Home Rating Systems

Learn how the WELL Building Standard is different from green certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Passive House by focusing on 10 concepts that directly advance human health and well-being. The WELL building standard - how is it different than other green building rating systems? The focus of a lot of green home…

The definitive guide to BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Understand the scoring, categories (Energy, Water, Materials), certification process, and how it compares to LEED for new and existing projects globally. What is the BREEAM rating system and should I get my home…

Learn how Vancouver's climate goals & the BC Energy Step Code encourage Net Zero Homes. Our guide covers key components, costs, incentives, & how to choose a qualified Net Zero builder in Vancouver, with examples of certified homes, retrofits & Prefabs. Building Net Zero homes in Vancouver BC As Vancouver pushes…

A practical guide to choosing the right green home certification. We compare the real costs, health benefits, and resale values of LEED, Passive House, and BREEAM certified homes with specific advice for the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. LEED ® vs. Passive House vs. BREEAM: a practical guide for…

An in-depth look at the Liberal and Conservative housing plans, exploring challenges, industry obstacles, and opportunities to address Canada’s housing crisis and foster growth in the construction sector for affordable housing solutions. The challenges and opportunities in Canada's construction industry Canada’s…

As California faces an escalating wildfire crisis, urban areas are vulnerable. With recent insurance regulation updates, the question arises: Are current building codes enough, or what changes can protect vulnerable communities from catastrophic fires. This week’s fires in California have been a wake-up call with…

Holistic design, recycled materials, hempcrete, pushing the boundaries beyond Net-Zero, all of this and more at the UBC Vancouver campus in the form of the Third Space Commons building by Third Quadrant Design. Officially billed as displaying the best of 'carbon minimalism', Third Quadrant Design's Third Space…

Find the builders and see the homes that succeeded in the Net Zero Energy Canadian pilot project. In the EcoHome green building guide pages you can learn to build a Net Zero Energy Home that can withstand a climate change. Net Zero Energy homes pilot program goals The goal of the R-2000 Net Zero Energy homes pilot…

Are you a BC builder concerned about what the new BC Energy Step Code will mean for your business? EcoHome's been writing articles about high-efficiency construction for over 10 years, so relax, we can help. Details of the new BC Energy Step Code The BC Energy Step Code is a new provincial standard intended to…

The new Powerhouse standard factors the entire energy consumption and life cycle of buildings from cradle to grave. Powerhouse Paris Proof is a relatively new building standard that originated in Norway that is based on the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°Celsius  target. The standard lists maximum and total CO2 emissions per…

A Saanich, BC. home is the first certified with the CHBA's Net Zero Label providing homeowners with an affordable option to invest in energy conservation measures that go beyond those mandated by regular building codes. Net Zero homes in Canada: The CHBA certification process & a landmark case study In May of 2017…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms the UK will fall short of its 1.5 million homes target by 2030, with new forecasts projecting 1.3 million homes. Planning reforms and investment in construction skills aim to boost delivery. UK Government expected to miss 1.5 Million homes target, confirms Chancellor Reeves…

Explore the growing risks of building homes in flood and wildfire-prone areas in Canada. Learn how climate change is impacting housing development and the importance of sustainable, climate-aware construction practices to avoid future costs and damages. New report warns of rising risks for Canadian homes in…

Named “The Confluence,” this house produces more energy than it uses, it captures water on site and has a positive impact on its occupants and surrounding environment. Located northwest of Calgary, Alberta, The Confluence home is a partnership between Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s ( SAIT ) Green…

Toronto's Woodgreen Project leads the way for energy retrofits in affordable green housing in achieving the Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification. Efficiency Capital’s energy efficiency retrofit project across several WoodGreen Community Housing buildings is the first project in Canada to achieve the…