The Top 7 Sustainable Green Home Builders in Newfoundland and Labrador

Let’s face it—finding the best environmentally conscious home builders in Newfoundland and Labrador is no easy feat. The lack of options that prioritize sustainability without compromising style and quality can be frustrating.

To make your work easier, we have researched and compiled a list of the top sustainable green home builders in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. These companies design their homes to minimize energy consumption and help the environment.

Keep reading to find out about these green home builders and what makes them unique.

The Best Green Home Builders in Newfoundland and Labrador

Our research led us to shortlist five sustainable builders in the region that stand apart from the rest, including:

• Wolf Construction Ltd
• Cooper Custom Homes
• Donovan Homes
• Gibraltar Fine Homes
• New Victorian Homes
• John Hearn Architect
• Sterling Homes

So, without further ado, let’s look closer at what each of these acclaimed builders has to offer homebuyers.

Wolf Construction

Wolf Construction Ltd is based in St. John’s. The company has operated for numerous years and built an excellent reputation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This builder specializes in custom builds and renovations. 

Wolf Construction doesn’t describe itself as a “green” builder. However, its homes contain many structural features and components designed to help save energy and keep residents comfortable.

One such feature is insulated concrete forms that withstand Newfoundland and Labrador’s chilly winters. 

Wolf Construction also offers sustainable windows and doors created using German designs. These building envelope components were specifically designed to minimize heat loss and ensure an excellent seal in all weather conditions.

Wolf Construction offers clients the option to choose their level of involvement in their future home’s construction. They can work with the company throughout the design and construction phases or describe their vision and allow the company to take care of the rest.

Prospective homeowners in Newfoundland and Labrador can reach out to Wolf Construction if they are seeking a high-quality, sustainable, green home built the way they want it.

Cooper Custom Homes

Cooper Custom Homes is also located in St. John’s.

This builder has served Newfoundland and Labrador residents for over a decade and offers to build custom homes and perform renovations.

The company initially provided renovation services before expanding into complete home construction once it was established.

Cooper Custom Homes strives to make each of its custom builds energy-efficient.

The company has spent many years studying building science and has developed a streamlined process for creating energy-efficient homes.

This builder prides itself on taking on grand and challenging projects. It maintains an extensive network of designers, tradespeople, and architects and brings on talented staff to tackle big or complex build projects.

Cooper Custom Homes follows a reliable and straightforward step-by-step process. The builder encourages clients to present their plans initially or request the creation of a custom plan. They then discuss the project’s budget and advise on the right components and features for the home.

Cooper Custom then assembles the architects, designers, and consultants required to turn the plan into a reality.

It then estimates the project’s total cost before commencing with the build process.

Clients can then follow along with this build process to ensure it is proceeding per their wishes.

Consider hiring Cooper Custom Homes if you have unique plans in mind for your future green home in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Donovan Homes

Another St. John’s-based builder, Donovan Homes has been operating for over twenty-five years and has sold over a thousand homes.

The company was recently named an Energy Star builder and offers houses that meet the organization’s strict energy efficiency requirements.

Each of Donovan Homes’ Energy Star-qualified structures has special R-22 insulation, high-efficiency heating, and high-performance windows. When combined, the resulting home has an energy efficiency 20% higher than the minimum code requirements.

Donovan’s success goes beyond building homes; the company has constructed entire neighborhoods, making it one of the most reliable builders in the region.

Donovan Homes takes the time to understand the client’s needs during an initial consultation. It then finalizes the design process before starting construction.

This builder manages everything, including excavation, foundation-setting, framing, and utility setup. This complete service allows clients to kick back and relax while an expert builds their future home.

Consider hiring Donovan Homes to construct your new home if you’re looking to leave the project in the hands of capable professionals with an excellent track record.

Gibraltar Fine Homes

Gibraltar Fine Homes is also based in St. John’s. This builder has served clients in Newfoundland and Labrador for numerous years and offers many great floor plans.

The company doesn’t call itself a “green” builder, but it offers Energy Star-rated homes.

