Vereco Homes was where Vereco Consulting & Design began. It did not 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 new 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 could not ignore:

 

If green homes are better for people, the planet, and their pocketbooks, why are more people not 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 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. Rob Dumont, Ronn did not 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” means truly.
“Eco” reflects ecological and economical thinking.

 

The tagline “Smart Green” captured the philosophy: use technologies that save more energy than they cost. If a feature did not pay for itself, it was not considered smart. Vereco homes were not just green. They were practical, efficient, and grounded in real performance.

 

Laying the Groundwork: Early Industry Experience

Ronn had framed houses during university in the 1980s, but he knew he needed deeper industry experience. He joined the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon Home Builders Association and served as Treasurer for a decade. This experience connected him with key leaders across the local building industry.

 

He was also introduced to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and served on its board for six years as Treasurer. During that time, he helped establish the SES Solar Co-op, which enabled Saskatoon residents to invest in solar energy even if they could not install it on their own homes.

 

Ronn also joined the Saskatoon branch of the Energy Management Task Force, working alongside engineers advancing energy-efficient construction across Saskatchewan and Canada.

 

The Outreach Program: Building Knowledge Alongside Homes

While the first Vereco home was on display at the Western Development Museum, Ronn developed a comprehensive outreach program that included:

Weekly public seminars with scientists, engineers, and tradespeople

Luncheon and dinner presentations for community groups, trade associations, the City of Saskatoon, and government departments

 

These efforts raised awareness and helped refine Vereco’s message. Green building does not need to be complex. It needs to be clear, practical, and well executed.

 

Partnership and Transition: Ian Loughran

Through his work with the City of Saskatoon, Ronn met Ian Loughran, a professional engineer specializing in sustainable energy, and a former telecommunications network architect and entrepreneur. Ian brought strong technical expertise, leadership, and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable building practices.

 

Their collaboration grew, and Ian joined Vereco as a partner. As a proud Métis professional, Ian also expanded Vereco’s work with First Nations communities across Saskatchewan.

 

The Early Leadership Circle

To support the company’s direction, Ronn formed an advisory group that included Dr. Rob Dumont, Ian Loughran, and Bryan McCrea, a young entrepreneur he had met while Bryan was still at university. Bryan later co-founded 3twenty Modular, bringing additional perspective in sustainable design and modular construction during Vereco’s early development.

 

Smart Green in Practice

At the core of Vereco’s philosophy is a practical, performance-based approach:

Reduce energy demand through passive design, insulation, and air sealing

Recover energy through systems such as heat recovery ventilation

Prepare for renewable energy through efficient and adaptable infrastructure

 

The result is not just efficiency. It is comfort, durability, and long-term value.

 

Ronn and Gwen built their own home using these principles. More than a decade later, it continues to perform beyond expectations for comfort, livability, and operating cost.

 

Growth and Evolution

What began as a thesis became a company. What began as a single home became a broader approach to planning, design, and delivery.

 

As Vereco grew, Ronn recognized the need for full-time leadership. He transitioned ownership to Ian, confident that the vision would continue to evolve.

 

Vereco Today

Under Ian Loughran’s leadership, Vereco Smart Green Homes has grown into Vereco Consulting & Design. Today, Vereco is a Métis-owned firm working across Indigenous communities, post-secondary institutions, public sector organizations, and commercial clients.

 

Our work now spans space and infrastructure strategy, project development, and design and engineering. We support clients in making informed decisions, securing funding, and delivering high-performance buildings and spaces that are practical, durable, and aligned with long-term goals.

 

We continue to build on the original Smart Green philosophy, combining performance, practicality, and responsible use of resources. Our focus remains on creating environments that support people, strengthen communities, and deliver lasting value.

 

Looking Ahead

Vereco continues to grow as a strategy-led, design-integrated firm, bridging planning, infrastructure, and building performance. Our work is expanding across sectors and regions, with a focus on high-performance design, mass timber systems, and thoughtful, well-planned spaces.

 

What started with a single question continues to guide us today. How can we do this better?