Airdrie, AB — One lucky family from Alberta will receive a sizeable cheque in honour of their “contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing sustainable living practices.”
The prize was given as part of the second annual Live Net Zero competition, which is run by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
The Shannon family from Airdrie, Alta, received a $50,000 cash prize as part of their winnings. They were one of eight finalists for the grand prize.
During the eight-month competition, the family installed a geothermal heating system, installed solar panels on their roof, and replaced their garage/workshop’s natural gas furnace with a heat pump, allowing them to disconnect from the natural gas grid.
“We are incredibly honoured. We were not expecting this. We were very impressed by what the eight families did across the country, and we are proud that our house will be used as a case study by the building services industry on how to reduce carbon emissions in the homes of all Canadians,” shared Samantha and Kevin Shannon.
Other major lifestyle changes included working remotely when possible and purchasing an e-bike with a trailer that Samantha uses for errands and to transport their kids.