Summary
A detailed study of 40 homes and community buildings in a First Nations community, leading to the community’s first net zero home and lasting local capacity.
The story
Rooted in their traditions as a First Nations community, they embrace the responsibility to act as guardians for the interconnected systems of nature—giving voice to the animals, plants, and land that are integral to their environment. Partnering with Building Resilience, they embarked on a transformative journey to achieve net zero energy usage while increasing the resilience and sustainability of their homes and community buildings.
At the heart of this initiative was a detailed study of 40 homes, each assessed for its building systems, environmental compatibility, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and indoor air quality. The findings revealed significant challenges: humid conditions from a high water table, frequent power outages during storms that led to basement flooding, and construction practices that did not meet code, contributing to poor air quality and increased energy costs.
Recognizing that these issues extended beyond individual homes, the initiative also addressed energy conservation opportunities in community buildings. By resolving past design flaws, these spaces were made more durable, usable, and energy-efficient—enhancing their role as vital hubs for gatherings and services within the community.
Simple yet impactful interventions began to make an immediate difference. In one home, a dehumidifier was installed in a crawl space, eliminating a pervasive mold issue. In another, an aging furnace filter clogged with dust underscored the need for improved air quality measures. The community’s first net zero home—equipped with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), heat pump, and solar panels—showcased a holistic approach to sustainability. Improved ventilation addressed a critical challenge, while energy-efficient systems demonstrated the possibilities for a healthier, more resilient future.
The approach focused on empowerment through engagement. Rather than relying on classroom learning, the team adopted hands-on training and one-to-one mentoring, reflecting the community’s preference for “learning by doing.” Participants gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of the benefits of energy efficiency and home resilience.
The outcomes were profound. High-humidity homes now have dehumidifiers, reducing mold risks and improving air quality. Participation in energy support programs increased, while the pilot net zero home set a new standard for future developments. Beyond immediate gains, the initiative also created lasting capacity within the community. An energy coordinator and interns have taken on leadership roles, growing their technical and non-technical skills.
The community’s perspective on net zero has evolved. Initially focused on solar energy production, they now see sustainability as a broader vision encompassing air quality, resilience, and durability. Their journey is far from over, but each step brings them closer to a future where their role as stewards of the natural world is reflected in the harmony between their environment, homes, and community buildings.
“Thank you for your help and making my home safer.” — Homeowner
Why it matters
This work informs the design of practical decision support systems for housing, energy, and community resilience in real-world environments.
Questions people ask
What did the First Nations net zero project achieve?
It assessed 40 homes and community buildings, installed dehumidifiers that reduced mould in high-humidity homes, built the community's first net zero home with a heat recovery ventilator, heat pump and solar panels, and trained an energy coordinator and interns who took on leadership roles.