Inspiring Stories of Canada’s Pioneering Net Zero Home Builders
We’re on tour to discover the pioneering net zero home builders in Canada building the homes of the future today. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume, radically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while saving energy and money for homeowners. Net Zero homes began as an idea about 20 years ago with numerous builders participating in the CMHC Equilibrium program which supported the construction of a dozen net zero homes across the country.
These homes were amazing showcases of technology, but they were not very affordable.
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A group of innovative builders aimed to discover a way to create affordable homes that are net-zero. Builders like Reza Nassari at Landmark Homes in Edmonton, Doug Tarry at Doug Tarry Homes in St. Thomas, Ontario, and Peter Amerongen, who is often called the father of net-zero in Canada, were at the forefront of this effort.
We’re working with the Canadian Home Builders Association Net Zero Labelling program to bring you the stories of the pioneer builders and some of the next generation builders who’ve embraced net zero and are building some of the most affordable and highest quality homes ever built.
We’re visiting with these builders and filming their work to learn the stories of their journeys to net zero and and secrets that go into some of the best homes in Canada.
If you love the idea of net zero, but thought it was too expensive, think again!
Chris Williams of Avalon Master Builders in Calgary, Alberta, is building what he calls Net Zero for Zero Extra Dollars. That’s because these homes cost the same or less in monthly expenses to own than a code-built home. The big difference is you are getting an airtight home, with abundant fresh air that requires up to 70% less energy to heat and cool.
We began the series with Doug Tarry of Doug Tarry Homes in St. Thomas, Ontario where he has built and sold almost 700 net zero homes. Every home he builds today is at least net zero ready and many homeowners are taking the extra step of installing solar to produce their own energy on their net zero homes.
Our second stop in the tour was in Westport, Ontario, where we met the amazing Steve Rolston of Land Ark Homes. He’s building Watercolour Westport, an entire neighbourhood of net zero ready and net zero homes in the beautiful town of Westport. These homes have no gas line and no gas bill, and perhaps best of all, they are being built in one of the most walkable, people-friendly neighbourhoods in Canada, surrounded by nature.
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Chasing Net Zero Tour Map
We’re hitting the road across Canada to connect with some truly inspiring builders who are crafting your dream home. Simply click on a builder to dive into their fascinating story!
