Public Consultation on Changes to LEED Canada for Homes Energy Requirements
Since 2009, nearly 2000 homes across the country have been registered under LEED Canada for Homes. The success of the program is driving a call from the market for improvements to ensure continued progress. The Canada Green Building Council is responding by seeking feedback on a proposed change aimed at ensuring the rating system continues to advance green home construction across the country.
The CaGBC is proposing to raise the minimum energy efficiency threshold for participation in the program from EnerGuide 76 to 80. This change is being proposed with the goal of advancing the industry while ensuring that the minimum performance benchmarks are achievable, with a reasonable degree of effort. Of the almost 200 homes certified to date, 98% have achieved EnerGuide 80 or better (or the HERS / prescriptive point equivalent).
This change has been recommended by the LEED Canada for Homes Technical Advisory Sub-Committee and would only affect projects registered after the implementation of any changes, which would likely take place mid-2012.
As a national 3rd party verified rating system, we would like feedback from across the country to guide the continued evolution of LEED Canada for Homes. Please take a moment to help shape the future of the LEED Canada for Homes program and respond to the survey questions found by clicking on the link below. The survey will run until February 17, 2012.
Link to Survey
SAB Homes News - Issue 07 - Fall / Winter 2011
Lafarge kicks off NetZero energy precast concrete Habitat for Humanity home
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Lafarge North America has kicked off an innovative NetZero energy duplex home project to showcase its support of Habitat for Humanity [HFH]. The duplex’s innovative and integrative design, coupled with sustainable materials, will help create the ultimate energy-efficient precast concrete home. The project is a first-of-its-kind in Canada and will provide a “hand up” to two hard-working HFH partner families. Construction on the new duplex will begin in the fall of 2011.
Stantec provided the architectural design and sustainability consulting for the project.
Together, Lafarge, Stantec and HFH feel that in the project they have pioneered a solution that will help to create communities for the future. This project will be the stepping stone for venturing into creating more sustainable residential solutions with precast concrete. “Habitat for Humanity is partnering with innovative companies and organizations to find sustainable solutions for affordable home ownership,” said Susan Green, Chair, HFH.
The Habitat families pay an interest-free mortgage that is amortized to 25 percent of their income – the reason why Habitat homes are affordable. The families’ mortgage payments are then reinvested into building more Habitat homes. This is what makes the Habitat program sustainable. Families also contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” on Habitat build sites as their down payment for the home.
Extension of the Canadian ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program saves energy and gives economic boost
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The federal government’s extension of the ecoENEGRY program of energy- efficiency related incentives for homeowners will help to lower heating and cooling bills, and help the construction industry. |
BOOK REVIEW
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Housing Reclaimed Sustainable Homesfor Next to Nothing |
With a title, alone, that should attract attention this book is as much about living and building simply as it is about being mortgage-free from the get-go through use of reclaimed materials and sweat equity.
The chapter on the Economics of Reclaimed Houses, with its discussion of the housing bubble and reducing the cost of housing, is particularly interesting. But more than anything, Housing Reclaimed is a call to arms for nonconventional home builders. It examines how technological advances, design evolution and resourceful, out-of-the-box thinking about materials and efficiency can help us meet the challenge of building affordable, environmentally friendly, beautiful and unique homes. Focusing on the use of salvaged and reclaimed mateals, this inspirational volume is packed with case studies of innovative projects including:
• Phoenix Commotion – working together towards low-income home ownership through sweat equity and 100% recycled materials
• HabeRae – revitalizing neighbourhoods by creating urban infill using modern technology and sustainable and reclaimed materials
• Builders of Hope – rescuing and rehabilitating whole house slated for demolition.
These projects and others like them demonstrate that building one’s own home does not have to be an unattainable dream. This book will be of interest to creating quality zero-or low-debt housing, reducing landfill waste and creating stronger communities.
224 pages soft cover, bl&wh with centre colour section, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-86571-696-4. New Society Publishers.
