LIVE NET ZERO CHALLENGE (2026)
Rules and Regulations – Household Challenge
I. GENERAL
1. About the Live Net Zero Challenge: The Live Net Zero Challenge (2026) (the “Challenge”) is a skills-based competition, run in both official languages, to increase awareness of and to educate Canadians about how to live more sustainably and reduce their household greenhouse gas emissions. The Challenge will help Canadians learn what changes they can make within their own households to live more sustainably, reduce their carbon footprints, and inspire others to do the same.
2. Sponsors: The Challenge is administered by Canadian Geographic Enterprises (50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1M 2K1) (“Canadian Geographic”) and sponsored by Canadian Geographic, One Earth Initiative Society (c/o Canadian Geographic Enterprises, 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1M 2K1), (“OneEarth Living”), and the North Family Foundation, (P.O. Box 74568, RPO Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC V6K 4P4) (“the Foundation”). Canadian Geographic, OneEarth Living, and the Foundation may collectively be referred to as the “Challenge Sponsors”. For the purposes of these Rules, the Challenge Group Entities are The Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Canadian Geographic, OneEarth Living, and the Foundation together with their respective directors, officers, parents, subsidiaries, employees, agents, founders, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, suppliers of materials and services related to the Challenge, any websites connected with the Challenge and any other corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity directly or indirectly involved in the Challenge (collectively, the “Challenge Group Entities”).
3. Definitions: In these Rules, the following words have the meanings set out below:
a. “Challenge Period” runs from September 15, 2026 to February 28, 2027 as more fully described in these Rules.
b. “Challenge Prize” means the prizes outlined in these Rules.
c. “Challenge Website” means the Challenge website at livenetzero.org.
d. “Entrant” means the individual who has submitted an Entry to take part in the Challenge on behalf of and representing a Household.
e. “Entry” means a Challenge submission as described in section 8 hereof.
f. “Entry Deadline” means February 28, 2027 at 23:59 PM ET.
g. “Household” means one or more individuals residing at the same address (as the primary residence of each person in the family) within Canada.
h. “Law” or “Laws” means all applicable provisions of statutes, regulations, orders, rules, bylaws, codes, codes of conduct, interpretations and orders of courts or any applicable regulatory authorities as well as any and all required licensing, approval, insurance, permit, or other requirements or approvals necessary for or applicable to any aspect of the Challenge.
i. “Prize Selection Panel”: The Prize Selection Panel will be comprised of a group of Canadian Geographic and OneEarth Living employees and contractors.
j. “Rules” means these Live Net Zero Challenge (2026) Rules and Regulations (Household Challenge).
4. Challenge Period: The Challenge will open on September 15, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET and close on February 28, 2027 at 23:59 PM ET (the “Challenge Period”).
5. Challenge Eligibility: To be eligible to enter the Challenge, an Entrant must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and over the age of majority in the province or territory within which the Entrant resides at time of entry.
6. Restrictions on Eligibility: In addition to the Challenge Eligibility requirements outlined in these Rules, an individual is not eligible to be selected as provided in these Rules as a top 30 Entrant or win any Challenge Prize, if:
a. the Entrant is an employee, agent, contractor, or representative of any of the Challenge Sponsors or any affiliate, subsidiary, division, franchise, advertising and/or promotional agency of one or more of the Challenge Sponsors (collectively referred to as the “Challenge Sponsor Group”); or
b. the Entrant is the mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter or spouse of or resides with any member of a member of the Challenge Sponsor Group or Prize Selection Panel.
7. Compliance, Applicability and Finality of Rules:
a. Compliance with and Applicability of the Rules: Entrants and other participants in the Challenge agree to be bound by and to comply with these Rules as a mandatory condition of entering, participating in the Challenge or winning a Challenge Prize. When the term “Challenge” is used in these Rules, it includes, but is not limited to, all components of the Challenge. All terms and conditions of these Rules apply equally to all aspects of the Challenge with such modifications as may be required depending on the nature of the element of the Challenge.
b. Disqualification from Challenge: The Challenge Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to disqualify any Entrant or any other participant in the Challenge who does not comply with these Rules or with any subsequent instructions provided as part of the Challenge. Any failure to adhere to the Rules, as determined by the Challenge Sponsors in their sole discretion, will also render the applicable Entrant or any other participant ineligible to participate in the Challenge and ineligible to receive any current or future Challenge Prize or compensation of any kind.
c. Finality of Rules and Discretion of Challenge Sponsors: These Rules are final and binding on all matters relating to the Challenge. All decisions of the Challenge Sponsors (or Prize Selection Panel as applicable) on all matters, including but not limited to: the ability or eligibility of a Entrant or any other participant in the Challenge to enter or participate in the Challenge, and winning a Challenge Prize, are within the sole discretion of the Challenge Sponsors (or Prize Selection Panel as applicable) and are final and binding and are not subject to review or appeal in any respect whatsoever.
