As a retired aeronautical engineer, Louis Vermeersch had been planning to build his dream home for many years. In fact, in 1985 he attended his first R2000 Home Builders Course. When he decided to make his dream a reality, Louis had already been researching innovative solutions to save on energy costs and preserve the environment.

“I want my family to know that we are doing what we can for their future,” Louis said. He says he has noticed how much his grandchildren like to visit the house, but he’s hoping that’s partly because of him, and not just the house.

Working with McKinley Brothers Builders, Louis finally made their dream home, a design he and his wife Claudia created, a reality. “Our dreams had changed over twenty years,” Louis laughed. “Our first plan was over 3,000 square feet, but we settled for a very spacious and comfortable 1,850-square-foot bungalow, with no  stairs and radiant floor heat.”

Their new home includes:

• a ground source heat pump;
• propane heated on-demand hot water;
• a very energy-efficient housing envelope including high levels of insulation;
• energy-efficient windows; and
• ENERGY STAR appliances and CFL lighting.

By committing to a highly energy-efficient new home, Louis achieved an EnerGuide rating of 86. Had he installed a typical baseboard heating system he could have expected a rating of only 70. His wise choices could translate into a savings of up to $1,800 a year. But money wasn’t Louis’ only consideration.

“Who doesn’t like to save money,” he said. “But, I also want to be an example to my family – that each person can

make a difference.” Louis’ efficient home has reduced potential greenhouse gas emissions by 14 tonnes – or about the amount produced by three cars driven an average of 19,000 km per year. By using a ground source heat pump, propane heated-on-demand hot water, and high-quality insulation and windows, his home’s emission rating is only 10.8 tonnes annually.

The province is committed to improving the environment and an important step that can be taken to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce New Brunswick’s use of electric space heating. Through Efficiency NB, the government of New Brunswick is helping first owners of new homes make energy-efficient choices by providing financial assistance for new homes that are R-2000 certified or have a rating of at least 80 on the EnerGuide for Houses scale.

Through that rebate program, Louis received the maximum rebate amount available from Efficiency New Brunswick, $3,250 in cash back. “Money back,” laughs Louis, “is always helpful when you’re in your retirement years, but we’ve been planning for this home all along.”