U of G is part of a new project involving “net zero energy homes” that create at least as much energy as they consume.

The initiative by Reid’s Heritage Homes and Owens Corning Canada involves building five homes on Goodwin Drive in the south end of Guelph that are air-tight and energy-efficient with solar panels.

Owens Corning, which makes home insulation, has developed new technology to help home builders build net zero homes. It’s also involved in the federal ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative supporting home builders incorporating energy conservation features into home designs.

Reid’s Heritage Homes is one of five Canadian home builders selected for the program.

U of G students in real estate and housing and marketing programs in the College of Business and Economics will look at home designs and consumer attitudes toward net zero homes.