II HOW TO ENTER AND ENTRANT RESPONSIBILITIES
8. Method of Entry: Entrants enter the Challenge by entering the required information on the online form located at on the “How to Enter” page on the Challenge Website. An Entry may not be the same, or substantially the same, as an Entry made by another member of the same Household. Only one (1) person may be an Entrant of a Household for the Challenge.
9. No Purchase Necessary: No purchase is necessary to enter the Challenge or to win any Challenge Prize. Purchasing goods or services will not increase or improve the ability or likelihood of winning a Challenge Prize.
10. Acknowledgment of Rules: By making a post to enter the Challenge as outlined in these Rules, Entrants acknowledge they have read, agree to be bound by and comply with these Rules. The Challenge Sponsors are not responsible for late, lost, incomplete, illegible, damaged, delayed or misdirected Entries.
11. Responsibility for Entries: Entrants are solely responsible to review, understand and comply with all applicable Rules and Laws regarding their eligibility to enter and/or participate in the Challenge. Any Entrant or any member of a Household who is in violation of these Rules or any applicable Law, may, at the sole discretion of the Challenge Sponsors or as otherwise provided in these Rules, be disqualified from the Challenge and prohibited or disqualified from any further participation in the Challenge or the award or receipt of a Challenge Prize.
12. Entry Deadline: All Entries must be posted on or before the Entry Deadline. The date and time of receipt of an Entry will be based on the time of registration as determined by the Challenge Sponsors. Entries received after the Entry Deadline, for any reason, will not be accepted.
13. Safety: Safety is of paramount importance for the Challenge. All Challenge activities must be conducted and completed in a safe manner in accordance with these Rules and all applicable Laws and using, where applicable, qualified licensed and insured suppliers, advisors, services providers and technicians. Undertaking unsafe activities in connection with any aspect of the Challenge is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with these Rules, may result in disqualification of the Entrant (and Household) from the Challenge as determined by the Challenge Sponsors in their sole discretion.
14. Sharing by Entrants: Entrants are encouraged to use their own public social media accounts and blogs (if applicable) to promote the Challenge – in all cases subject to any policies or codes of conduct or Laws related to the use of social media or any applicable rules or policies of the social media platform used.
15. Publication of Information: It is expected that Entrants will make their submission materials available to the public (for all Entries related to the Challenge). Entrants and all members of their Household must agree to have their pictures, any information found on their Entry and other personal information published or broadcast during and after the Challenge Period, with the exception of their email address. The selection and use of any post, video or images and biographical information is at the sole discretion of the Challenge Sponsors. Participants may not be contacted for input into any such dissemination of information. Entrants agree that both during and after the Challenge, their (and, potentially, of any member of their Household) name, voice, image, photographs and likenesses, as well as any content the Entrant creates or posts for the purposes of participating in the Challenge, may be used for publicity and in advertising, marketing or promotional materials by the Challenge Sponsors without compensation.
16. Announcements: Neither Entrants nor any member of their Household shall make any announcement concerning Challenge results without the prior written approval of the Challenge Sponsors.
17. Media Interviews: Entrants may be contacted by the Challenge Sponsors to speak to national and local media about their participation in the Challenge. Participation in media interviews is at the Entrant’s discretion. Any such participation will not be a factor in determining the Challenge Prize winners.
18. Avoidance of Conflict: Entrants agree not to carry out any paid or unpaid work for any other organization which could or will conflict and/or compromise the Challenge until 120 days after the end of the Challenge Period. Entrants must discuss any potential conflicts with the Challenge Sponsors (as soon as the Entrant becomes aware of an actual or potential conflict), who will determine whether a conflict exists in their sole discretion. Failure to disclose an actual or potential conflict may, at the sole discretion of the Challenge Sponsors, result in the disqualification of the Entrant from the Challenge .
19. Accuracy: Entrants must be truthful about their energy consumption and energy efficiency results achieved during the Challenge and any post concerning the Entrant’s participation in the Challenge must be truthful and not misleading or inaccurate. Falsification of documents or tampering with Challenge-related data is strictly prohibited and may, at the sole discretion of the Challenge Sponsors, result in the disqualification of the Entrant from the Challenge.
