Building for Sustainability

Sustainable homes for a greener future

To meet a rising demand for sustainability in new developments, we're incorporating features that lower energy use, cut utility costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Why sustainable homes matter

Energy-efficient homes are an essential part of the future. These homes pass savings onto homeowners, reducing utility costs by up to 90% and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Making homes more affordable through energy savings helps families today while helping the planet for generations to come.

Through our partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), we’re building homes that meet or exceed federal energy standards. Homes like those built in Habitat for Humanity Northumberland's Building Hope with Families project in Baltimore, Ontario, are net-zero homes, meaning that they produce as much clean energy as they consume.

Our commitment to sustainability

In 2024, more than half of the homes we built achieved a 31% reduction in energy consumption and a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2015 National Building Code. This means the homes we build today are not only more energy-efficient but also set a new standard for sustainable living in Canada.

Here are some of the sustainable housing practices we use:

• Increased air tightness: Ensuring minimal energy loss
• Energy-efficient HVAC systems: Designed specifically for each home’s needs
• High-performance windows: U-factor rated for better insulation
• Energy Star appliances: Lower energy consumption for everyday needs
• LED lighting: Cutting energy use in every room
• Low-flow water faucets: Saving water while reducing energy used to heat it
• Net-zero ready homes: Ready to produce as much energy as they consume
• Solar panels and geothermal heating: Renewable energy to power homes sustainably