Page 29 - Biz X Magazine - July/August, 2014 Issue

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ask the experts This Is One Time When Nothing Matters! Net Zero Homes By Dave Halliday ast issue you discovered a great deal about Once again, we at Biz X were fortunate about $27 a month on your mortgage. Te L how energy efcient your home’s various enough to sit and expand upon our previous installed solar will ofset your gas bill and hydro systems are. You have always been happy with conversation with Ben Klundert, President of bill, which would likely be a combined $150 your bills but the “Energy Star” information BK Cornerstone Design Build LTD (356 Blake a month.” He adds, “You don’t have to worry you gathered now has you understanding what Street, Belle River; BKCornerstone.com). about electricity costs rising eight percent next it is all about and how it benefts everything, He is also the current President of the Greater year and again the next or gas going up because including the environment. Windsor Home Builders Association Inc. BK with net metering you are going to have enough You took the time to investigate the systems Cornerstone has been constructing quality to cover your costs.” in your old home that was built in 1940 and homes for the residents of Essex County for the What is Net Metering? He indicates, “With discovered that you had been leaving a carbon past 27 years. your solar power generation you are still going footprint that would make Godzilla envious! When we last spoke, you had explained to receive an electricity bill, but your credits You can’t even bear to think about the money the benefts of the “Energy Star” concepts. associated with net metering will ofset your you were wasting as well. I understand you can add to the efciency of costs.” Klundert continues, “So with these On this particular day you have decided to let the home using Net Zero concepts. What is concepts you eliminate your gas bill and hydro your thirst for knowledge rest while you head Net Zero? He replies, “Net Zero is a concept bill with a mortgage hit of $27 a month.” He out to the local links for a relaxing round of golf through which we design, build, and model chuckles, “Don’t you think that people will be with the neighbour. Despite your occasional homes that will generate zero net costs for knocking the doors down just to want to live quarrels, the two of you always seem to have a energy consumption by employing the benefts there?” great time golfng together. of solar power generation.” What are the obstacles you encounter in As you approach the tee box for the 14th hole marketing these homes? He states, “People are you are both excited to continue your tradition value driven. We all want to get the best we can of launching a few golf balls at the turning blades get for the lowest price. Once they recognize of the massive windmill that is positioned about these techniques create value this could become 155 yards into a soy bean feld. You’ve been doing the new norm and I have to think that people are this for years but have never managed to register going to want to know where they have to sign.” a direct hit on one of the massive blades. How do you get past that obstacle? He Te neighbour misses all three of his attempts replies, “Our homes are marketed based upon and you step up to the tee box with your trusty their quality and beauty. Typically we wait until seven iron in hand. You steady your stance and An “Energy Star” home from BK Cornerstone is not only afer the client is happy with what they see before strike the ball perfectly! Te ball sails through energy efcient, it also has excellent curb appeal. we even ask if they might enjoy the benefts of the air and with a resounding gong is a direct hit Certainly there are costs associated with reduced energy costs.” upon the fast moving blade. incorporating solar collectors and other With the blades of the windmill still Elation turns to horror as you see the ball components to the home. How can you explain whooshing nearby you manage to stop laughing come back of the blade at twice the speed in the benefts of this to a prospective client? “A long enough to ask the neighbour if he is ok? He your direction. You hit the deck and the ball decent estimate as to the kilowatts required drags himself back into the passenger side of the fies past and strikes the neighbour in a rather to ofset all heating and domestic hot water golf cart and curls up in a fetal position for what unfortunate location. He wilts and slowly sinks loads of a typical home is about eight kilowatts seems like forever. Gradually he returns to his to the ground. You instantaneously have a brain of solar,” explains Klundert. “Te cost to put a normal self... blaming his injury for every bad storm! Could you have found a way to ofset your typical eight kilowatt solar system on a home shot and unable to accurately keep track of his utility bills through power generation? is approximately $35,000. Tis translates to strokes on a hole! BIZ X MAGAZINE • JULY/AUG 2014 29 BizX2014JulyAug52.indd 29 2014-07-01 7:53 PM