Plenty of B.C. residential property gems have energy-efficient and other earth-friendly features. Here are just a few green giants across the province.
By Right Sizing Staff
Whistler
The resort community of Whistler is located two hours north of Vancouver along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway within the Coast Mountian range, and is home to almost 12,000 permanent residents. Recent listing: Entertain family and friends in this architecturally designed four-bedroom, five-bathroom home situated near the Whistler Golf Course, which includes luxury finishes and built to near net zero efficiency. (property no longer available). $6,790.000.
Belcarra
This village lies northwest of Port Moody and directly east of North Vancouver, across the waters of Indian Arm. It’s a geographically isolated peninsula accessible by a single, winding paved road or by boat. Recent listing: This tranquil four-bedroom, five-bath waterfront masterpiece is built to Energy Step Code 3 standards with high-efficiency boilers, seven-zone radiant in-floor heating and seamless indoor/outdoor living via Eurovision sliding doors. (property no longer available). $6,990,000.
Coquitlam
This suburban city lies in the Tri-Cities north of the Fraser River, 26 kilometres from downtown Vancouver. Coquitlam offers urban shopping, arts and culture, plus fishing and other outdoor and water recreation, including at the 38,000 hectare Pinecone Provincial Park. Recent listing: Reduce your carbon footprint and save up to 80 per cent in energy costs in this three-bedroom, three-bathroom, Scandinavian-inspired Passive House-compliant town home, which has roughed-in accommodation for solar panels and EV charging. (property no longer available). $1,289,000.
Sicamous
Conveniently situated halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, Sicamous is one of the most popular recreational destinations, offering over 1,000 kilometres of shoreline for water activities, as well as dozens of provincial parks. Recent listing: This unique boat-access-only cabin starts just off the waterline and includes propane appliances and a 425-gallon Rainfresh Gravity drinking water system, composting toiler, solar controller, battery, inverter, boat, moorage, and beautiful views of Shuswap Lake. MLS®10251099. $479,000.
Nelson
The West Kootenay city of Nelson is located between Calgary and Vancouver and could be described as B.C.’s Shangri-La, given its spectacular but somewhat remote location. Recent listing: This environmentally friendly two-bedroom, three-bathroom waterfront home is built with timber-frame construction, in-floor radiant heating, a solar power system tied back into the grid and includes a guest house. (property no longer available). $2,695,000.
Kelowna
Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, along the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is home to almost 150,000 residents who enjoy all-season outdoor recreation along with a bustling city centre. Recent listing: The Promontory is the first fully solar-powered development of its kind in B.C. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom, modern suite (currently under construction) includes vinyl-plank flooring and a full appliance package. (property no longer available). $449,900.
Penticton
Penticton has long been one of B.C.’s most affordable retirement havens for rain-soaked Vancouverites, and now it’s a hot spot among remote workers, young families and entrepreneurs. Recent listing: A contemporary three-bedroom, two-bathroom ICF (insulated concrete form, for energy efficiency) home is located in The Ridge meets Energy Step Code 4 standards, is solar-ready and includes an EV charger, as well as a separate (and legal) two-bedroom, one-bathroom suite. (property no longer available). $1,295,000.
Kaledon
This rural town on the western shore of Skaha Lake (a 10-minute drive from Okanagan Falls) is home to approximately 1,200 area residents. Recent listing: This beautifully landscaped, nearly half-acre property with stunning views of Skaha Lake has four-bedrooms, three-bathrooms, open-concept living plus a pool and hot tub–and has been upgraded with solar panels, two septic tanks and exterior decking. (property no longer available). $1,875,000.
Gibsons
This seaside paradise is located on the Sunshine Coast, with a historic landing from which to observe the working harbour, float planes, kayakers, marine life–and to purchase fresh seafood, right off the boat! Recent listing: The Driftwood is a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom contemporary residences in a sustainable, efficient and community-minded development. Its Passive House design and construction principles are designed to tread lightly on the planet. (property no longer available). $749,900.
Lasqueti Island
Lasqueti Island is located 80 kilometres northwest of Vancouver in the Georgia Straight, with approximately 400 local residents who work to maintain power, water and waste systems while producing their own food. Recent listing: Fulfill your dream of living off-grid on this 30-acre biodynamic, self-sufficient farm. This ultimate island homestead encompasses a farmhouse, barn, paddocks and passive solar heating, as well as a creek leading to a micro-hydro dam. (property no longer available). $1,450,000.
Salt Spring
Salt Spring Island, situated in the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and the B.C. mainland, is the most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands, with 11,000 year-round residents. Recent listing: This unique three-bedroom, two-bath Zero Energy Ready home already exceeds Energy Step Code 5 of the BC Building Code that will become standard in 2032. This modular-constructed, ocean-view home with many energy-saving devices promises a low carbon footprint. MLS®888113. $1,418,000.
Sooke
The motto “Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea” speaks to the environmental richness of this community. Sooke is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, 38 kilometres by road from Victoria. Recent listing: This West Coast contemporary four-bedroom, three-bath home features 270-degree ocean views, extensive use of first-growth Western Red Cedar and a 1,000-square-foot self-contained suite with hydronic in-floor radiant heating. (property no longer available). $2,500,000.