Order at www.newsociety.com
PRODUCTS
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German-based PAW is a leading manufacturer of modular Hydronic and Solar Thermal pump-systems
The product line includes energy-efficient, modern hydronic heating systems for both residential and light commercial applications. Modular heating systems offer consistent, repeatable job quality while saving time and associated labour costs over traditional site built systems. Professional, aestethic appeal is easily attained, and offers homeowners an efficient, easily maintained system designed to last a lifetime. Every PAW product is engineered and developed with attention to detail, and is fully insulated to further improve energy savings.
www.thermaltechsystems.com
Kohler launches
mobile app catalogue
Kohler Canada has launched CDNCatalog, a free mobile application which features over 27,000 products as well as videos, showroom and retailer locations and inspirational ideas - all in the palm of your hand. Available for free from the App StoreSM on iPhone® and iPod touch®, the app gives instant access to product options, how-to-videos, product specs, installation guides, rough in sheets, and pricing. Kohler Canada’s CDNCatalog is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.ca/appstore.
Also visit KOHLER.ca/mobileapp
The Art of Room Heating: Radiant Artwork Heating Panels
Prestyl USA is launching a line of state-of-the-art far-infrared Radiant Artwork heating panels – panels of customizable thin-film artworks that provide heat to any room in a residential or commercial setting. Prestyl has successfully incorporated this film into ultra-thin panels, printed artworks and decorative ceiling modules.
The Prestyl far-infrared technology does not heat the air; the energy is reflected by some surfaces and absorbed by others, thus creating balanced multidirectional warm experience. Far-infrared radiant heat distribution is also silent and will not cause convection or air movement. This innovative technology also prevents moisture buildup, and is maintenance free and very energy efficient.
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Quebec company to offer hemp insulation
Quebec company Matériaux Écologiques pour la Maison Inc.[MEM Inc.] [Home Ecological Material] will offer Naturhemp TM Insulation beginning in Spring of 2012.
The insulation will be made of hemp, a natural and renewable materials. According to MEM, hemp grows very fast, needs no fertilizer, and has the
following characteristics:
• Absorbs and releases vapour;
• Acoustic, thermal and hygrometric regulator;
• Excellent acoustic absorbent;
• Natural resistance to insects, moths and rodents;
• Resistance to fire;
• Strong mechanical resistance;
• High durability.
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Sansin Introduces ‘Ready-To-Use’ FoundationTM Wood Primer
The Sansin Corporation has announced a ready-to-use environmentally friendly formulation of Foundation™, a water-borne primer for both interior and exterior wood surfaces.
Sansin Foundation™, which applies invisibly, creates UV protection deep within the wood, allowing for the lightest of finishes to bring out the natural beauty and distinctiveness of wood while maintaining clarity.
Sansin Foundation™ is a low-VOC base coat that applies easily and evenly, and protects the wood for up to one year, simply needing only a wash with soap and water before finishing. Sansin Foundation™ can be used on the most popular wood species including fir, pine, spruce and cedar. www.sansin.com
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Bosch TA Series Geothermal Heat Pump Awarded The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Designation
Bosch Thermotechnology North America, announced that the Bosch TA Series Geothermal Heat Pump has been awarded ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient Designation for 2011 – the only complete geothermal line in the industry to meet such criteria.
The unit’s precision engineering and quality cabinet construction require less energy consumption while providing precise heating and cooling for many applications. With less energy consumption, homeowners can achieve savings up-to 59 percent over traditional HVAC systems.
The TA Series is equipped with a proprietary heavy-gauge steel base pan that “floats” on a high-density, visco-elastic material; this ensures minimum operational noise and peace of mind for the homeowner. www.bosch-climate.us
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Carpet padding contains athletic shoe scrap
Future Foam has announced that its StepAhead super-premium carpet cushion, sold exclusively at The Home Depot, is now available in all Canadian stores.
