What is the gold standard for new buildings? For years, two parallel discussions have been taking place. In one, there are those that elevate operational emissions reductions enabled by standards such as the Zero Carbon Step Code, Energy Step Code and Passive House, as well as regulations like the Vancouver Building Bylaw. In the other, it's all about the embodied carbon reductions through the use of low-carbon building materials, efficient design of space and form, and circularity. For our next tour, we bring it all together. Not only does this new, all-electric home in Burnaby target the top step of the Energy Step Code for detached homes (Step 5) and the Zero Carbon Step Code (EL4), but it crushes the embodied carbon challenge by using deconstruction and reused materials to an extent never seen before. The home is being built using 40,000 pounds of reclaimed wood, most of which is being integrated into the home's prefabricated panels. This is a home where each beam and board embodies a story of renewal, construction innovation and environmental stewardship.

Project Team

Homebuilder: Erick Serpas Ventura

Construction Consultant: Footprint Construction Management

Energy and Carbon Advisor: Carbon Wise

Deconstruction: VEMA Deconstruction

Prefabricated Panel Supplier: Kiwi Innovation

Framers: Pro Edge Developments

Pending approval, AIBC and BC Housing units may be awarded for this tour. Although personal protective equipment is not required for this tour, we recommend that steel-toed footwear be worn as it is a construction site.

Join our Community of Leaders!

Do you have an exciting zero emissions or high performance project, product, or concept you’d like to share? Interested in participating in our Program Series as subject matter experts? E-mail events@zeic.ca for more information on how to get involved. Together, we can make the 2020s the decade of zero emission buildings!