Residential energy modeling for Homes to Zero
Improving faster, scalable energy modeling tools to support residential retrofit planning and decarbonization.
Mohammad Heidari, SMART Centre
About Homes to Zero
Homes to Zero is a Canadian company developing tools to support residential energy retrofits through simplified, scalable modeling approaches.
The challenge
Conventional home energy modeling can be time-consuming and costly, making it difficult to apply at scale. Homes to Zero required validation of its faster, typology-based approach to ensure it could provide reliable guidance for retrofit decision-making.
Approach
- Benchmarked Homes to Zero’s modeling outputs against conventional energy models
- Compared results across representative housing types and retrofit scenarios
- Identified areas of alignment and opportunities for refinement
- Collaborated closely with the industry partner to support interpretation and improvements
Results
- Validated the effectiveness of a simplified, typology-based modeling approach
- Strengthened confidence in the tool as a practical screening-level solution
- Identified opportunities to improve accuracy and consistency
- Produced technical documentation and a research manuscript for publication
Why it matters
This work supports more efficient and accessible approaches to residential retrofit planning. By improving faster modeling tools, Homes to Zero can:
- Reduce the time and cost required for early-stage energy assessments
- Support better decision-making for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
- Expand access to retrofit planning tools for homeowners and industry
- Contribute to scalable solutions for residential decarbonization