20. Reputation: Entrants and any other Challenge participants and any member of a Household shall not defame or otherwise damage or attempt to damage or undermine the reputation of either of the Challenge Sponsors or Challenge participants or Entrants.
III CHALLENGE GUIDELINES
21. Challenge Guidelines: Entrants participating in the Challenge are expected to review the Rules and Challenge Website, which may also contain Challenge tips and other information Entrants may find useful for participating in the Challenge.
22. Entrants understand and agree that any information, suggestions, advice or other materials or content provided, directly or indirectly, to Entrants by or through the Challenge Group Entities at any time before or during the Challenge is provided for general information purposes only and must be assessed and evaluated by Entrants to determine the validity and/or suitability of that information, suggestions, advice or other materials or content for any or all Entrants. In no case shall the Challenge Group Entities be responsible for, or bear any liability in connection with, any such information, suggestions, advice or other materials or content.
IV CHALLENGE PRIZES
23. Challenge Prizes: Prizes will be awarded for the Challenge as provided and determined in accordance with these Rules.
24. Odds of Winning: The odds of winning a Challenge Prize will depend upon the number of Entrants participating in the Challenge, the overall skill level of the Entrants participating in the Challenge and the quality of the Entries – all as evaluated by the Prize Selection Panel in its sole discretion.
25. Non-Transferability and Substitution of Prizes: Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, Challenge Prizes are not transferable; no substitutions or equivalents are permitted, except by the Challenge Sponsors who may, at their sole discretion, with or without notice and for any reason, or as otherwise provided in these Rules, substitute a prize, or any portion thereof, with a prize or prizes of equal or greater aggregate value.
V SELECTION OF CHALLENGE PRIZE WINNERS AND PRIZES
26. Determination of Challenge Winners: At the conclusion of the Challenge, the Prize Selection Panel will determine the top 30 Entrants from all eligible Entries received based on the selection criteria set out in these Rules. The top 30 Entrants will be asked to provide additional information through a brief questionnaire and winners will be selected by the Prize Selection Panel based on the responses to that questionnaire. Entrants may create up to three (3) distinct submissions about their Household’s journey. These are considered as a single Entry for the Judged Prizes and as three Entries for the Random Draw Prizes and the Spotlight Prizes (as described below in these Rules). A Household may win more than one Challenge Prize.
27. Proof of Completion of Challenge: Each of the top 30 Entrants must, upon request, provide proof of completion of Challenge activities in the form, manner and timing determined by the Prize Selection Panel. This may include (but is not limited to) uploading photographs or videos of completed Challenge activities, providing copies of utility or other bills, providing information relating to the installation of systems/equipment, and/or such further and other information as the Prize Selection Panel may request or require for the purposes of Challenge verification. The Prize Selection Panel and the Challenge Sponsors reserve the right to require supplementary proof of completion of any Challenge activity. Failure to provide such further proof may result in the disqualification of the Entrant or other participant from the Challenge at the sole discretion of the Prize Selection Panel or the Challenge Sponsors. Any disqualified Entrant or other participant is not eligible to win any Challenge Prize. Any disqualified Entrant must also, if requested by the Challenge Sponsors, immediately remove social media information that may have been published/posted by the Entrant.
28. Selection of Top 30 Entrants and Prize Winners: At the conclusion of the Challenge, the top 30 Entrants will be selected by the Prize Selection Panel based on the criteria below:
a. the participation of the Entrant/Household in, and results of, the Challenge;
b. the overall skill and quality of the content produced or submitted as part of an Entry for the Challenge (such as written submission, photographs, videos, etc.);
c. the overall storytelling, creativity, and engagement of each Entrant’s contribution and
d. how the Entrant’s contribution reflects Canada’s diverse households and vast Canadian geography across a variety of sustainable living actions).
The top 30 Entrants selected by the Prize Selection Panel will be notified by email by no later than March 15, 2027 and will have until April 15, 2027 to provide any additional information requested by the Prize Selection Panel.
