Prince George, B.C. – Those wanting to learn more about building an ultra-low energy efficient home should head up to UNBC tonight for a free presentation.

It will feature information from a series of building experts on building homes to the Passive House Standard – the world’s most stringent building energy efficiency standard.

Rob Bernhardt, president of the Canadian Passive House Institute and one of the scheduled speakers, says the potential for savings is enormous.

“It provides savings in terms of energy consumption for heating and cooling of about 90% compared to most buildings that are out there,” he says.

“So it uses 90% less heating or cooling energy than the typical residential building in Canada, so that’s the public policy driver, the energy savings because of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Bernhardt says the carrot for consumers is the comfort these homes provide.

“If the building is efficient, it’s also incredibly comfortable, and it will also be equipped with a high efficiency ventilation system so there’s a steady flow of fresh conditioned air coming into the building.”

As for start-up costs, he says they are not as high as some may suspect.

“Costs are always a challenge with any building, regardless of the energy standard,” says Bernhardt.

“But the experience internationally is that while we can expect a modest, incremental increase in the cost of design and construction, often these buildings come in at the same price or just a few percentage points more than comparable buildings.”

To learn more about these homes, the presentation starts at 6 p.m. in the Weldwood Theatre.

Questions and an open discussion are scheduled for 8 p.m.