Reid's Heritage Homes chosen to build Net Zero Energy homes

GUELPH, ON, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Reid's Heritage Homes has been chosen to be one of five Canadian home-builders from across the country to participate in an exciting new project in cooperation with Natural Resources Canada and Owens Corning Canada, part of the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative. The overall project will see the construction of at least 25 Net Zero energy homes in four provinces - Nova Scotia, Québec, Alberta, and Ontario. Reid's Heritage Homes is the only company chosen in Ontario outside the capital city region.

Blake Seeberger, Senior Vice-President of Residential Construction, Reid's Heritage Homes, said, "Reid's Heritage Homes has a long-standing commitment to building environmentally friendly homes and communities, and we are honoured to be chosen for this important initiative that will take us to the next level of green sustainability. We believe this is one of the most important environmental projects in the country at this time."

Seeberger added, "We always have sustainable initiatives at the forefront of our minds. We constantly aim to improve in this area, and take on the newest advancements in energy efficient building practices whenever we can. We were thrilled to be one of five builders handpicked by National Resources Canada and Owens Corning Canada for a national Net Zero Homes program, especially as the only homebuilder chosen in Ontario, outside the Ottawa area."

The $4 million Net-Zero Energy Housing Project is co-funded by the Canadian government, Owens Corning Canada, and the participating builders. At least 25 Net Zero energy homes will be built across the country; Reid's Heritage Homes has committed to building five, in Southwestern Ontario.

Seeberger noted, "Our participation in this program means that Reid's Heritage Homes agrees to invest knowledge, time and resources into the future of sustainable building in Canada. Our team will build five homes that produce as much energy as they use. As Net Zero Homes, these homes will be the most advanced homes in the way of energy efficiency in Canada. To be specific, the Net Zero Homes are 15 years ahead of the homebuilding industry today. The building technology used will pave the path for future environmentally conscious builders and future eco-conscious communities." Reid's Heritage Homes has accepted this exciting challenge with the goal of advancing the awareness and science behind sustainable building practices, by determining optimal innovative systems that will work in the ultra-efficient, Net Zero homes.

The project, beginning with technical design, planning and training, and culminating in the construction of the homes, is now underway, and will be completed by 2016. The Net Zero homes built by Reid's Heritage Homes will include advanced heating, cooling and ventilation systems; high efficiency windows; superior levels of insulation and air tightness; solar panels that feed back to the grid; significant water conservation measures; and many other environmentally progressive features.

Reid's Heritage Homes has a long history of being at the leading edge of advanced building. Accomplishments in this area include:

• Building the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-H) Platinum home in Canada - specifically in Guelph in 2007
• Building the second LEED-H Platinum Home in Canada (and the first in the Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo area)
• Maintaining status as an Energy Star Builder - with many of Reid's Heritage communities entirely Energy Star Qualified
• Receiving the Energy Star Participant of the Year award in 2012, as the first homebuilder in Canada to be acknowledged with this honour
• Partnering with the City of Guelph to offer the Blue Built Home Program in master-planned community Westminster Woods
• Participating in the Optimum Home Program, offered by Union Gas
• Building Ontario's first Built Green home

Commenting on the location of the Net Zero homes project, Seeberger added, "Reid's Heritage Homes believes these advanced energy efficient homes will align with the importance municipalities place on being truly green and sustainable cities. These homes will add significantly to the already impressive sustainable practices and goals in place in many of the municipalities in which we build. Because of this common goal among the municipalities and their citizens alike, our team will work with local trades and suppliers to design and build homes that we would all be proud to own, ourselves."

About Reid's Heritage Homes:
Built on a solid reputation of quality, integrity and service, Reid's Heritage Homes is one of Ontario's leading builders, with a history of homebuilding that goes back to 1947. The same enduring values that motivated our founder Orin Reid, inspire our many diverse communities today. 

For over 30 years, Reid's Heritage Homes has proudly developed homes ranging from single detached homes; mid-rise condos; two-storey, executive and bungalow townhomes; to custom estates and active adult communities. In every home we build, our commitment to excellence is defined by our LiveWISE ™ program, which underlines our award-winning emphasis on top quality, satisfied customers, environmental responsibility, superior service, exceptional design, and the creation of vibrant neighbourhoods.

SOURCE: Reid's Heritage Homes

For interview inquires with Blake Seeberger please contact:

Ashley Ferraro
Director, Marketing and Communications
Reid's Heritage Homes
[email protected]
519.658.6656 ext. 285
226.755.0682