Net-zero pet hospital dials back energy usage

By Lethbridge Herald on May 6, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new pet hospital on the North Side has made history as the first net-zero veterinary hospital in Alberta, perhaps in all of Canada. The state-of-the-art hospital represents a major step forward in sustainable veterinary care, combining innovative energy solutions with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and workplace well-being.

Lethbridge Pet Hospital was purpose-built from the ground up to be a pet hospital and it shows. On the ceiling above the reception desk is a huge recessed paw print, and everywhere customers can see cat and dog decorations adorning the doors. Lethbridge Pet hospital was also purpose-built from the top-down and bottom-up to be a net-zero building. 

“We would like to support the environment long-term,” says Dr. Jacob Adserballe, Lethbridge Pet Hospital founder and owner. “We wanted a sustainable building, and we did it because we can. It has been done in private homes for a while, but there had never been a commercial property doing it, so that was our motivation.”

Net-zero buildings produce as much energy as they consume, primarily relying on on-site or near-site renewable energy sources to power their operations. Solar panels take up all available space on the southern-facing roof, and in the basement there’s a geothermal generator.

“Instead of using natural gas, we’re getting heat from the ground,” says facility manager Joseph Nanale. “Every day I check these indicators for notifications. If a heat pump isn’t online, I just reset the breaker.”

Geothermal systems in net-zero buildings use the consistent temperature of the Earth’s surface for heating and cooling. They work by using heat pumps to transfer heat from the ground into the building during winter and reverse the process in summer. This reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making geothermal a key component in achieving net-zero energy goals. 

Nanale uses an app on his phone to check on the solar panels on the roof, and can tell at a glance how much power each panel is producing and how much of that power is being used.  

Lethbridge contractor Valdrin Jashari of Integrity Roofing’s first net-zero structure was his own home.

“I built my first net-zero home in 2019,” says Jashari. “I’m planning to build two this year. The coast is about 10-15% more than a standard home, not including solar panels.”

Net-zero homes generally cost 10-15 per cent more to build than standard homes, but this higher initial cost is offset by long-term energy savings and potential for tax credits or rebates. While the upfront investment is greater, the annual utility expenses are significantly lower, leading to potential long-term cost savings.

To encourage the building of more net-zero homes and buildings, the City of Lethbridge has the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP). CEIP is an innovative financing tool empowering residential property owners, in the City of Lethbridge, to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. This program makes sustainable living accessible to residents by providing flexible financing options.

Lethbridge Pet Hospital opened for business in late 2024, with construction of the exterior still in progress.