Net Zero Homes were once only seen in custom homes, but committed and passionate builders across Canada are now offering Net Zero production homes and even full communities. Energy efficient homes are becoming more desirable to many Canadians who are looking for superior quality, greater comfort, and who want to be environmentally responsible. And Net Zero communities are helping reach Canada’s emission reduction targets.
So, if you’re considering buying a Net Zero Home, here’s an inside look at the Qualified Net Zero Builders across Canada who have Net Zero communities under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program.
Avalon Master Builder
Established in 1983, Qualified Net Zero Builder Avalon Master Builder of Calgary, Alberta is a long-time builder of energy efficient homes. The company became a Qualified Net Zero Builder after many years of building healthier, more comfortable “green homes.”
Avalon Master Builder is currently involved in CHBA’s Net Zero Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) initiative, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), to develop Calgary’s first Net Zero and Net Zero Ready stacked townhomes qualified under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program.
“ZEN Net Zero Townhomes” Net Zero multi-residential unit building (MURB) by Avalon Master Builder – Calgary, AB
With years of research and experience, Avalon Master Builder’s primary focus with the “ZEN Net Zero Townhomes” project is affordability, while simultaneously achieving the ultimate in comfort and energy efficiency for their customers. Overall, they’re looking to give their customers Net Zero for Zero Dollars, which means that when adding up the cost of the mortgage payment and utility savings, their customers can get an exceptional living experience for no extra money per month over a standard townhome.
Using scalable building techniques and innovative products and technology to help drive down the cost to build the “ZEN Net Zero Townhomes,” Avalon Master Builder hopes to show that Net Zero Homes can be just as cost effective for builders, and ultimately home buyers, as conventional homes.
Doug Tarry Homes
Qualified Net Zero Builder Doug Tarry Homes has been building energy efficient homes for over 15 years, including Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes for over six years. To date, Doug Tarry Homes has labelled more Net Zero Ready Homes under the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program than any other builder in Canada.
“The Palmer” model in “Harvest Run” Net Zero development by Doug Tarry Homes – St. Thomas, ON
Doug Tarry Homes constructs Net Zero Ready communities from the start, which means that Net Zero elements and technology are roughed-in and ready to be implemented as customers purchase their homes. Their multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), which are part of CHBA’s Net Zero MURBs initiative in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), as well as their mid-rise apartment buildings under construction, will also be fully Net Zero. The company is committed to lowering their carbon footprint which includes responsible sourcing and use of products and materials.
Finally, the company’s CEO Doug Tarry is invested in helping educate builders across Canada about high-performance building techniques. To help builders better understand the future beyond Net Zero Homes, Doug Tarry created the four principals of modern Net Zero Home design – Occupant Comfort, Indoor Air Quality, Climate Resiliency, and Carbon Reduction (C.I.C.C.). Under C.I.C.C., their clients enjoy a consistent indoor temperature, clean and fresh air, and added protection from Mother Nature.
For more insights from Doug Tarry about how to construct a Net Zero Home, keep an eye out for his upcoming book From Bleeding Edge to Leading Edge: A Builders Guide to Net Zero Homes or view his recent 4-part webinar series with Building Knowledge Canada.
Hill Bros Realty Ltd.
New Brunswick’s Hill Bros Realty Ltd. started building Net Zero Homes because they are a natural evolution of the R-2000 program, under which Hill Bros Realty Ltd. had already built many energy efficient homes.
Hill Bros Realty Ltd. builds Net Zero Ready communities to fit the lifestyle of many residents in New Brunswick, which aligned with the company’s goal of building a more sustainable future for Canadians. As Hill Bros Realty Ltd. moves forward, all their homes will be Net Zero Ready to provide harmony with the environment and give customers a high-performance home that will last, while maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and re-sale value for years to come.
“Bobak Place at West Hills” Net Zero Ready community by Hill Bros Ltd. – Fredericton, NB
With 11 Net Zero Ready Homes under their belt, Hill Bros Realty Ltd. is currently developing the Net Zero Ready “West Hills Golf Community,” strategically designed to promote homeowner wellness through an active and healthy lifestyle.
Aerial view and interior of home at “Bobak Place at West Hills” Net Zero Ready community by Hill Bros Ltd. – Fredericton, NB
Land Ark Homes
Land Ark Homes, located in Westport, Ontario, has built a reputation for building communities that have withstood the test of time. With over 30 years of experience, Land Ark Homes is committed to building homes designed for comfort and livability.
