Vereco Homes didn’t start with a business plan—it started with a question.

 

After retiring early from a 30-year career as a partner at Deloitte Consulting, Ronn Lepage faced a challenge: How does someone used to working 60 hours a week find meaning in retirement? The answer came in the form of a return to university. Ronn enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan’s Master of Science program in Environmental Strategy. His research focused on a question he couldn’t ignore:

 

If green homes are better for people, the planet, and their pocketbooks—why aren’t more people building them?

 

That thesis became a mission, and that mission became a company.

 

 

The First Vereco Home: Research Meets Reality

 

During his research, Ronn was mentored by Dr. Rob Dumont, one of Canada’s foremost experts in building science and energy efficiency. Rob had been instrumental in the design of the groundbreaking Conservation House in Regina in the 1970s—widely regarded as a precursor to the Passive House movement—and had built his own ultra-efficient home in Saskatoon. His hands-on mentorship helped shape the technical and philosophical foundation of what would become Vereco.

 

Encouraged by his academic advisor and Dr. Robert Dumont, Ronn didn’t just write about green homes. He built one.

 

As part of his graduate thesis, he designed and constructed a full-scale demonstration home, which was displayed at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon for over a year. More than 5,000 people toured the house.

 

The response was consistent: “This is amazing. Can you build one for me?”

 

That question sparked the formation of Vereco Homes Inc.

 

 

A Name with Meaning: Ver + Eco

 

The name Vereco was developed by D Black and Associates and speaks to the heart of the mission:

 

“Ver” (Latin): Truly

 

“Eco”: Ecological and Economical

 

The tagline “Smart Green” reflected the philosophy: use technologies that save more energy than they cost.

 

If a green feature didn’t pay for itself, it wasn’t smart.

 

Vereco homes weren’t just green—they were smart.

 

 

Laying the Groundwork: Ronn’s Early Experience in the Industry

 

Ronn had framed houses during university in the 1980s, but he knew that he needed much more knowledge of the industry.

 

To get deeper into the industry, he joined the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon Home Builders Association, serving as Treasurer for a decade. That experience connected him with all the major players in the local industry.

 

One of Ronn’s university professors introduced him to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. Ronn served on the SES board for six years as Treasurer. As a member of SES Ronn was one of the founding members of the SES Solar Co-op, which enabled Saskatoon residents to invest in solar energy even if they couldn’t install it on their own homes.

 

He also joined the Saskatoon branch of the Energy Management Task Force, working closely with engineers pioneering energy-efficient construction in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

 

 

The Outreach Program: Building Knowledge Alongside Homes

 

As the first Vereco home was showcased at the Western Development Museum, Ronn developed an extensive outreach program:

• Weekly public seminars featuring scientists, engineers, and tradespeople

• Luncheon and dinner talks for community groups, trade associations, the city of Saskatoon and government departments.

        

These efforts not only raised public awareness but helped refine Vereco’s message:

 

Green building doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be explained simply—and done smartly.

 

 

Partnership and Transition: Enter Ian Loughran

 

Through his work with the City of Saskatoon, Ronn met Ian Loughran, a professional engineer specializing in sustainable energy, and former telecommunications network-architect and entrepreneur. Ian was a natural connector, passionate about sustainability, and deeply committed to making green homes more accessible.

 

Their collaboration grew, and Ian joined Vereco as a partner. As a proud Métis professional, Ian also opened new doors—helping Vereco expand its work with First Nations communities across Saskatchewan.

 

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The Early Leadership Circle: Building the Foundation

 

To support the company’s direction, Ronn also formed an advisory board that included Dr. Rob Dumont, Ian Loughran, and Bryan McCrea—a dynamic young entrepreneur Ronn had met while Bryan was still at university. Bryan would later co-found 3twenty Modular, a company initially focused on repurposing shipping containers into modular buildings and offices. His experience in sustainable design and modular construction provided fresh perspective during Vereco’s early development.

 

 

Smart Green in Practice

 

At the core of Vereco’s philosophy was a straightforward, performance-based approach to sustainability:

• Reduce energy consumption through passive solar design, insulation, and air sealing

• Reuse energy through technologies like heat recovery ventilation

• Replace fossil fuels with renewable-ready infrastructure

 

And it wasn’t just efficient. It was comfortable, durable, and quiet—features that surprised and delighted clients and owners.

 

Ronn and Gwen built their own family home using Vereco’s Smart Green principles. More than a decade later, the home continues to exceed expectations for comfort, livability, and low operating costs.

 

 

Legacy and Future

 

What began as a thesis became a movement. What started as a one-off home became a company.

 

Eventually, as Ronn realized that Vereco was becoming more than a post-retirement project, he made the decision to step back.

 

Vereco had outgrown its roots. It needed a full-time leader. Ronn sold the company to Ian, confident that the vision was in good hands.

 

Today, under Ian Loughran’s leadership, Vereco Homes continues to innovate, grow, and serve Indigenous communities, municipalities, organizations and developers across Canada.

 

Its purpose remains unchanged: To make homes that are smart, green, and built for a better future.