In addition to being CRI green label approved, StepAhead meets low-VOC emission criteria for improved indoor air quality. The carpet underlayment is easy to handle and install.
StepAhead is a super-premium carpet padding with 85% recycled content, including athletic shoe scrap known as Nike Grind. The premium-grade recycled material is refined and transformed into a comfortable, high-quality carpet cushion.
StepAhead diverts nearly 15,000 tons of manufacturing scrap from landfills each year, keeping 67,000 tons of air pollutants from being released – saving more than 675 million gallons of water.
Radiant Wall Heating
Murdoch MacPherson, a principal of Saskatchewan-based MacPherson Engineering Inc., has installed in his own home the first application of residential radiant in-wall heating in Canada, using his furnace as the heat source.
“We installed the Radiant Panel System manufactured by Roth on the inside surfaces of the exterior walls of the basement and the two main floor bedrooms located furthest from the furnace room to improve heating season comfort. These areas of the house were always uncomfortably cool in the winter due to inadequate forced air heat distribution,” says Macpherson.“We liked the idea of supplemental radiant heating but did not want to modify or replace the existing flooring to install the usual in-floor radiant system. By installing the Roth panels complete with hydronic PEX piping against the exterior walls, the floors could be left as is.”
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The MacPhersons took the system a step further by lining the bathtub and steam shower enclosures with Roth Radiant Panels and using towel racks warmed by RadiantLink.
The RadiantLink system [www.embodiedenergy.com] was installed on the existing high-efficiency Lennox furnace to provide the means to heat the glycol fluid circulated through the PEX piping in the wall panels.
The RadiantLink system was designed be a team of mechanical engineers in Saskatchewan as a means to provide residential radiant heating without the costs and ongoing maintenance of a boiler and the health and flooding risks of open water heater systems.
The concept was originally developed for rural vacation homes where radiant heating systems using a typical furnace could be installed and serviced by local mechanical contractors with limited boiler experience. Developing a system that connected directly to the furnace provided the owner with one system that managed heating, cooling and ventilation.
A similar application was installed in 2009 in the offices of the Saskatchewan architectural firm AODBT. The system has been proven over several winters as being a very effective means of providing supplemental space heating for retrofit projects and was recently the recipient of one of 25 2012 ASHRAE Technology Awards presented throughout the world [American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers].
The MacPherson home renovation included the installation of the Roth Radiant Panel System along the inside surface of the bottom 36” of the exterior wall noted. The panels are supplied in 24” x 48” sheets and consist of a 1” thickness of rigid polystyrene with a 24 ga. aluminum heat dissipation sheet bonded to the inside surface and recessed grooves spaced 6” apart to accept ½” PEX piping.
After the PEX piping was snapped into place, the panels were clad with drywall finished to match the existing walls.
The five individual PEX piping loops, each approximately 200’ in length, were terminated at supply and return manifolds.
The supply and return manifolds were then piped to the RadiantLink furnace-coil unit installed on top of the existing Lennox condensing high-efficiency furnace and the wall-mounted RadiantLink control panel with circulation pump. The system was filled with a 30% solution of propylene glycol.
In this application, the circulation pump was interlocked with the furnace to run continuously except when the air-conditioning system operates. The furnace is controlled by the existing main floor thermostat.
Energy modelling has indicated that for a typical 2,000sf home, energy savings associated with the use of the RadiantLink system with a high-efficiency furnace in lieu of supplemental electric heating can save the home owner up to $500 annually in energy costs.
As part of the ASHRAE Technology Award submission for the AODBT Office, an energy use study was conducted which compared the actual annual energy cost to that of an ASHRAE 90.1 compliant reference building. The results indicated a 24% annual energy cost savings, relating to an Energy Star rating of 86.
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SAB Homes News - Issue 06 - Summer 2011
Prefab passive house built in Whistler
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Marken Projects has designed a 2,150sf duplex in Whistler, BC according to passive house guidelines. The project has an unfinished basement, four bedrooms and two bathrooms and will use close to 90% less energy for heating, cooling and building operation as compared to a standard house.