Land Ark Homes’ goal is to leave a legacy of environmental stewardship in the industry, which is showcased by their most recent project “Watercolour Westport.” Currently in its early development stage, “Watercolour Westport” is a Net Zero Ready community that incorporates the cottage lifestyle and elements of a neighbourhood designed around walkability. In this community, every home will be built to the Net Zero Ready standard, with the option for homeowners to add solar panels and take the final step to a Net Zero Home.
Exterior of model home at “Watercolour Westport” Net Zero Ready community by Land Ark Homes – Westport, ON
Further, at least 15% of the development will be committed to green space, with seven kilometeres of sidewalks and walking trails to give homeowners plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Land Ark has also made reforestation a priority with tree planting and ponds curated with native plants and ecosystems included in the community.
Exterior and interior of model home at “Watercolour Westport” Net Zero Ready community by Land Ark Homes – Westport, ON
Landmark Homes
Alberta’s Landmark Homes is a Qualified Net Zero Builder with a vision to be a major North American housing solutions provider recognized for sustainability and leading a revolution in the industrialization of housing construction.
Since 2012, Landmark has built over 30 Net Zero, 100 Net Zero Ready, and 200+ energy efficient solar homes. As a long-time advocate and practitioner of Net Zero concepts, it was a natural choice for Landmark Homes to become a Qualified Net Zero Builder and join CHBA’s Net Zero Council to work with other builders/organizations who are voluntarily building extremely energy efficient homes.
“Webber Greens Townhome Community (NeuhHaven)” by Landmark Homes – Edmonton, AB
Landmark Homes’ “Webber Greens Townhome Community (NeuhHaven)” is a Net Zero Ready rental project developed by Sierra Holdings Inc. that was built with a strong commitment to the environment and sustainable development. Financed through the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Construction Financing Initiative, the program’s energy efficiency requirements and evaluation matrix played an important role in the decision-making process during the construction phase of this rental community.
An active participant in the CHBA Net Zero Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) project, Landmark Homes is also working with Sierra Holdings to build another Net Zero stacked townhome community in Edmonton’s Maple Crest Townhome Communities. Landmark Homes hopes that the solutions demonstrated in their “Webber Greens Townhome Community (NeuhHaven)” and in this new Net Zero MURBs project will help develop a cost-effective option for the large-scale adoption of Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes.
“Larch 12 | Bungalow Villas” by Landmark Homes – Edmonton, AB
Landmark Homes is also building a luxury gated community, featuring 12 bungalow residences near Edmonton’s river valley. The community – called “Larch 12 | Bungalow Villas” – aims to achieve the Net Zero Energy Ready performance standard, so that occupants can enjoy healthier living, greater comfort, and a better quality of life.
Interior of “Larch 12 | Bungalow Villas” by Landmark Homes – Edmonton, AB
Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes, operating in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, continually strives to bring leading-edge innovation and sustainability solutions to their homeowners. In 2016, Mattamy Homes was the first builder in Alberta to become a Qualified Net Zero Builder under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program, building five Net Zero Homes in their “Cityscape Community” in Calgary through CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program Pilot.
One of five detached Net Zero Homes in “Cityscape Community” by Mattamy Homes – Calgary, AB
From developing better building envelopes, to leveraging smart home technology that provides ongoing and optimized efficiencies, Mattamy Homes has a vision to incorporate Net Zero Homes in their future communities. And with this future in mind, they strive to define what the new home and community model will be through collaborative partnerships that bring value to the shared goal of building sustainable homes of tomorrow.
Minto Communities
For over 65 years, Minto Communities has been committed to research and innovation — always with the goal of helping their customers live better. In the 1970s, Minto Communities offered “energy-wise” features, including energy efficient gas and thermopane wood windows throughout their homes. Minto Communities now offers customers the option to invest in components that would bring their home to Net Zero.
“Net Zero Single-Family Home” in “Arcadia Community” by Minto Communities – Kanata, ON
In 2015, Minto Communities planned, designed, and constructed their “Net Zero Single-Family Home” and, in 2016, built a block of four Net Zero executive townhomes in their “Arcadia Community” in Kanata, Ontario under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Pilot. In 2019, Minto Communities built the “Minto Dream Home” for CHEO’s Dream of a Lifetime Lottery to be Net Zero, which won the Net Zero Home Award in the 2019 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Block of four Net Zero townhomes in “Arcadia Community” by Minto Communities – Kanata, ON
Reid’s Heritage Homes
For over 30 years, Qualified Net Zero Builder Reid’s Heritage Homes has proudly developed homes ranging from single detached homes; mid-rise condos; two-storey, executive and bungalow townhomes; to custom estates and active adult communities. In every home built, Reid’s Heritage Homes is committed to excellence with an emphasis on top quality, environmental responsibility, superior service, exceptional design, and the creation of vibrant neighbourhoods.
