The sustainable initiative launches with a new educational video series
[Vancouver, B.C. – October 28] – 1908 to Net-Zero breaks ground this fall in Vancouver’s historic Mount Pleasant, transforming a 115-year-old heritage character home into two net-zero energy homes alongside a new net-zero laneway house.
“This project represents a significant step forward in sustainable reconstruction,” says owner Branden Kotyk. “We’re focusing on innovation at every stage, from low-carbon materials to advanced energy efficiency.”
Brought to life by Deep Green Developments, Best Builders, and Capture Energy, 1908 to Net-Zero sets a precedent for future renovations and new construction across the country in advance of new code mandates by 2030. The century-old home’s conversion to Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s (CHBA) Net-Zero standards highlights the value of retrofitting existing buildings to reduce embodied and operational carbon.
“Projects like 1908 to Net-Zero are pivotal for demonstrating advanced techniques and sustainable practices in heritage renovations,” says Lynne J Strickland, Director of Initiatives, Net Zero Housing, at CHBA. “This project offers a valuable case study for the industry, showing how Net-Zero targets can be achieved across a variety of building situations within a traditional construction budget.”
As part of the project, an educational video series tailored for homeowners, designers, and builders will offer technical insights into net-zero renovations and low-carbon construction. The first episode, Project Vision, is now available on YouTube. Created in partnership with CHBA, the series takes viewers behind the scenes to explore innovative, industry-leading practices in sustainable construction. Future episodes will cover deconstruction over demolition (Q4 2024), a historic house lift onto ICF foundation with low carbon concrete (Q1 2025), an exploration of prefabricated systems and even biomaterials such as straw insulation (Q2 2025).
The first project of its kind in Canada, 1908 to Net-Zero proves that heritage and character homes can help drive climate solutions. By focusing on sustainability, heritage preservation, and gentle densification, it serves as a national model on modernizing older homes responsibly.
Contact Information:
Sylvie Kotyk
Director, Marketing & Partnerships
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