Durfeld Constructors is using a prefab insulated panel system to build the duplex and to reduce costs. The duplex includes solar hot water, rainwater harvesting, cross-laminated timber decking, drain water heat recovery, and high-efficiency heat recovery system with subsoil heat exchanger. The Passive House building method, described in the Spring, 2011 issue of SAB Homes [visit www.sabmagazine.com] relies on thick, insulated walls and roof, air tightness, heat recovery ventilation, and maximization of solar heating. Info: www.markenprojects.com
Owens Corning picks winner of EcoTouchTM Celebration contest
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Owens Corning, manufacturer of EcoTouch™ PINK™ FIBERGLAS® insulation and other energy-saving products, officially announced the winner of the EcoTouch™ Celebration Launch contest in May at a celebration event at the MacMaster Pontiac Buick GMC dealership in Orangeville, ON. Winner Brian Moore, owner of Moore Building Centre in Killarney, Manitoba, a Tim-Br-Mart Ltd. Dealer, was flown in courtesy of Owens Corning to receive his prize, a new 2011 GMC Sierra Crew Cab Nevada truck. |
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Steel-frame house system awarded for innovation
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A steel- frame house by BONE Structure of Laval, QC has received an award of excellence from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. Built by Habitations JMD, the jury selected the house for its innovative use of steel in a housing application. The three-storey, 2,700sf house has qualified as R2000 and is on track to receive LEED certification.
Designed using software similar to that of the aerospace industry, the precision light steel frame offers long spans that result in open interiors that require fewer support walls. BONE Structure can also be adapted to duplex and multiplex housing.
Fed’s extension of the ecoENERGY Home Retrofit program applauded
Supporters of the Save ecoENERGY Coalition applaud the Harper government’s $400 million extension of the ecoENERGY Home Retrofit program, but say the one-year timeline is not enough to help the energy savings industry transition to self-sustainability.
“Home retrofit programs are great for the economy because they help families, businesses and trades people across the country,” says Jeff Murdock, vice-president of Vancouver-based Building Insight Technologies, a company doing home energy assessments in Ontario and BC, and a Save ecoENERGY Coalition supporter. “But the on-again, off-again nature of these programs creates unpredictable conditions that make it difficult for businesses to develop a long-term approach.”
The Save ecoENERGY Coalition, a national group of energy saving organizations, has developed a three-step plan to help the energy savings industry achieve long-term self-sustainability.
The Coalition’s plan calls for a four-year government commitment to ecoENERGY, which, coupled with the Coalition`s proposed new national EnerGuide rating system and home energy rating at time-of-sale, would allow the necessary time and stability for the industry to achieve self-sustainability.
“It should be easy for governments to make a four-year commitment to this program. The numbers show that ecoENERGY creates jobs, reduces the deficit, and helps the environment, all at the same time,” says Murdock. “With ecoENERGY, families spend $10 for every $1 they receive in government incentives. This generates $2 in tax revenue for every $1 paid in homeowner grants.” Info: jmurdock@buildinginsight.com
HomePerformance Energy Advisors are unbiased, independent experts certified by the Government of Canada. For more information see www.homeperformance.com
New Passive House web site ready for visitors
The Canadian Passive House Institute has launched its new and improved website on Canadian Passive House design. Visitors can find information on this construction method, register for the Institute’s training courses in Passive House design and construction, and order Passive House software and other services. Info: www.passivehouse.ca
Tiny eco-home launched in the UK
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Dwelle, an adaptable mini-home design by is the brainchild of a Manchester, UK-based architect Ric Frankland, and has already won accolades at The British Homes Awards.
“Our system aims to encourage high quality sustainable living. The idea came about, as we wanted to create small dwellings that could easily be adapted for a range of uses. We originally created ‘sheds for living’ and then re-branded them as Dwelle,” said Frankland.
