At MOSS SUND, sustainable design isn’t a trend—it’s the baseline. If you’re starting a new home or renovation and feeling overwhelmed by green building jargon, don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you.

Net Zero

A Net Zero home is one that produces as much clean energy as it consumes—meaning it has zero net greenhouse gas emissions. These homes are built for efficiency:

• Super-insulated from roof to foundation
• High-performance windows and doors
• Airtight construction to prevent heat loss
• All-electric systems—no gas, oil, or propane
• Powered by renewable energy (like rooftop solar or green grid electricity)

At MOSS SUND, all of our staff are trained in Net Zero design. It’s a no-brainer for us—and for the planet.

CHBA Net Zero Programs

Offered by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, these programs set the standard for Net Zero, Net Zero Ready, and Net Zero Renovation homes in Canada. Certification is based on modeled energy performance and focuses on improving the building envelope and mechanical systems to minimize energy use and maximize comfort.

Passive House

The Passive House standard originated in Europe and is all about keeping heat in and cold out—with as little energy as possible. Think:

• Super-insulated walls and roofs
• Ultra-tight building envelope
• Triple-glazed windows
• Advanced heat recovery ventilation
• Elimination of thermal bridges

It’s rigorous, but incredibly effective. Carolyn Moss is a Certified Passive House Designer, and our team is trained in applying Passive House principles to residential projects of all kinds.

LEED for Homes

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a well-known global certification that rates homes across eight performance categories, including:

• Energy and water efficiency
• Materials and resources
• Indoor air quality
• Durability and resilience
• Community and location

It’s a holistic system designed to encourage thoughtful, healthy, high-performance homes – and yes, we’re LEED certified too!

Pretty Good House

Less about certification, more about common sense. The Pretty Good House movement is a set of flexible, practical guidelines for building high-quality homes that balance:

• Energy performance
• Design and aesthetics
• Budget
• Climate responsiveness
• Health and comfort

It’s not about perfection—it’s about making good, smart choices with a long-term view.

Zero Carbon

A Zero Carbon home minimizes carbon emissions from both construction and operation. That means:

• Careful material choices
• All-electric systems
• Exceptional energy efficiency

At MOSS SUND, our goal is to design homes that are beautiful, functional, durable, and low-carbon—places that feel great to live in and tread lightly on the planet. We’re pragmatic too: we aim high, but don’t let perfection get in the way of progress.

Have questions about what’s best for your project? Let’s chat.