What is the Cross Border Challenge?
The Cross Border Builders Challenge is a voluntary effort to encourage homebuilders and developers from Canada and the U.S. to build more energy efficiently using a common energy rating.
The goal will be for builders to build homes that are approximately 30 per cent more energy efficient than current Canadian building standards, 50 per cent more energy efficient than an American standard built house.
Based on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, developed by RESNET and supported by CRESNET the Canadian counterpart, the Cross Border Challenge requires the home to meet a HERS 50. A HERS index of 100 represents the energy use of a standard American house, while an index of 0 indicates that the house uses no net purchased energy (net zero). The United States Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge requires builders to meet a HERS 70.
The Cross Border Builders Challenge = HERS 50 or better
- How do you know if your project meets the Cross Border Builders Challenge?
- Approximately an EnerGuide 81/82 rating or higher including some of the following features (under normal conditions with natural gas)
- Air tightness 2.0 ACH @ 50Pa or better
- Increased thermal envelope performance, especially above grade walls
- 80% to 100% energy efficient lighting (CFLs, LEDs, pin-based) and/or energy efficient appliances
- 14 SEER air conditioner or better
- Drain water heat recovery and/or high EF for DHW
- ECM motors – heating distribution system and ventilation system
- High efficient HRVs
- Low SHGC glazing – especially west, south elevations
- Solar renewables – PV, solar thermal and solar air panel/s
Announcing the Cross Border Builders Challenge at Greenbuild 2011
The Cross Border Builders Challenge will be announced during Greenbuild. Houses already meeting the Challenge of a HERS 50 HERS rating will be featured in Canada House, the CaGBC centre for showing Canadian achievements and leadership in the green building industry.
Visit Canada House during Greenbuild. The showcase is generously provided by BILD. This initiative is a collaboration between the Sustainable Housing Foundation and CRESNET with the support of Enbridge Gas Distribution.
