Builder's Corner: Excel Homes goes the extra mile with Built Green

For over 30 years, Excel Homes has been crafting homes with extraordinary style and attention to detail, winning numerous awards for its innovative designs.

But company COO Dean Campbell says that what really sets this homebuilder apart is its commitment to sustainability and the Built Green program.

"In Canada, we are the No. 2 builder of registered Built Green homes, and for us, it really goes beyond an energy program," he said.

"Our employees really wanted to get behind something meaningful and sustainability is what we landed on. It's not just about delivering comfort, it means something deeper to the organization and we take it very seriously."

Built Green is a certification program that promotes healthy building measures, such as no or low volatile organic compounds, heat recovery ventilators for fresh air and high efficiency features.

The pillars of the initiative include business practices, energy initiatives, indoor air quality, materials and methods, and waste and water management.

The benefits of a Built Green home are numerous, including improved energy efficiency and durability. The economic and health benefits are also significant.

"Right now, we are on the cusp of affordability with solar, but when the customer is ready to go, there won't be any pain in the switch-over." - Dean Campbell, Excel Homes COO

New single-family homes certified through Built Green Canada are automatically eligible for a partial mortgage loan insurance premium refund of 15 per cent through Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp. and Genworth Canada. Homeowners can also expect lower energy costs and a greater return on investment when it comes time to sell the home.

Although all Excel Homes are built to Built Green bronze standards, many receive higher designations.

"Over 70 per cent of the time we hit silver and gold is quite frequent," said Campbell.

In fact, in December 2018, Excel completed 33 homes, which amassed five bronze, eight gold and 20 silver certifications. "Those are fairly standard results," said Campbell.

For the past 10 years, all Excel Homes have also been outfitted with solar conduits.

"Right now, we are on the cusp of affordability with solar, but when the customer is ready to go, there won't be any pain in the switch-over," said Campbell.

Water conservation is also becoming an important consideration – think low-flow fixtures inside and xeriscaping outside.

Excel is currently building in Mahogany, Savannah, Carrington, Livingston and Walden in Calgary; Hillcrest, Midtown and Chinook Gate in Airdrie; Heartland and Sunset Ridge in Cochrane; and Mountainview in Okotoks.