One of five single-detached Net Zero Homes in “Westminister Wood Community” by Reid’s Heritage Homes – Guelph, ON
In 2015, Reid’s Heritage Homes built five detached Net Zero Homes in their “Westminister Wood Community” under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Pilot. The first of these five Net Zero Homes was the first Net Zero Home built in Canada.
Exterior and interior of Net Zero Homes in “Westminister Wood Community” by Reid’s Heritage Homes – Guelph, ON
RND Construction
“Farmside Green” Net Zero Ready development by RND Construction – Ottawa, ON
Qualified Net Zero Builder RND Construction in Ottawa, Ontario had been building green for almost 30 years. It was a natural next step for them to move to Net Zero Homes, taking on custom projects and larger developments like “Farmside Green” – a nine-home enclave consisting of three pairs of semi-detached and three single-detached Net Zero Ready Homes. The development backs onto Ottawa’s lush Central Experimental Farm and boasts exquisite style, smart floorplans, and an eco-friendly pedigree that looks confidently toward the future in energy efficient design and resilient construction.
“The Farmside Green project was planned to be an R-2000 build,” said Roy Nandram, President and CEO of RND Construction. “During the first energy evaluation, we realized we were very close to being Net Zero Ready, so that’s when we decided to upgrade them to Net Zero Ready Homes.”
As one of Ottawa’s leaders in building energy efficient homes, RND Construction is committed to careful, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and environmentally gentle construction practices. When asked if RND Construction would take on more Net Zero projects in the future, their answer was an enthusiastic “yes!” Nandram notes that RND Construction always strives for Net Zero where the site and development will allow. “We will continue to build Net Zero Homes where the opportunities exist, especially as more and more customers request them.”
Interior of home at “Farmside Green” Net Zero Ready development by RND Construction – Ottawa, ON
Terra View Homes
For almost two decades, Terra View Homes of Guelph, Ontario has been a pioneer of green home building practices in Canada. As a Qualified Net Zero Builder, Terra View Homes guarantees their homeowners greater comfort and healthier living at an exceptional value, and all without having to compromise on the quality or features of their state-of-the-art Net Zero Homes. With a goal of creating sustainable neighbourhoods and communities for today’s families and the generations to come, Terra View Homes’ eco-conscious building led them to introduce the first complete community of Net Zero Ready Homes in Guelph, along with one of Canada’s first carbon-neutral condominiums.
“Hart Village” Net Zero Ready community by Terra View Homes – Guelph, ON
To date, Terra View Homes has labelled 60 Net Zero Ready Homes across Ontario under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program, with another 19 currently under construction.
In October 2021, Terra View Homes broke ground on their new “NiMA Trails” community in North Guelph, a project that has been in the works for 15 years. With the help of its sustainable land development, “NiMa Trails” is set to be Guelph’s most energy efficient community, with 360 new housing units. The project will include the notable “Terra Condos” project: a modern, socially responsible condominium that leaves zero carbon footprint by drawing on green power from solar and geothermal energy sources.
WrightHaven Homes
Qualified Net Zero Builder WrightHaven Homes, which services Fergus, Elora, and Ayr, Ontario, committed to more environmentally friendly building techniques, sustainable housing, and energy conservation back in 1992. After building their first R-2000 home for a family with a child who suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, they found that the health conditions of the home played a positive role in that family’s lives. It was this experience that encouraged WrightHaven Homes to continue to research better, healthier homes.
As one of the first builders in Canada to complete a home labelled under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program, WrightHaven Homes is determined to continue to push the standard of building practices.
“Granwood Gate” Net Zero Community by WrightHaven Homes – Elora, ON
With over 30 Net Zero Homes under their belt, WrightHaven Homes is dedicated to constructing homes to high standards in energy efficiency, quality, and comfort at a desirable market value compared to code-built homes. WrightHaven Homes intends to move towards a minimum Net Zero Ready standard for all their homes while achieving a full Net Zero standard for their entire communities, which will involve community-based energy plans and shared renewable energy resources.
WrightHaven Homes is also involved in advancing renewable energy inclusions in municipal design guidelines to allow renewable energy source surpluses to be used to offset operational energy costs for all homes. They hope to increase synergies between other industries – like electrics vehicle manufacturers – to offset operational costs with the goal of improving Net Zero affordability for homeowners.
Learn more about Net Zero Homes at netzerohome.com.
Looking for a Qualified Net Zero Builder/Renovator in your area? See CHBA’s list of builders and renovators who are trained in high-performance homes.
