Enbridge Sustain, an energy solutions company, and SEAN, a developer of sustainable housing, will build a new 73-unit townhome and condo community in Barrie that will be sustainably heated and cooled using a dedicated geothermal system. This will allow the homes to gain EnergyStar certification and be labelled net-zero ready.

These efficiency measures will not only reduce the homeowner’s energy bills and carbon footprint, but they also increase comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) for the entire family.

Geothermal systems are 300 to 400 per cent more efficient compared to conventional heating sources such as propane, oil, and electricity, which peak at 95 per cent efficiency. These systems can save up to 60 per cent on heating costs and up to 50 per cent on cooling costs.

In addition to a geothermal heating and air conditioning system, the eco-friendly units include solar shading devices, biophilic balconies, a SmartONE home system, cross-laminated timber (CLT), an optional electric vehicle charging station, and solar panels. These sustainable materials and innovations benefit not only the environment, but occupant as well.

As Ontario focuses on the transition to a net-zero energy future, this partnership supports the federal and provincial governments’ emission reduction strategies and municipal energy plans that encourage developers to reach net-zero goals in new communities.

Enbridge Sustain manages the end-to-end delivery of low carbon energy projects such as this at no upfront cost, working with trusted partners to ensure seamless integration into the development process. This includes everything, from design to installation and maintenance, along with comprehensive energy reporting for customers to demonstrate the impact of their community.

“Developers, builders, and building owners face significant barriers when seeking to adopt clean energy solutions, including high upfront capital costs and ongoing maintenance and operating concerns,” says Mark Irvine, vice-president of Enbridge Sustain. “We’re helping to make the adoption of sustainable energy technologies convenient and hassle-free through a suite of affordable and dependable turnkey solutions, including geothermal, solar, electric, and hybrid heating, and electric vehicle chargers.”