COLLEEN SCHMIDT, CTV NEWS CALGARY.

Homebuilders who are taking part in a national project to construct houses that produce as much power as they use are celebrating the completion of their first home in the northeast community of Cityscape.

Mattamy Homes and its partners unveiled the first of five Net Zero homes on Wednesday and officials say it is the first master plan community in Calgary for the company.

“It’s our largest presence in western Canada. We’re also quite progressive in putting in environmental reserves, pathways, and thinking contemporarily as it relates to our consumers and the environment in the communities we’re creating so it seemed like a natural fit,” said Don Barrineau from Mattamy Homes.

Barrrineau says the Net Zero homes cost about $30,000 to $50,000 more than traditional builds but the company is absorbing those costs.

“We’re seeing this, in as much as anything, almost like research and development, for ourselves, for consumers, for Canada and so we’re absorbing those costs on these homes,” he said.

Each home produces as much energy as it uses annually and all are equipped with energy efficient appliances and solar panels.

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