Course Description

Curious about what it means to be a CHBA Net Zero (NZ) builder? Did you know only NZ-certified builders can have a home labelled as Net Zero?  Or, that the City of Vancouver currently offers a density bonusing incentive program to build to certain approved building standards like NZ?

Learn the answers to the questions above and more at this month’s Builders’ Breakfast Series webinar, Building to Net Zero: The Program, A Duplex Build, and Density Bonusing in the City of Vancouver, which focuses on the CHBA Net Zero Program as a pathway to high-performance homebuilding.

Bringing together key subject-matter experts, this webinar will dive into what the CHBA Net Zero program is and how to get certified, key considerations when designing and building to Net Zero, and a walk-through of a locally built NZ duplex by Averra Developments, where the builder will share strategies, challenges and key learnings from this project.  The City of Vancouver will also provide details on their density bonusing incentive -- what it is, how long is it available, what project is eligible and what is not.

About CHBA Net Zero Leadership

In 2014 with the inception of the Net Zero Council (NZC) and in 2015 with the development of the Net Zero Home Labelling Program, CHBA renewed its leadership role and supporting innovation by helping early adopters of Net Zero Homes overcome barriers and voluntarily build to higher levels of energy performance. The program has since grown to include renovations and low-rise MURBs. 


Approved for 2.0 CPDs in Construction Technology
Note: If you have already taken this course, repeating it online will not qualify for additional CPD points.

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: FortisBC
Patron Sponsor: BC Housing 

Luke Dolan, Capital Home Energy

Vanessa Joehl

Vanessa Joehl is the Director of Energy Programs for the Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC as well as the association’s Service Organization Manager. Her role is to facilitate the promotion and delivery of the EnerGuide Rating System and the CHBA Net Zero labelling programs within BC. Vanessa works closely with Natural Resources Canada and the CHBA BC Energy Advisor Network, who have all been trained and licensed through the Canadian Home Builders' Association, to deliver and promote voluntary labeling programs. Additionally, Vanessa provides training opportunities for builders seeking the CHBA Net Zero label for their newly constructed homes.

Salien Black

Sailen (SHY-lin) is part of the Green & Resilient Buildings team in Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability at the City of Vancouver, where his recent work included: • Expanding and simplifying the zero emission incentives for the new multiplex zoning • Developing incentives and relaxations for tall mass timber buildings He also fields builder questions about the green building sections of the zoning by-law, so if you have a question please reach out.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1

    • Before You Get Started

    • Agreement to HAVAN Academic Integrity Policy

    • Part 1
  • 2

    Chapter 2

    • Part 2
  • 3

    Chapter 3

    • Part 3
  • 4

    Chapter 4

    • Part 4
  • 5

    Chapter 5

    • Part 5

    • Declaration of Completed Work Assignment