who meet specific performance targets, which in turn translates to a more valuable and cost-effective home for the buyer.
The program focuses on reducing energy consumption through superior insulation, high-performance windows, efficient heating and cooling systems, and minimized air leakage.
Benefits for Homeowners: Build Smarter, Live Better
Investing in a new home built to higher energy efficiency standards under this program offers a multitude of advantages:
According to Natural Resources Canada, a typical Net-Zero Ready home can achieve energy savings of 50-80% compared to a conventional new home built to minimum code requirements. This translates to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars saved annually. Imagine the extra money in your pocket each year!
Lower Utility Bills: Immediate and Long-Term Savings The most direct benefit is the significant reduction in monthly energy expenses. Homes built to Net-Zero Ready standards require substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and hot water.
Lower Ongoing Energy Costs
A home built to higher energy‐efficiency standards uses less energy (for heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.). That means lower monthly utility bills, more predictable costs, and protection against future price hikes.
By combining energy efficiency with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, homeowners can further reduce or even eliminate grid electricity purchases. Excess solar generation (via net‑metering) can offset bills.
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