WrightHaven Homes out of Fergus has been recognized many times over the years for their innovative work in building energy efficient homes. Most recently, they have been awarded the national 2021 Energy Star Canada Award as Builder of the Year – Small Size to acknowledge their work in advancing energy efficiency in home building.
Village Media's Content Studio had the opportunity to sit down with Steven Wright, president and founder of WrightHaven Homes, to find out a little more about energy efficient homes and how his company is leading the industry.
We hear a lot about Net Zero. What exactly is a Net Zero home?
“A Net Zero Energy Home is a home built so energy efficiently that, with the addition of a solar system package, enough clean energy can be produced to offset the home’s annual energy consumption. This means that all of your appliances, mechanical system, lighting, entertainment systems, and electrical plugs are all able to be powered using the sun's energy.”
How has WrightHaven Homes been at the forefront of Net Zero homes in Canada?
“We have always prided ourselves on quality and comfort, that is why we have always pushed the building envelope. Being one of the first home builders in Canada to complete a NetZero Home was a great accomplishment for us. As the president of the company, I take great interest in the building science of the home and pushing boundaries in the construction community.”
What is the most exciting part of building an energy efficient home?
“Being able to follow up with clients and hear their pride in owning a NetZero home is extremely satisfying. Clients tell us all the time that their allergies have subsided, their home is costing them way less to run, and they feel good about their contribution to saving energy as a whole. Clients love the fact that their home is providing clean renewable energy to the grid. They can rely on their purchase to continuously provide for them every day.”
What would you like to see in the future for energy efficiency in homebuilding?
“As a home builder, we need to constantly improve techniques, product installation practices and definitely address the next big issue - water preservation. In addition, we will need to reduce waste within the industry.
Shared energy will be necessary for energy regulators. Homes are able to produce more energy than they consume and currently this excess energy goes unaccounted for at calendar year end by electrical authorities. It's necessary that we share this overproduction to offset energy costs of our neighbours or shared within a community.
We are determined to continue to push the standard of building practices and be a leader in this industry. Our quality will always remain our top priority and our homeowners can be confident that we are building homes that last and are always giving back to the environment.”
Building Homes Since 1990
WrightHaven Homes has been building high quality, energy efficient homes for their clients in Elora and Fergus since 1990. Since then, they have expanded to include Palmerston, Guelph, Puslinch and other parts of Wellington County. Steven and his team continue to push the industry towards increased environmental sustainability while still incorporating the best value and high-quality features that their homeowners want and need.
For more information about WrightHaven Homes, visit them online or call them at (519) 787-6699.