Wilden, FortisBC raise bar

Wilden continues to reach new levels and come up with forward-thinking innovations when it comes to energy efficiency.

Blenk Development, the company behind Wilden, has taken everything it has learned during its residential construction over the last two decades and created the Lost Creek Point neighbourhood, which features 38 homes that have an energy efficiency that is above and beyond the requirements for new homes in B.C.

Wilden has been working hand in hand with FortisBC to ensure Lost Creek Point is as friendly to the environment as it is stunning. The neighbourhood will feature 36 semi-detached and two detached townhomes between 2,000 and 3,600 square feet.

“FortisBC’s involvement includes working closely with the developer to find solutions that help achieve their sustainability goals specifically the use of RNG, a carbon-neutral gas produced from organic waste,” FortisBC director of energy solutions Jason Wolfe says. “RNG is a locally made, sustainable energy source that is interchangeable with natural gas. It’s injected into our distribution system, reducing the amount of conventional natural gas needed and the amount of carbon within our gas stream.”

As a result, Lost Creek Point homes will have substantially less greenhouse gas emissions than the average home. Wilden is the first developer that will offer new homeowners 100 per cent renewable natural gas to heat their homes for one year. Homeowners will also receive a credit on the BC carbon tax on their bill.

Once the year is up, Lost Creek Point homeowners can choose to exclusively use this renewable energy source at a low additional cost, reduce the amount of RNG usage or simply opt for regular natural gas. Even if they prefer to use 100 per cent natural gas, they will still reduce their carbon footprint by 50 to 75 per cent compared to the average new home due to the energy-saving initiatives built into the townhomes.

“Wilden’s Lost Creek Point is setting a benchmark for energy-efficient residential building in Kelowna and shows that the master-planned community fully supports the progressive climate action plan of the province and of the City of Kelowna,” Blenk Development chair of board Karin Eger-Blenk says.

Lost Creek Point hosted an open house last weekend and attracted more than 400 people interested in Wilden and the community.

For more information, visit WildenTownhomes.ca and FortisBC.com/RNG.