How we redefined deep energy retrofits with a scalable, homeowner-first approach.
Across Canada, millions of existing homes require significant upgrades to meet modern energy, comfort, and climate targets. However, for most homeowners, the “how” remains the biggest hurdle. The market often offers only a confusing web of fragmented quotes, conflicting product advice, and a lack of clear ROI.
The LEEP10 retrofit pilot is changing that narrative.
Spearheading this initiative in the Columbia Valley, we developed this landmark project to demonstrate a fundamentally better way to approach home energy retrofits. It replaces guesswork with building science and replaces piecemeal upgrades with a coordinated, performance-driven strategy.
The results from the LEEP10 report aren’t just promising—they are a practical, replicable blueprint for the future of Canadian housing.
What was the LEEP10 Retrofit Pilot?
The 2025 LEEP10 Home Energy Pilot Project was a coordinated initiative involving ten homes in Invermere and Windermere, BC.
The goal was simple but ambitious: to prove that deep energy retrofits can be streamlined, cost-effective, and highly successful when managed through a central technical lead.
Rather than treating each house as an isolated project, thinkBright Homes acted as both the General Contractor and Technical Lead, aligning:
- Homeowners with realistic goals.
- Trades and Contractors with specific high-performance skill sets.
- Energy Advisors with real-time data.
- Building Scientists to ensure long-term durability.
This is the “House-as-a-System” approach. It recognizes that a home isn’t just a collection of parts, but an interconnected environment where the windows affect the furnace, and the insulation affects the air quality.
The New Model: Integrated Design Process (IDP)
Traditional home renovations are notoriously “reactive.” A window leaks, so it’s replaced. The furnace dies, so a new one is installed. This fragmented approach leads to “locked-in” inefficiencies (e.g.: where an oversized heater is installed in a home that eventually gets better insulation, making the new heater redundant or inefficient) and risks (e.g.: where a home is made more airtight, but no ventilation is added, trapping moisture in the walls and creating stale air).
The LEEP10 pilot introduced a super-charged Integrated Design Process (IDP).
How IDP Works:
Instead of a linear checklist, every home in the pilot received a fully spec’d, 15-to-20-year Retrofit Roadmap. This roadmap aligns four critical pillars:
- Ventilation enhancement: Continuous fresh air for health and humidity control.
- Mechanical System upgrades: Modern heat pumps for heating and cooling.
- Building Envelope improvements: High-performance insulation and rigorous air sealing.
- Electrical assessment: Ensuring the home is ready for a low-carbon, electrified future, while avoiding electrical work that is actually unnecessary.
This is the essence of what we call “Invisible Luxury.” It isn’t about the marble countertops; it’s about the silent, draft-free comfort of a home that maintains its temperature effortlessly.
4 Key Findings from the LEEP10 Report
| Finding | Impact | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Actionable Roadmaps | 100% of homes received a clear plan. | Eliminates “analysis paralysis” for homeowners. |
| Aggregation Efficiency | 10 assessments in 4 days. | Dramatically lowers the cost of professional audits. |
| The “50% Sweet Spot” | Most cost-effective first steps. | Delivers the highest ROI for energy and emissions. |
| Ventilation Priority | #1 priority in all 10 homes. | Directly impacts occupant health and air quality. |
1. Clarity Over Complexity
The biggest barrier to deep energy retrofits isn’t technology; it’s uncertainty. Every participant in the LEEP10 pilot received a fully costed, two-phase plan toward net zero. By knowing exactly what to do next, homeowners can invest with confidence.
2. The Power of Aggregation
In a traditional model, getting an energy advisor and contractor to coordinate on ten different sites would take weeks. By grouping these homes into a single project, thinkBright achieved a level of efficiency rarely seen in residential construction. This model allows for better trade scheduling and reduced overhead, passing the savings on to the homeowner.
3. Achieving the “50% Sweet Spot”
The LEEP10 report identified that a ~50% reduction in energy use represents the most financially realistic phase of decarbonization. At an average cost of approximately $104,000 per home, this level of upgrade transforms the living experience, providing immediate comfort and drastic utility savings without the diminishing returns of chasing the final 5% too early.
4. Ventilation: The Unsung Hero
In every single pilot home, ventilation upgrades were the top priority. High-performance homes must be “airtight,” but they must also “breathe.” Better ventilation means balanced humidity and the removal of indoor pollutants—essential for the health of families in the East Kootenays.
Why This Matters for This Region
Living in the East Kootenays presents unique challenges—from smoke during wildfire season to extreme winter lows.
The LEEP10 pilot proved that a coordinated retrofit doesn’t just save money; it creates a climate-resilient sanctuary.
For homeowners, the message is clear: You don’t need more options; you need a plan. When you approach a renovation through the lens of building science, the results are predictable, measurable, and remarkably comfortable.
The Expert Team
Of course, the success of LEEP10 depends on a regional network of the most experienced experts.
Our local collaborations:
Energy Advise
Jefferson Contracting Ltd.
Toby Creek Electric
Energy Economics Solar
From elsewhere in British Columbia:
Bernhardt Contracting for advanced modeling, durability analysis, and data insights.
Riverside Energy Systems for electrical load analysis.
Community Energy Association’s Retrofit Assist Program for rebate and logistical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a deep energy retrofit?
A: A deep energy retrofit is a whole-home upgrade aimed at reducing energy use by 50% to 100%. Unlike a standard renovation, it focuses on the building envelope and mechanical systems to achieve “Net Zero” or “Net Zero Ready” status.
Q: How much does a LEEP10-style retrofit cost?
A: While costs vary by home size and condition, the LEEP10 pilot found the “sweet spot” for a 50% energy reduction averaged around $104,000. This includes professional planning, envelope upgrades, and mechanical systems.
Q: Can I do a retrofit in stages?
A: Yes! The primary benefit of the Integrated Design Process is that it creates a phased “Roadmap.” This allows you to tackle upgrades as your budget allows, while ensuring every step moves you toward the final goal without redo-work.
The Future of Home Renovation is Already Here
The LEEP10 retrofit pilot isn’t just a success story for ten homes; it’s a proof of concept for the nation. Take a more detailed look at the report HERE.
It proves that when we lead with building science and contractor-led coordination, the path to net zero becomes simple, practical, and achievable.
We are proud to lead this evolution. We don’t just build and renovate; we engineer better ways to live.
Ready to build your Retrofit Roadmap?
If you’re considering upgrading your home, don’t start with a product—start with a strategy. Join the movement toward high-performance living.
