The guides are designed to help builders construct durable, cost-effective, and climate-appropriate wall assemblies for net-zero energy-ready (NZE-ready) housing. Our team also contributed to the curriculum design of builder training sessions offered in tandem with the guide series.
Focused on the Builder
To support a builder-centric approach and reflect current best practices, we engaged with builders through regional LEEP forums.
The series uses clear, accessible language to guide wall assembly selection, design and construction detailing for four typical wood-frame high-performance assemblies, and product and material choices. The guides include a range of construction approaches, builder-friendly illustrations, and practical checklists. Special attention is given to constructability, sequencing, and trades coordination.
Actionable Strategies for Higher Performance
Each guide highlights these key design and implementation strategies for higher-performance wall assemblies:
- Airtightness as a priority. Airtightness is emphasized as a fundamental requirement for achieving NZE performance, with clear detailing strategies and inspection considerations.
- Thermal improvement. The guides target effective R-values around R‑35, explaining strategies to reduce thermal bridging and maintain airtightness with clear, detailed illustrations and specifications.
- Durability support. Climate-specific recommendations discuss the placement of water-resistive barriers, vapour control layers, and drainage strategies that support durability.
- Material and fastener compatibility. The options given for insulation, membranes, cladding supports, and even fasteners ensure compatibility and ease of construction.
Advancing Higher-Performance Building Across Canada
The NZE wall guide series is designed to improve clarity, reduce risk, and align designs with Canadian climate and code requirements in the low-rise residential sector. By making this guide series available to the homebuilding industry, the LEEP team aims to accelerate the adoption of higher-performance enclosures across Canada.
The LEEP NZE Wall Guide Series now serves as a cornerstone resource for builders, designers, energy advisors, and educators to advance energy-efficient assemblies in NZE-ready projects throughout Canada.
All seven guides are available for download here.