The micro buildings can be zero carbon and meet Passivhaus standards. They are constructed using an FSC-certified wood frame, cavity walls insulated with recycled newspaper, with an inner lining which also contributes extra storage space. Windows are double glazed, and heating is by a woodburning stove or electric underfloor heating. PV panels and solar thermal can be fitted if a zero carbon specification is required.
Materials and finishes throughout the house promote healthy living, with as many internal finishes as possible meeting Allergy UK’s Seal of Approval. The design provides more than nine cubic metres of concealed storage space including a cloakroom, full-sized hanging wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, a recessed shower room cabinet and high-level storage in the living space. The homes are available in a variety of sizes, from 24 sq.m to 7.5 sq.m. They arrive on site prefabricated, and can be assembled by two people.
In the UK the house is being marketed in a manner similar to that of the Mini car, with buyers able to spend according to their budget and adding to the basic model with a series of enhancements. Info: www.dwelle.co.uk
BOOKS
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Natural Building: Design, Construction, Resources
Joseph F. Kennedy, Michael G. Smith and Catherine Wanek, editors
This fascinating book concisely reviews the various types of natural building methods practiced throughout the world, all of them tried and true based on centuries of performance. The editors have pulled together contributions from experts in the various techniques, and they cover a broad field such as: adobe building, cordwood masonry, rammed earth, straw-clay, and straw bale just to name a few. The book concludes with case study examples of various housing types, and a resource list of further reading and learning centres. But natural building is as much about a way of thinking as it is materials and techniques, and so the opening chapters discuss the logic and ideas of natural building before moving into the section on design and planning, and then on to construction. The book provides an overview, not a detailed discussion of every building method, however, there are enough detail photos and drawings to communicate essential information. A worthwhile book for anyone interested in building with natural materials.
291 pages soft cover, bl&wh with centre colour section, $36.95, ISBN 978-0-86571-433-9. New Society Publishers. Order at www.newsociety.com
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The Nature of a House: Building a World that Works
George M. Woodwell
Author Dr. George M. Woodwell of the renowned Wood Holes Research Center in Massachusetts tells the story of how some of the most respected environmental scientists transform an old house into their new office using off-the-shelf green building techniques and materials. The catch was that they had to conform to building codes and materials of that era. He describes what was economically possible and the surprises encountered in completing the green rehab. But, in addition to the nuts and bolts of the renovation itself, Woodwell discusses how we need to rethink the design, construction and use of the places we work and live in so that our natural landscapes thrive with us. 157 hard cover with dust jacket, bl&wh $24.96 U.S., ISBN 978-1-59726-558-4. Island Press. Order at www.islandpress.org
PRODUCTS
Recycled rubber roofing looks like slate at asphalt shingle prices
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Calgary-based G.E.M. Inc., the manufacturer of Euroshield™ recycled rubber roofing products, has introduced its EuroLite Slate profile that replicates the look of traditional North American slate but at a price that is competitive with premium asphalt shingles.The panels, measuring 40” wide by 17” high, incorporate four slate-like sections each measuring 10” x 7 5/8” and install much like asphalt shingles, fastened using standard roofing nails and an adhesive strip along the underside of the butt edge. Coming in at approximately 2lbs per square foot, it is one of the lightest roofing products on the market and which, according to G.E.M., has excellent durability backed by a transferable limited lifetime warranty, non-prorated for the first 50 years. |
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New laundry product says NO to jugs
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Two entrepreneurs in Moncton have invented and are now marketing biodegradable “laundry sheets” – thin wafers of laundry detergent about the size of a birthday card, aptly named “Dizolve” because they literally dissolve when placed in water. Dizolve sheets include natural ingredients and are very concentrated, containing less than 10% water as compared to regular liquid laundry detergents in jugs, which are up to 50% water. Entrepreneurs Luc Jalbert Don Goguen procured a National Research Council of Canada grant for Dizolve and hired a chemist to help take the product to the consumer-ready, eco-friendly sheet it is today. They have made distribution agreements with Wal Mart and other major chains in Canada, and are also in the Middle East and other countries. Info: www.mydizolve.com |
