Small Home Builder with Big Impact Rewarded for Ambassadorship
Edmonton’s Effect Home Builders wins national sustainability award
Built Green Canada’s Maverick Awards reward and profile leadership in sustainable building, across three exclusive categories—these saw entries from British Columbia through to Ontario. This year’s most popular category is for the Ambassador Maverick Award, the purpose of which is to recognize those on the ground, promoting and encouraging sustainable building: those ambassadors driving the progression of industry. The 2026 award had a two-way tie between Albertan builders, with Edmonton’s Effect Home Builders taking home one of these awards. Effect is one of Built Green’s early adopters and a custom home builder leading by example, pioneering sustainable building systems and sharing learnings through industry committees and events, mentorship and education, and earned media—they’re passionate advocates influencing change.
Sustainability isn’t just what Effect Home Builders does—it’s who they are, ever since their beginnings in 2001. Built Green Canada has been a valued partner in that mission, helping them push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable homebuilding. As an early adopter, Effect began certifying homes with Built Green in 2008 and has continued for nearly 20 years. While they have always delivered high-performance building envelopes, Built Green challenged them to take a broader, more integrated approach by bringing water conservation, air quality, material sustainability and more into every project. This structured framework pushed Effect to continually improve, while giving homeowners the confidence of third-party certification.
Operating with the understanding that sustainable homes aren’t just viable in Canada’s northern climate, they represent the way forward, Effect has pioneered advanced wall systems, heating and cooling solutions, and whole-home energy strategies—all with an open-door mindset. For example, Effect was the first builder in Alberta to use air source heat pumps as a primary heating system; by proving they work in a cold climate, they are now recommended by the government for home improvement grants. And in 2024, they launched Effect Structures, a dedicated division created to share their expertise in advanced wall systems with other builders.
This is all part of their belief that knowledge sharing is how real change happens—and why transparency is central to how they operate: whether they’re working with homeowners, industry peers, students or policymakers. They believe, the more openly we all share what works—and what doesn’t—the more empowered we all become to build better homes and stronger communities.
For years, public awareness was low, so education became essential—both for industry and public awareness. Effect hosted industry tours through net-zero projects and shared their process. Through speaking engagements at events like SPARK, Solar Alberta’s Next Level Green Building and CHBA National Conferences, they've encouraged builders across the country to embrace these principles. They’ve also contributed to national energy code development and regularly engage in industry events like the Emissions-Neutral Building Information Exchange to help shape the future of sustainable construction.
These efforts included taking on the role of President in the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Edmonton in 2021. Additionally, as members of the Net Zero Housing Council at the national level, Effect helped set up builders with resources to make building net zero homes more attainable, while providing technical input into CHBA Builders’ Manual detailing how to build better homes in the Canadian environment.
This, while actively advising and supporting students as repeat guest presenters for NAIT’s Alternative Energy Technology program, NAIT’s industry fairs, teaching building science at the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension, providing interviews and project-related details to help students with assignments, presentations and more—even presenting to elementary and junior high students!
Meanwhile, they make concerted efforts to educate the public. Every year, Effect participates in the Eco-Solar Home Tour, giving people a chance to experience sustainable building firsthand and showcase the benefits. And, they’ve been featured in the media many times—for their own self-powered office using solar, battery storage, and co-generation units instead of traditional electrical connections; back in 2012 with one of Canada’s first Net Zero energy homes, Belgravia Green, which sparked national conversation and numerous awards and welcomed thousands of visitors to see what the future of homebuilding could look like; and for addressing that healthy and beautiful homes go hand in hand—promoting features like universal accessibility design, proper ventilation and enhanced air filtration, the elimination of off gassing, and the incorporation of natural light, all contributing to healthier living environments.
And while solar is one of their highly visible offerings, Effect continues to return to the message that sustainability is more than energy efficiency. Universal design is a key component—features such as step-free entries, wider doorways and hallways, main floor living, accessible bathrooms, improved lighting and thoughtful layout design allow homes to adapt to changing needs over time. These strategies support independence, safety and dignity without compromising aesthetics. They allow occupants to remain in their homes much longer and make it much more accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
In 2021, Effect presented at the Alberta Human Ecology & Home Economics Association conference on applying research to aging-in-place homes, working alongside Lara Pinchbeck, a renowned expert in the field. This presentation reinforced the importance of translating academic research into practical, buildable solutions that support long-term housing needs.
From day one, sustainability has been more than a business consideration. It is a core value that shapes every decision they make. Effect Home Builders’ founders grew up in farming communities where a strong connection to nature and a deep respect for the land were part of everyday life. Those early experiences fostered a lasting commitment to environmental responsibility and inspired Effect’s mission to build homes that reduce environmental impact and support a better future. As parents, this mission became even more personal. The desire to protect what matters most and to create a better world for the next generation sits at the heart of everything they do.
The Effect message is simple. Everyone has the power to contribute to a more sustainable world. Whether it’s building a more responsible home, upgrading an existing one or making thoughtful everyday choices, sustainability is within reach. They demonstrate that green building is happening now, that it works across a wide range of budgets—and that it’s not an all-or-nothing decision. Every step forward makes a meaningful difference.
“What means the most is hearing from homeowners who seek us out for our expertise in sustainable building,” says Les Wold, General Manager at Effect Home Builders. “Knowing that our work is creating meaningful change for families, for the industry and for the environment is what drives us forward every day.”
Effect is a custom home builder regularly winning sustainability and design awards, including the Environmental Certificate of Recognition for 15 consecutive years. They operate out of Edmonton, Alberta with a simple mission: to craft homes with care, integrity and heart—and the belief sustainable homes should be as beautiful as they are efficient. With a strong reputation, a community of passionate homeowners and an unwavering commitment to better building, they continue to lead the way—one home at a time.
The Maverick Awards are another step forward in Built Green Canada's mission to progress sustainability practices and recognize leadership. Four winners have been announced: the Ambassador Award had a two-way tie between Effect Home Builders and Excel Homes, while the Innovation Award went to Carbon Wise, and Best Builders received the Transformational Award for their Phoenix House. The 2026 Mavericks are sponsored by title co-sponsors, Jayman BUILT and SkyFire Energy, alongside Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, Excel Homes and Alberta Real Estate Foundation.