Technologies to Cut Energy Use

by Hugh Perry

Environmental groups were promoting the benefits of solar heating long before the federal government introduced its solar program in 1975. Over the next few years, domestic solar systems appeared on many buildings across Canada. But the program soon died from lack of commitment and maintenance. The infrastructure had not been as well established as it is now, 30 years later.

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Energy in, equals energy out, in Edmonton duplex

The goal of the Riverdale Net Zero Project was to prove that it is possible to build housing that offers an exceptional quality of life for the homeowners while also dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and the overall impact on the environment.

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CMHC’s EQuilibrium initiative sets new course

The 12 EQuilibrium houses will be “Net zero” energy: producing as much energy as they use over the course of a year, and could well set the course for the design and construction of future housing in Canada. [Photo: Will Bruder Architects, Ltd.]

The Canadian housing industry has seen several green design initiatives in the past number of years, ranging from R2000 to Super E. To a greater or lesser degree, each of these programs has had the effect of leveraging our newer housing stock to higher levels of performance. (more…)