The first net-zero home in Markham, Ontario, is designed to reduce energy consumption by 60 per cent and carbon emissions by 36 per cent, while protecting against rising energy costs.

The newly completed project from Minto Communities GTA and Metropia was unveiled last week in Union Village. The master-planned community is now under construction and intends to incorporate 22 net-zero ready homes in the development’s second phase.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the first home’s certification by the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA), which manages Canada’s sole labeling program for net-zero or net-zero ready homes.

Features are highly efficient and boost comfort. For instance, a better building envelope with more insulation, triple-pane windows, improved air tightness, a dual-fuel air source heat pump system and multi-zoned HVAC. A net-zero home is expected to produce as much energy as it consumes in one year.

A peek inside the home. Photo by STAKreative.

In a statement, Brent Strachan, president of Minto Communities Canada, reflected back to 2008 when they built one of Canada’s first net-zero homes. “Since then, our teams have prioritized finding ways to bring these beautiful and efficient homes to market for prospective homebuyers,” he said. “As always, we will continue prioritizing sustainability as one of our core values, and remain committed to pushing the envelope on more sustainable building for both our low-rise and high-rise communities.”

“Our work on Net Zero is also a stepping stone to stay ahead of upcoming regulatory shifts towards reducing carbon emissions,” added Carl Pawlowski, senior manager, sustainability, Minto Communities GTA.

Net zero upgrades were introduced to Union Village in the second phase of sales in April 2022. Markham itself intends to be a net zero community by 2050.

Feature photo by by STAKreative.