29. Challenge Prizes: The following prizes are available to be awarded:
a. Five (5) Prizes to be awarded by the Prize Selection Panel as follows (“Judged Prizes”):
(i) one (1) Grand Prize of $5,000.00;
(ii) three (3) Runner-Up Prizes of $1,000.00 each; and
(iii) one (1) Journey Prize of $1,000.00 for the best Entry from an Entrant who has made 2-3 submissions during the Challenge Period.
b. Eight (8) Prizes to be awarded by random draw as set out below (“Random Draw Prizes”):
(i) one (1) prize of $1,000.00 for an Entry, chosen at random from all eligible Entries received over the course of the Challenge Period;
(ii) one (1) prize of $500.00 for an Entrant who has made 2-3 submissions;
(iii) one (1) prize of $500.00 for an Entrant who has completed the optional research questions that are part of the submission form; and
(iv) five (5) prizes of a Canadian Geographic magazine subscription for one year. Approximate retail value of each Canadian Geographic magazine subscription prize is $28.50.;
(v) Preliminary selection of the Random Draw Prize winners will take place at the offices of Canadian Geographic, 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, on or before March 15, 2027. All winners will be required to correctly answer, unaided, a time-limited skill-testing question in order to receive a Random Draw Prize.
30. Form and Delivery of Challenge Prize Notification and Challenge Prizes: An Entrant selected as the potential winner of a Challenge Prize (other than a Spotlight Prize as described below) will be notified by email on or before May 31, 2027.
31. Spotlight Prizes: In addition to the Challenge prizes describe above, three additional prizes of $500.00 each are available to be awarded for Entries made during the periods of: (a) September 1 – October 31, 2026 (“Early Fall Contribution Prize”); (b) November 1 – December 31, 2027 (“Late Fall Contribution Prize”); and (c) January 1 – February 28, 2027 (“Winter Contribution Prize”) as follows:
a. Following the conclusion of the periods indicated above, the Entries received in that period will be evaluated by the Prize Selection Panel based on the selection criteria referenced above and following the process set out in these Rules.
b. The Entrants selected as the winner of the Spotlight Prize for a given period will be notified by email within fifteen (15) days of the end of the period to which the prize relates. The process for confirming Entrants as winners and announcing the winners will follow the process set out in these Rules for the Challenge Prizes with such changes as may be necessary to reflect the timing and nature of the Spotlight Prizes – all as determined by the Prize Selection Panel and/or the Challenge Sponsors.
32. Announcement of Challenge Prize Winners: The identity of the Entrants that have been selected and confirmed as the winners of a Challenge Prize and/or a Spotlight Prize will be publicly announced by the Challenge Sponsors on or before May 15 , 2027. The Challenge Prize Winners may be expected to participate virtually in the public announcement of the Challenge Prizes.
VI WINNER DECLARATION AND AWARDING OF PRIZES
33. No Further Obligation: The Challenge Sponsors shall have no obligation to the Challenge Prize Winners beyond awarding of the Challenge Prizes and as otherwise outlined in these Rules. The Challenge Prize Winners will not receive any compensation, credit or prizing other than the prize awarded as provided in these Rules.
34. Identity of Winners: For the Challenge Prizes, the identity of the winners will be determined in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The determination of the potential winners by the Prize Selection Panel is final and binding and not subject to review or appeal in any respect whatsoever.
35. Declaration of Eligibility and Release: Before being declared the Challenge Prize Winner and receiving a Challenge Prize, the Entrant will be required to sign a Declaration of Eligibility and Release form releasing the Challenge Group Entities from any and all liability associated with the Challenge or the Challenge Prize and confirming the Entrant’s eligibility to receive a Challenge Prize as well as the Entrant’s compliance with these Rules. The Declaration of Eligibility and Release must be returned as provided by and within the timeframe provided on the Declaration of Eligibility and Release form. The Declaration of Eligibility and Release will, among other matters, grant the Challenge Group Entities permission to publish in print, broadcast or online, the name and likeness of the winning Entrant without remuneration. In addition, each selected Entrant for a Random Draw Prize must correctly answer, unaided, a time-limited skill testing question and sign and return a Declaration of Eligibility and Release form confirming the Entrant’s eligibility and compliance with these Rules (all as noted above).
36. Disqualification and Alternate Potential Winner: If a potential Challenge Prize Winner does not meet all the requirements set out in these Rules, is determined to be ineligible to win a Challenge Prize, or is otherwise disqualified from the Challenge, the Challenge Sponsors or Prize Selection Panel may select an alternate potential winner in their sole discretion.
37. Additional Costs: All costs, applicable taxes and other fees and expenses not specifically outlined in these Rules and related to the Challenge and/or to a Challenge Prize are the sole responsibility of the respective winning Entrant including without limitation, all administration or operation fees, licenses, insurance and permits.
38. Timing for Delivery of Prizes: All prize amounts referenced in these Rules are in Canadian dollars. Allow a minimum of eight to twelve weeks for delivery of a Challenge Prize.
