Enerwise Homes is a homebuilding company based in Port Alberni, British Columbia, founded on the belief that “every home should be a testament to sustainable living and energy efficiency.” Doug Frost, the company’s founder and CEO, is an experienced carpenter who came to that belief while building his own home a little over 20 years ago. Doug explains, “I’d been building code homes for a long time and thinking ‘This is great,’ but then I put in a wood stove and it just dawned on me: ‘It’s the 21st century and I’m living like a caveman.’” That moment inspired Doug to more deeply explore building science and research better construction methods. “I didn’t really like what we had to offer for clients, so that got me looking into better ways to do things.” In the early years of his business, however, Doug discovered that builders and homebuyers could be resistant to change. These days, the benefits of energy efficient building are more widely understood, but back then it was a challenge to sell clients on something as basic as extra insulation. That challenge, combined with limited opportunities in a small-town market, led Doug to step away from building in 2014. During that time, he deepened his understanding of building science and energy-efficient construction. A conversation with his sister ultimately helped crystallize the direction forward. “I explained this concept about net zero building, a house with no utility bills, and she really liked the idea,” he recalls. “That got me going with Enerwise Homes.” Rebranding in 2019 marked a clear shift in focus. Enerwise Homes was rebuilt with a MARCH 2026
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