Building Toward Net-Zero
“ Net Zero” is a term you’ re hearing more and more these days. But what does it actually mean? Simply put, a net-zero building produces as much clean energy as it uses. The payoff is big: lower energy bills, healthier living spaces, and a lighter footprint on our planet.
According to a recent Jupia Research report commissioned by Supply-Build Canada, the lumber and building materials( LBM) industry contributes over $ 53.1 billion to Canada’ s GDP and supports more than 780,000 jobs nationwide. That makes the LBM sector the third-largest driver of GDP impact in Canada. If this country is going to hit its climate targets— including netzero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050— the building supply sector will play a starring role.
Net Zero represents the future of Canadian buildings, but it often comes with the perception of being expensive and complex. Builders and homeowners alike face the challenge of balancing performance requirements with affordability and practicality.
Achieving Net Zero requires a combination of strategies— insulation, airtightness, efficient systems, and renewable energy— all working together. Piece by piece, these innovations are becoming more accessible and helping make net-zero homes and buildings a practical reality.
Here are four Supply-Build Canada members leading the charge. Smarter Insulation with DuPont
Inside every comfortable, efficient home is great insulation. DuPont is rethinking the basics with Tyvek ® HomeWrap ® and Styrofoam™ insulation to keep drafts out, manage moisture, and cut wasted energy.
But their vision goes further: net-zero operational carbon by 2030, and net-zero whole-life carbon by 2050. They’ re already delivering by slashing the embodied carbon of their Styrofoam™ insulation by 94 % and reformulating Froth-Pak™ foam sealants to eliminate harmful HFCs— cutting embodied carbon by 99 %.
For homeowners, that means comfort, durability, and a smaller carbon footprint wrapped into the very bones of your house.