A local man is living two of his dreams simultaneously: building his own home and reducing his carbon footprint.
Smithers home owner Pat Rooney has a plan in motion for his passive house, a German building technique with well-insulated and airtight walls.
The house won’t need a furnace, any natural gas, and will use much less electricity.
While construction will cost more than a normal home, Rooney claims it will reduce bills by up to 85%.
“I want a house that’s comfortable to live in. I want a house that is energy-efficient and I want to do my little part for the environment,” he said.
Rooney is currently having his house modeled and plans to break ground by May 2016.