Okanagan’s first ‘net-zero’ home is insulated with hemp
In an effort to make construction more sustainable a Kelowna developer has built a home insulated with hemp.
The 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 2,430 square foot home at 278 Summer Wood Drive in the Echo Ridge development in Kelowna meets the provincial energy efficiency and net-zero building standards, according to a press release from the Wilden Group.
The developer said the home is one of the first of its kind in the province, and the first one in the Okanagan to hit the net-zero sustainability standard. The home was built to meet B.C. Energy Step Code 5 net-zero standards, which means the home produces as much energy as it consumes.
“Building with hemp insulation represents an exciting step forward in sustainable construction,” Wilden CEO Karin Eger-Blenk said in the release. “This home reflects our commitment to reducing the environmental impact not only when it comes to home operations, but also in selecting better materials.”
Hemp is supposed to sequester 1.5 to 2 times its weight in carbon while it’s growing so by replacing the fibreglass insulation with hemp it reduces the home’s carbon footprint.
There are numerous other features in the home’s design meant to encourage sustainability in addition to the hemp insulation.
The roof layout is designed to make it easy to install solar panels. Wilden said the home is efficiently sealed to reduce the air exchange which has several benefits including better temperature control.
Wilden built in an air-source heat pump with a small gas furnace as a backup, as well as a heat pump water heater.
Electric vehicle owners will have an easier time installing a charger since the home is pre-wired for one.
There is an open house for anyone who wants to check the place out on March 29 from noon to 5 p.m.
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