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Wilden and FortisBC encourage a sustainable, local energy source for homes

Four years ago, Wilden partnered with UBCO, FortisBC and others in the community to create a long-term research project called the Wilden Living Lab.

To carry out this project, two homes were built — the Home of Today and the Home of Tomorrow. The Home of Today was built as a benchmark with today’s standard building codes, while the Home of Tomorrow was built to a higher standard of energy efficiency which exceeds today’s standards.

The goal of the Wilden Living Lab is to measure the effectiveness of different energy efficient practices and determine their financial returns over time, so people can make more informed decisions when buying or building a home.

It’s an ongoing project, but Wilden is already putting the findings to use in their newest neighbourhood: Lost Creek Point.

Lost Creek Point features 36 semi-detached townhomes and two detached townhomes. Like many Wilden neighbourhoods, the homes are surrounded by nature and stunning views, but there is something special about Lost Creek Point — the homes are between 25% and 50% more energy efficient than the average new home.

<who>Photo Credit: Wilden</who>

“Our goal has always been to do more than selling homes and lots. We want to offer a sustainable and well-balanced lifestyle. Also, we want to encourage our residents to think long-term when it comes to energy efficiency and home value,” said Karin Eger-Blenk Director of Blenk Development Corp. “It might be a higher investment initially, but the value of homes in Wilden has continually increased over the years.”

One of the ways that Wilden is reducing carbon emissions is by encouraging the use of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Wilden has been working with FortisBC to offer residents this carbon neutral and climate-friendly option, which residents of Lost Creek Point can enjoy for a full year at no additional cost, then decide whether or not they wish to continue using it.

<who>Photo Credit: Wilden</who>

“RNG is a sustainable, locally-made, certified carbon neutral energy source. When bacteria break down organic waste from sources such as landfill sites, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities, biogas (mostly made of methane) is produced,” explained Jason Wolfe, Director of Energy Solutions at FortisBC. “FortisBC works with local farmers and municipalities to capture and purify this biogas — which would otherwise escape into the atmosphere — to create RNG, a sustainable energy source for our customers.”

“FortisBC’s RNG blends in seamlessly with conventional natural gas in our system,” added Wolfe. “This means that no changes are required to customer's appliances when they opt into the RNG program. We can use RNG to heat homes, water and appliances in customers’ homes.”

The popularity of RNG is growing. Currently, over 10,500 homes and businesses in British Columbia are using RNG because it’s a safe, reliable and affordable way to heat spaces while shrinking environmental footprints.

RNG has huge potential, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to energy efficient homes.

“Better insulation and the use of other renewable energy sources are very important components,” said Eger-Blenk. “There are so many innovative technologies that are worth investigating when building or renovating a home, and many of them pay back in under 10 years.”

Although these upgrades tend to come with a higher cost initially, there are several benefits to be reaped by both the planet and homeowners.

<who>Photo Credit: Wilden</who>

“For everyone who is passionate about climate protection, it is a great opportunity to contribute to what will be essential for next generations: carbon neutrality,” said Eger-Blenk. “In a few years energy efficiency will no longer be an option. The official building code will demand higher and higher levels of insulation. If you buy or build a home today that already adheres to future demands, it is certainly a smart investment that will hold and increase its value.”

Learn more about Lost Creek Point here, or visit the showhome at #1345 Rocky Point Drive, open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Fridays.



Spread over the hillside along Okanagan Lake, a short 10-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, lies Wilden, a community that has mastered the art of growing in population without losing its pristine beauty. Half of the roughly 1,500 acres will always be preserved as natural open space or public parkland.

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