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Nuheat brings out dual-voltage thermostat for floor heating
Nuheat, a leader in electric floor heating systems, has announced that its Harmony thermostat [manufactured by Honeywell] is now dual-voltage – meaning a single thermostat compatible with both 120V and 240V floor heating systems. The seven-day programmable thermostat mounts flush into a standard double-gang electrical receptacle behind any decora - style faceplate. The Dual-Voltage Harmony: • Increases energy efficiency of any electric floor heating system
• Has built-in G.F.C.I protection • Has a three-year manufacturer’s warranty
Info: www.nuheat
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Landscaping sand contains organic glue
EnviroSAND is stabilized joint sand that is specially designed for use with paving stones. It is a combination of traditional jointing sand and organic glue made from a renewable plant resource. The plant glue is designed to form an adhesive gel that binds sand particles together every time the EnviroSAND is in contact with water. This gel protects the sand from washing out of the joints, which is the number one cause of joint sand loss in a paver system. An increased level of pH in the material also deters weed growth. Info: smurdoch@enterprisecanada.com
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Low-energy light creates realistic sky illusions
Montreal-based SaaV group Inc. offers realistic illusory skies, known as SkyCeilings™, for home or office that give a sense of openness to otherwise confined environments while replicating the many subtle stimuli of real sky. SkyCeilings incorporate daylight-balanced 6500 Kelvin light, the same light used to treat seasonal affective disorder [SAD], and which the human senses cannot distinguish from real daylight. In addition, the high-CRI [colour rendering index] energy-efficient T5 fluorescent or LED sources illuminate the image pigments and environmental colours in a uniform and accurate way. Info: www.saavgroup.com
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Ply Gem Canada introduces innovative ECO 5 glass option for improved energy-efficient windows and doors
Calgary-based window and door company Ply Gem® Canada has introduced its new ECO 5 double-glazed glass option that significantly improves overall energy performance in windows and doors. ECO 5’s outstanding U-value of 0.20, solar heat gain coefficient of 0.34 and its R-value of 5 deliver high energy performance year-round to keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter [tested as per CSA A440.2, Energy Performance of Windows and Other Fenestration Systems standard]. The ECO 5 sealed glass unit does not alter the appearance of the window or door, and is available in new or replacement units. Info: www.plygem.ca.
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Liebherr Refrigeration offers larger capacity
German manufacturer Liebherr Refrigeration North America, a leader in environmentally responsible refrigeration with Canadian operations based in Burlington, ON has launched the CS 2060 and HC 2060 36” [larger capacity] Single Door freestanding and fully integrated refrigerators. Features of the line include:
• Dual refrigeration system with separate exceptionally efficient variable
speed compressors
• Double freezer drawers mounted on smooth telescopic rails offering 6 cubic
feet of storage space
• LED light columns and ceiling lighting
• An icemaker featuring the most technically advanced water filter
• ENERGY STAR rated.
Info: www.liebherr-appliances.com
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New water-borne wood primer extends life of finish coat
With Foundation™, a new concentrated, penetrating, water-borne primer for both interior and exterior wood surfaces, Sansin Corporation of Strathroy, ON had added to its line of environmentally-friendly, low-VOC wood finishing products. Ideally applied in a factory setting, Sansin Foundation™ stabilizes the wood cell structure and lignin, and keeps wood surfaces from weathering for up to six months during the construction phase. At the building site, it can improve wood’s natural resistance to moisture and ensures the finishing coats adhere and deeply penetrate for lasting beauty and protection. The primer is available in different formulas to match the most popular wood species: fir, pine, spruce and cedar. Info: www.sansin.com
SAB Homes News - Issue 05 - Spring 2011
City of Kitchener awards LEED for Homes incentive
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Local builder Andrew Oding [right] of Reid’s Heritage Homes receives a $5,000 cheque through the Kitchener Green Housing Inventive Program from Robert Schipper, Manager of Building at the City of Kitchener [left] with Derek Satnik, Policy Leader at Community Renewable Energy Waterloo [CREW] and Managing Director at Mindscape Innovations, looking on. |
The City of Kitchener has awarded its first cash incentive of $5,000 to Williamsburg Homes [a partnership of Reid’s Heritage Homes and Schlegel Urban Dev-elopment] as part of a new program to promote and encourage LEED-certified building practices for housing.
