This was achieved with 4 solar systems:

• Solar architecture cuts heating costs by 20% and cooling load by 10%, and provides all daylit interiors.
• Energy-wise landscaping minimizes lawn maintenance, incorporates edible plants, and offers cool summer shade while inviting in the warm winter sun.
• Photovoltaic (PV) panels turn sunlight into electricity, and put excess power into the utility grid.
• Solar hot water heating provides an estimated 53% of the hot water needs of a family of four, plus some in-floor radiant heat.

And 3 additional energy-efficient technologies:

• R-2000 construction's superior quality and comfort is guaranteed to keep the heat in, cutting fuel consumption by 30%.
• On-demand water heating means never running out of hot water using 20% less energy than a conventional water heating system.
• A super efficient furnace saves more money each year than it costs to finance (In other words - it makes money).

Several key partners collaborated to build this house, including scientists, engineers, designers, product suppliers, and public agencies. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) calculated the anticipated energy savings and are currently analysizing one full years' worth of data collected in the SF house and the counterpart "average" house next door.

Click here for a map to the Southfield.