Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is developing Summerside Eco-Park (Greenwood Zero), aiming to be Canada's first industrial and manufacturing facility certified to Passive House standards. This initiative, led by economic development director Mike Thususka, seeks to attract clean tech, IT, and aerospace businesses by offering highly energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructure, further solidifying Summerside's reputation as a leader in renewable energy.
PEI industrial park aims to meet Passive House standards
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is developing Summerside Eco-Park (Greenwood Zero), aiming to be Canada's first industrial and manufacturing facility certified to Passive House standards. This initiative, led by economic development director Mike Thususka, seeks to attract clean tech, IT, and aerospace businesses by offering highly energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructure, further solidifying Summerside's reputation as a leader in renewable energy.
- 1 Summerside Wind Plant opened (2009)
- 2 Greenwood Zero project began (2013)
- 3 Sunbank Solar Farm opened (last year)
- 4 Greenwood Zero currently completing Passive House testing (July 2025)
- Diversification of the local economy in Summerside
- Attraction of new innovative businesses
- Demonstration of advanced sustainable building practices in Canada
- Higher initial investment for construction but reduced long-term energy costs
- Increased skills and knowledge among local trades and contractors
What: Summerside Eco-Park (Greenwood Zero) aims to be Canada's first business park offering an industrial and manufacturing facility that passes Passive House design standards.
When: Currently completing testing (July 2025); Sunbank Solar Farm opened last year; Summerside Wind Plant opened in 2009; Greenwood Zero project began in 2013.
Where: Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada; near Bedeque Bay, 60 kilometres west of Charlottetown.
Why: To entice new, innovative business partners in clean tech, IT, and aerospace sectors; to further Summerside's leadership in sustainability and renewable energy; to maximize energy efficiency, air quality, and heating/cooling; to reduce energy use and lower carbon footprints.
How: Implementing Passive House design principles (insulation, air-tight construction, high-performing windows and doors, controlled ventilation); using berming technique; sourcing Passive House certified products (e.g., from Europe); investing revenue from city-owned power utility back into budget.