Buildings or developments that are verified and certified as “net zero operational energy and/or carbon.” The building should demonstrate the highest levels of energy efficiency with the use of either renewables generated onsite or renewable energy procured offsite.
The EchoHaven NZ house is one of 25 high-performance homes planned for in the EchoHaven development. Five founding families, who all aspired to build high-performance homes, purchased the land with the vision of developing a sustainable, low-impact community. Guiding principles included water conservation and management strategies, universal solar access, integration of natural features, zero greenhouse gas emissions, and minimal ecological footprints. The owners are founding members of the community and the first to build. During the preliminary design stage, they entered the home in the CMHC EQuilibrium competition and were selected along with twelve other entrants to build a demonstration home. The agreement with CMHC entailed a comprehensive process of reporting and reviews starting with a two-day integrated design charette, and culminating with the owners hosting tours for hundreds of visitors prior to occupancy.
“The EchoHaven NZ house is one of 25 high-performance homes planned for in the EchoHaven development. Five founding families, who all aspired to build high-performance homes, purchased the land with the vision of developing a sustainable, low-impact community.”