It builds houses with heavy-duty wall and ceiling insulation, efficient cooling and heating systems, special air-sealing, high-performance windows, doors, and skylights. When combined, these structural features and components significantly boost the home’s energy efficiency.

Gibraltar currently offers homes in configurations of three different sizes.

They include:

• Two-story units
• Bungalows
• Split entry units

The two-story units range from 1,600 to 2,070 sq ft (148.64 to 192.31 sq m), while the bungalows range from 1,180 to 1,420 sq ft (109.63 to 131.92 sq m). The builder’s split entry units range from 1,157 to 1,331 sq ft (107.49 to 123.65 sq m). 

As you can see, Gibraltar offers energy-efficient green homes to fit the requirements of different types of clients.

It also provides customization options to ensure that your home needs are met.

Prospective homeowners in Newfoundland and Labrador can reach out to Gibraltar Fine Homes if they are seeking a reliable Energy Star home builder.

The company has an excellent track record and continually improves its building practices.

New Victorian Homes

New Victorian Homes is one of the premier home builders in St. John’s.

This company has been building homes for over thirty years and has perfected its build practices.

It is known for constructing dwellings in prominent St John’s neighborhoods like Conception Bay South and Paradise.

New Victorian Homes doesn’t classify itself as a green builder. However, its homes are Energy Star-certified and heed the EnerGuide rating system. So prospective homeowners can rest easy knowing their new home was built with energy efficiency and sustainability as top priorities.

New Victorian Homes also offers a ten-year Atlantic Home Warranty for each home, meaning you won’t need to worry about structural defects in your new home for over a decade. 

The company offers a dozen floor plans and the option of customizing them to your liking.

Consider hiring New Victorian Homes if you’re looking for a builder with sleek, modern, and energy-efficient home designs.

John Hearn Architect

Also located in St. John’s, John Hearn Architect is one of the top sustainable green home builders you can rely on for your projects.

The company prides itself on developing stunning designs that complement their natural surroundings while respecting their integrity.

In its quest for green building, John Hearn Architect integrates eco-conscious elements into their designs. This way, the company has excelled in realizing simultaneously efficient, green, and stunning projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Although the company designs its buildings targeting LEED certification, it aims to lower the environmental effect of its projects.

John Hearn Architect designs their green homes to help clients save on utility bills. It achieves this by making its houses as energy-efficient as possible.

Some of the company’s initiatives to attain energy efficiency include smart heating, efficient insulation, and green roof systems.

You can hire this company for:

• Master planning
• Architecture
• Prime consulting
• Programming 

Sterling Homes

As a member of BUILT GREEN® Canada, Sterling Homes has a proven track record of designing and building some of the best green homes.

The company’s partnership with BUILT GREEN® Canada has made it possible to build high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable homes for customers.

From the design phase to conceptualization, Sterling Homes leaves no stone unturned in terms of green home construction. It uses the following checklist to ensure that all projects are as green and eco-friendly as possible:

• Energy efficiency and building envelope: Careful consideration of floor plans and the selection of doors and windows to minimize wasted energy. They also collaborate with the manufacturers of Energy STAR-certified products to ensure builders use energy-efficient materials.
• Sustainable materials and methods: The company fosters resource conservation through ecological and responsible construction methods. For instance, it uses renewable energy, recycled materials, and water-efficient fixtures.
• Ventilation and indoor air quality: using building materials that are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to enhance indoor air quality and create a healthier environment.
• Water conservation: Using native plants in landscaping since they require less water for irrigation. The company also installs low-flow fixtures, showerheads, and faucets. Additionally, it uses cisterns and rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for irrigation.
• Waste Management: The company uses durable and long-lasting materials to reduce waste generation from homes.

Picking a Suitable Green Builder in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador may not have as many green home builder options as other provinces.

However, the builders in this province have built up excellent reputations by offering quality service and reliable homes.

Prospective homeowners there should review the above list and thoroughly research their chosen builder before signing on with them.

A green home can help you save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill each year, but they can attain a high level of energy efficiency only if they have been built well.