Five tips to go net-zero without the hefty price tag

Calgarians seeking a more net-zero lifestyle don't have to rely soley on big-ticket solar panels, geothermal heating and other energy-efficient technologies, say experts.

"There are plenty of little things people can do in their homes to move toward a net-zero lifestyle that aren't necessarily costly," said Areni Kelleppan, executive director of Green Calgary, a non-profit urban environmental organization that encourages Calgarians to live greener.

Don't know where to start? No need to worry: CREB®Now asked some green experts to offer up a few low-cost ideas to walk a more net-zero path:

Full steam ahead for new communities in Calgary

Calgary's residential development sector continues to move dirt, lay down infrastructure and create lots as it responds to current consumer interest and prepares for the inevitable economic turnaround.

Within the city limits are several active new-home communities that continue toward buildout or are adding phases.

"Despite Alberta's current economic challenges, there is still a demand for the homes we build in Calgary and Edmonton," said Jason Palacsko, vice-president of Calgary communities for Brookfield Residential. "We are confident in Calgary's future and are moving forward with major projects."

Local organizations bring it from niche to mainstream

Once considered a niche market, composting in Calgary has gone mainstream.

From grass clippings to chicken bones and leftover produce to dryer lint, urban composting has rapidly evolved over the past several years thanks to new curbside pickup capabilities, improved technology and world-class recycling centres, say local sustainability experts.

Since 2015, Hop Compost has diverted more than 900,000 kilograms of waste from local landfills thanks to a new "clean-tech" process called HotRot.

Founder and CEO Kevin Davies said the company turns waste into high-quality organic compost via a process that seals and computerizes the compost process, using live data to optimize microbe activity every 60 seconds.

Net-zero homes teetering between niche and mainstream, say experts

A net-zero home may soon become the Tesla of modern homebuilding.

Avalon Master Builder president Ryan Scott – whose company, in 2008, built its first of three net-zero houses in partnership with SAIT – said while consumer demand for green housing technologies is growing, there is still a ways to go before they become mainstream, given the added price tag.

"A certain number of people will put their money where their mouth is and buy a net-zero home (homes that produce as much energy as they use), just as they do for a Tesla (electric car that used to start at about $75,000 US)."

A green revolution is underway as more Calgarians seek to reduce their carbon footprint with increasingly energy-efficient homes

No one can accuse Chris Stevenson of being all talk and no action when it comes to living green. The 51-year-old Calgarian is walking the walk when it comes to reducing his carbon footprint.

So much so he built his own net-zero home – that is, one that generates as much energy from renewables, such as solar panels, as it consumes.

"I like to do things right, and I'm cheap: I didn't want to be paying a lot for utilities," joked Stevenson, who, until recently, made a living investing in real estate.

Broadview, Avi Urban big winners at SAM Awards

Broadview Homes and Avi Urban walked away as the big winners Saturday night as the newly amalgamated Canadian Home Builders' Associaton - Urban Development Institute Calgary Region Association held its 29th Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards at the Telus Convention Centre.

Broadview Homes, which is part of the Qualico Group of Companies, took home Builder of the Year honours, while Avi Urban, a division of Homes by Avi, captured Mult-Family Builder of Year.

Broadview also won in three categories for single-family homes, while Avi Urban won in two individual categories.

Celebrating the past key to enjoying the future

The definition of "home" can be summed up beautifully as, "being in one's element; at peace; a dwelling place."

Home is a small word for such an important place. For many of us, it's where we want to spend most of our downtime away from our daily grind, tasks and jobs – to begin and finish important creative ideas that we received within the daily grind. For me it's a place where I can be my authentic self, exploring the things I love to do without someone asking me why I'm doing them.

Attention to detail is the loveliest thing of all that makes a house a home. I constantly find myself curating rooms in my house. Homes for my special things continually change. Sometimes it's about grouping things that enjoy each other's company or mixing old with new.

Evolution of Beltline area only the beginning, say advocates

True urban living: that's how Beltline Communities president Rob Taylor describes the resident experience just south of downtown.

Taylor has seen Calgary's Beltline district – bounded by the CPR tracks on the north, 17th Avenue to the south, 14th Street to the west and the Elbow River in the east – evolve extensively since he first moved into West Connaught in 1983. (The Beltline is made up of four neighbourhoods: West Connaught, Connaught Centre, Victoria Centre and East Victoria.)

"There has been a tremendous amount of development in the Beltline. We're very much focused on creating a vibrant community with high-density, urban living."

Real estate career ranks tops in survey; affirmed by local professional

Ever since she was a young girl, Ronaele Pound has known that, one day, she wanted to adopt a child.

"When my husband and I got married, I told him this was on my bucket list, to adopt," said Pound.

"Financially, though, it wasn't in the works for us when we were in our 20s."

Now in her late 30s, Pound is one step closer, having spent the last year with husband Darin tirelessly filling out paperwork, paying bills and meeting with social workers in the hope of adopting a child from Haiti.

She credits her career choice to providing the flexibility and financial stability she needs to, at long last, pursue her dream. Pound is a real estate professional with The Real Estate Company Ltd. in Calgary, as well as mom to Carson, 14, Grace, 12, and Graham, 9.

Real estate profession sees little fluctuations during market volatility

Fluctuations in Calgary's housing market over the last several years have not yet significantly impacted the number of real estate professionals practicing in the industry, say officials.

"It's interesting because in down economies we actually see some additions. Professionals in other industries who have lost their jobs often choose to come into our industry instead," said CREB® president Cliff Stevenson. "It keeps everything pretty well balanced. We don't see tremendous fluctuations year over year."

Last year, CREB® reported 5,253 members who record 18,830 sales. That's in comparison with 5,188 members and 25,543 MLS® sales in 2014.

This year, CREB® is reporting 5,277 members so far, and forecasting 18,416 sales by year's end.