A tightly constructed building that is well insulated and has high performance windows will require less energy to heat than a building that lacks these qualities. Passive and active solar technologies convert sunlight into usable heat and help with air movement for ventilation purposes. If a thermal mass (brick, stone, earth, concrete or water) is incorporated into the design, heat can be stored for later use. Because a tightly constructed building must be ventilated, a heat recovery ventilator will keep heating costs down. All of these building techniques will reduce the need for energy to heat a building.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Equilibrium Net Zero Housing
Passive House article
National Research Council Canada’s research paper: Literature Review on Building Envelope, Heating and Ventilating Practices and Technologies for Extreme Climates