Today’s homes increasingly prioritize energy efficiency – whether it be through high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, or a tighter building envelope. So, it’s no surprise that Net Zero Homes are gaining popularity among home buyers and homeowners.

Last week, the finalists of the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence were announced – and Qualified Net Zero Builders/Renovators from across the country put on their best show yet. Increased interest in the Net Zero Home award in the last year resulted in this year’s competition incorporating TWO Net Zero Home Award categories – one for Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home, and another for Best Production Net Zero Home!

To enter the competition, builders/renovators submitted their Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Homes qualified under the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program, which provides home buyers, homeowners, and the industry with a clearly defined two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes new and renovated Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes. The label requirement for the Net Zero Home award categories ensures that all homes entered have met the technical and energy efficiency requirements, levelling the playing field for entrants while allowing the judges to focus on the design characteristics of each home.

Shattering Myths in Net Zero Home Design

This year’s finalists showcase an eclectic range of style, architecture, and finishes, shattering the myth that beautiful design takes a backseat to the technical requirements of Net Zero Homes. From contemporary to industrial, budget-friendly to luxe, and new builds to renovations, Qualified Net Zero Builders and Renovators from coast-to-coast showed that today’s Net Zero Homes are pushing the envelope in design, construction, and renovation. So, without further ado, the finalists in each category are:

Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home

The entries in this category are all either custom new homes or renovations. They’re one-of-a-kind designed, built or renovated for a specific homeowner or lot.

J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd., Courtenay, BC: “Black and White Luxury”

Kemp Construction Management Ltd., Delta, BC: “Net Zero Nest” with Innotech Windows + Doors, Inc., JRG Building Engineering Inc., and Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

Naikoon Contracting Ltd., North Vancouver, BC: “White Rock Net Zero” with Capital Home Energy Inc.

Sinclair Homes, Waterloo, ON: “White Pine Project”

STW Cutting Edge Carpentry Inc., Windermere, BC: “Middelveens”

Best Production Net Zero Home

The entries in this category are all production homes, which means they’re new homes that are designed without a specific buyer in mind, and usually with the intent to reproduce them. For example: a builder has several models to choose from so that you can pick the floor plan that works best for you.

Big Block Construction, Saskatoon, SK: “Willowview Heights”

Kingwell Fine Homes, Guelph, ON: “Beau Soleil – The Ray”

Minto Communities, Ottawa, ON: “The Caraway” with Building Energy Inc. and Tanya Collins Design

RND Construction Ltd., Ottawa, ON: “The Walnut” with Hobin Architecture

WrightHaven Homes Ltd., Fergus, ON: “Almora”

Overall, this beautiful display of homes shows that Net Zero Home design is inspired and that builders/renovators in Canada are taking energy efficient home design to new heights. If you’re considering a Net Zero Home, there are affordable and luxury options to choose from. Learn more about the benefits of Net Zero Homes or find a Qualified Net Zero Builder in your area here.

The 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence showcases the latest in new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing. This year, the competition garnered a record 800 submissions from CHBA members across Canada. Winners will be announced on May 13, 2022. Learn more at chba.ca/housingawards.

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