The national project of Canada presents EQuilibrium Housing Pilot Demonstration Initiative and NOVOCLIMAT Program.
EQuilibrium housing integrates high-performance, energy-efficient passive solar design and commercially available
on-site renewable energy systems such as solar heating, air and ground-source heat pumps.
EQuilibrium housing also incorporates the principles of occupant health and comfort, affordability, resources conservation
and reduced environmental impacts. These significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the detrimental environmental
impacts of housing on water, land and air.
The goals of EQuilibrium housing is to build the capacity of Canada's housing and renewable energy industry sectors to create
high-quality housing across the country over the long term and achieve acceptance of low-impact healthy houses and sustainable communities.
Twelve demonstration projects have been selected by Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation throughout Canada.
The NOVOCLIMAT label is a voluntary program of the "Agence de efficacité énergétique (EAE)" (Energy efficiency agency) of the province of Québec
(Eastern Canada) and sets requirements concerning energy consumption, indoor comfort, building materials and building quality.
Results of the national Canadian project will comprise:
- Description of a number of key features as climate specific design,
energy-efficient construction and renewable energy devices
(PV, solar thermal and ground-source heat pumps)
- Calculation and control methods for integrated low-energy systems
- Economic and environmental evaluations
- In-field testing/monitoring methods and equipment
- Best practices in cold climates
- Future developments and R&D
- Proposals for design guidelines for integrated heat pump systems in low-energy houses