39. Liability: The Challenge Sponsors and Challenge Group Entities disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for disputes or other issues related to the entry, administration, participation in and judging of the Challenge, the Challenge Prizes or awarding of the Challenge Prizes, including, but not limited to:
a. typographical, human or other error(s) in the printing of Challenge and/or collateral materials;
b. processing of the Entries, the announcement of a Challenge Prize winner or any defect or other concern relating to other materials or information associated with the Challenge;
c. late, lost, illegible, incomplete, falsified, tampered with, altered, delayed, misdirected, mis-submitted or destroyed Entries;
d. the participation of Entrant or any other participant in the Challenge; and
e. the use/misuse of a Challenge Prize.
40. Termination or Suspension of the Challenge: The Challenge Sponsors reserve the right to terminate or suspend the Challenge or specific Challenge components or to amend these Rules at any time and in any way, without prior notice.
VII GENERAL
41. Challenge Sponsor’s Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information: Personal Information collected in the course of the Challenge will only be used and disclosed by the Challenge Sponsors or their agents or affiliates to verify Entrant eligibilities and application information, administer the Challenge and for internal analysis of entrant demographics and as may be provided in these Rules or on the Challenge Website. If an Entrant has any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, that person may contact the Challenge Sponsors in writing at the following addresses: Canadian Geographic Enterprises, 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 2K1. Email communications may be sent to [email protected] All communications should include the writer’s name, address and phone number, reference “Live Net Zero Challenge (2026)” in the subject line.
42. Applicable Law: The Challenge is subject to all applicable Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws. Void where prohibited.
43. Inappropriate Online Behaviour: Inappropriate online behaviour will not be tolerated by the Challenge Sponsors or any Prize Selection Panel associated with the Challenge. Any Entrant that is found to be misusing the Challenge Website, or using social media, or other forms of communication inappropriately may be disqualified at the sole decision and discretion of the Challenge Sponsors.
44. False or Misleading Entry Information: If any Entry information is found to be false or misleading, or if an Entrant is otherwise ineligible to enter the Challenge or to win a prize, the Challenge Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to disqualify that Entrant.
45. All Decisions Final: All decisions of the Challenge Sponsors or any Prize Selection Panel associated with the Challenge, with the selection of the top 10 Entrants or the selection of the winners for any Challenge Prize, or any other aspect of the Challenge, are final and binding and are not subject to review or appeal in any respect whatsoever.
46. Right to Modify, Cancel, Terminate, Limit or Suspend: The Challenge Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to modify, cancel, terminate, limit or suspend the Challenge, in whole or in part, in the event of any cause or circumstance, including without limitation any virus, computer bug or unauthorized human intervention, crisis (including but not limited to a public health crisis), or any other cause that is beyond the control of the Challenge Sponsors, that could corrupt or affect the administration, safety, integrity, public safety, security, impartiality or normal course of the Challenge.
47. Indemnity and Release: By entering or attempting to enter the Challenge, each Entrant and/or purported Entrant agrees: to release, indemnify, discharge, and forever hold harmless the Challenge Group Entities, (including, without limitation, their respective parents, subsidiaries, partners, officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents and other representatives) from any and all liability, claims, actions, damages, injuries, demands, manner of actions, causes of action, suits, debts, duties, accounts, bonds, covenants, warranties, indemnities, claims over, contracts and liabilities of whatever nature or kind arising out of, or in connection with (and including, but not limited to claims relating to copyright infringement or other intellectual property rights, personal injury, illness or death, property (including household) damage, publicity rights, defamation, or intrusion of privacy) their entry or participation or attempted entry or participation in the Challenge, compliance or non-compliance with these Rules and acceptance or use (including misuse) of any Challenge Prize.
48. Limitation of Responsibility: The Challenge Group Entities are not and will not be responsible for lost, incomplete, late or misdirected or mis-submitted entries or for any failure of the Challenge Website during or after the Challenge, or for any technical malfunction or other problems with, any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, access providers, computer equipment or software or for any technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, or any combination of the foregoing, and will not be liable for any resulting injury or damage to any person or property arising from, or relating to, that person’s or any other person’s participation or attempted participation in the Challenge. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website (including the Challenge Website) or to undermine the legitimate operation of the Challenge is a violation of these Rules and, should such an attempt be made, the Challenge Group Entities reserve the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, and may, in an appropriate case, request that criminal prosecution be pursued.
49. Legal Jurisdiction: By entering the Challenge, each Entrant agrees for themselves and on behalf of all members of their Household: (i) that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Challenge or any prize award shall be resolved in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, and (ii) to irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario over any claim or matter arising under or in connection with the Challenge or these Rules.