Standardizing Net Zero Energy+ Recognized as Innovative and Transformational

Edmonton Builder, Landmark Homes, Double Finalist in National Sustainable Building Awards

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. One of the finalists for both the 2026 Innovation Award and the Transformational Award is Landmark Homes in Edmonton, Alberta. These two awards recognize creative ways that sustainable building is progressing industry and the transformative effect sustainability practices can have in driving change—which this builder has embodied through a systemic change that has resulted in a leap in sustainability performance, supported by third-party verification and delivered as a standard.

It is with the desire to lead, rather than follow industry trends, that Landmark has long been an environmental leader. As one of Built Green Canada’s original three builders, they moved beyond compliance-driven sustainability to demonstrate what is achievable when performance becomes the starting point rather than an add-on—and they have taken another step forward in this mission, evolving from offering high-performance certified housing to delivering BUILT GREEN® Net Zero Energy+ homes at community scale. The result is a fundamental transformation in how they design, construct, test and communicate their homes to buyers—representing a shift in both performance outcomes and organizational mindset.

While their homes were already exceeding code requirements, Landmark identified an opportunity to move further by eliminating operational energy demand. And rather than treating net zero as a one-off, Landmark offers product lines with this as standard. This involved integrating renewable energy generation through solar, adopting advanced building envelopes, enhancing airtightness targets and balancing ventilation, upgrading mechanical systems and electric heating and cooling systems, as well as refining quality assurance processes. To ensure repeatable performance outcomes, this required close collaboration with energy advisors, verifiers, mechanical trades and material suppliers.

BUILT GREEN® certification was instrumental in guiding this transformation—ensuring accountability, third-party verification and a holistic approach that addresses, and goes beyond, energy performance. The program provided the foundation, offering a clear framework for measuring performance and identifying opportunities for improvement. Achieving the highest level of certification, Net Zero Energy+, was Landmark’s next logical step in fulfilling their sustainability objectives. The certification process helped them align internal teams, trades and consultants around shared performance goals, making the transformation measurable rather than aspirational.

Motivation stemmed from both environmental responsibility and a belief that builders play a critical role in shaping future housing outcomes. Rising energy costs, increasing awareness of climate impacts and growing homeowner expectations reinforced the need for deeper change. Feedback from their homeowners consistently highlighted the value of comfort, health and predictability—benefits that net zero performance and the transparency of certification could enhance.

Landmark sees the benefits extending to homeowners, the environment and the broader industry. Net zero homes significantly reduce operational emissions and energy demand, while homeowners benefit from stable indoor temperatures, improved air quality for a healthier home, quieter living environments and substantially reduced utility costs. With long-term operating savings, increased resilience to energy price volatility and more durable construction practices, these homes support lifecycle value.

Their transformation offers a roadmap for other builders. Landmark’s key learnings include the importance of alignment of all disciplines at the early design stage to streamline the process, alongside consistent trade engagement and rigorous verification. Clear performance targets and standardized details reduce variability and improve outcomes.

From Landmark’s perspective, the next step for industry lies in normalizing net zero performance, while improving affordability and continuing to align policy, certification and construction practices around verified outcomes.

Landmark Homes is a multi-award-winning builder, creating innovative, energy-efficient and healthier homes across Edmonton. They’ve been helping families find their ideal homes since 1977, with a focus on quality, sustainability and lasting value.

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.