The Alberta Ecotrust Ecohome provided a platform for collaboration and partnership between individuals and organizations with diverse mandates. The results are extraordinary.

Designed through a charette process that included experts in architecture, alternative energy, landscaping, building, energy efficiency, building inspection, building trades and sustainability, the Ecohome is an attractive home located in the residential community of Lake Chaparral. 

The Ecohome construction effectively achieves an EnerGuide rating of 85, exceeds the requirements of the R2000 Certification and Built Green™ Alberta Gold Standard, and was built at a cost that was less than a 5% increase over the original home model.  As a result, any family living in the Ecohome will enjoy long-term savings from greater energy efficiency of the home and;

• reduce their exposure to potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from long-term off-gassing of materials in the home;
• reduce their potable water consumption by the use of rain water collection and low-water use appliances and fixtures;
• effectively reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5 tonnes per year; and
• enjoy landscaping that utilizes recycled materials from the construction of the home and low maintenance, drought tolerant native vegetation with minimal watering requirements.

In short, a family can live well, stay healthier, save money and reduce their ecological footprint simply by living in the Ecohome.