LEED Homes reduce energy and water demands, lower greenhouse-gas emissions, and are 20 to 50% more energy efficient than the average new home. Funding for the Kitchener Green Housing Incentive Program - $500,000 between 2010 and 2012 - was made possible through the City’s Local Environmental Action Fund [LEAF].
“People who buy green homes will benefit from long-term cost savings through reduced energy and water bills, not to mention the health benefits from improved indoor air quality because of the green technology and materials used to build their homes,” said Mandy Harris, building official for the city.
Chris Higgins, who oversees the LEED for Homes Canada program on behalf of the Canada Green Building Council, says, “Although there are a number of municipalities in Canada that offer property tax incentives for LEED-certified homes, the City of Kitchener is the first to offer cash back, and we applaud this effort. There’s a learning curve involved in achieving any LEED standard, and this grant will definitely help cover the costs of that.” Info: www.kitchener.ca/greenhousing
Nuheat named one of Canada’s 50 best managed companies
ancouver-based Nuheat Industries Ltd. has received the prestigious distinction of being named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Nuheat is the leading manufacturer and distributor of electric floor heating systems and freeze protection products for pipes, roof, eavestrough and slab de-icing.The winners of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies undergo a rigorous independent evaluation by Deloitte, CIBC and the Queens University School of Business. Canada’s 50 Best is a mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Info: www.nuheat.com and www.canadas50best.com.
Ontario’s greenest homes recognized
Ontario’s leading edge builders, designers, academics and policy-makers gathered in Toronto April 12 for the first annual OntarioGreenSpec.ca Home Sweet Home Awards Gala and Presentation that recognized top projects in Ontario green home building, renovation and design. The first annual OntarioGreenSpec.ca Home Sweet Home Awards Gala and Presentation brought together bright, innovative talent from a variety of disciplines and industries for an inspiring night.
Says Derek Satnik, Chief Innovation Officer at Ontario-based green building engineering firm Mindscape Innovations and Competition Chair, “All of our finalists were of such high quality. From Rodeo’s all LEED Platinum neighbourhood in Newmarket, to fantastically efficient renovation projects, to the Habitat for Humanity and Fleming College partnership’s eco-affordable home for a family in Peterborough, this province has much to be proud of in our green building, renovating and design industries.”
Winners were awarded as follows:
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• Eaton Production Home of the Year: Cambridgeshire LEED Home, Kitchener
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• Affordable Home of the Year: Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and District – Fleming Partnership Home, Peterborough
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• Mindscape Custom Home
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• Renovated Home of the Year: Rosedale House, Toronto
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Ontario’s post-secondary students participated in a theoretical design version of the competition, through the Home Sweet Home Student Challenge, bringing innovative ideas and research into the mix. The Student Challenge Winners were: |
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LEED for Homes hits 10,000 in US
More than 10,000 homes across the US have earned LEED certification through the LEED for Homes program, according to the US Green Building Council [USGBC]. LEED-certified home projects span the residential market, from multi- and single-family, to market rate and affordable housing.
LEED for Homes is a voluntary certification system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes that use less energy and water and fewer natural resources; create less waste; and are healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Since its launch in 2008 in the US, 10,161 homes have certified with over 38,000 additional units in the pipeline.
LEED for Homes in Canada is similar to the US system, and is administered by the Canada Green Building Council.
Ontario gets its first LEED Platinum for a multi-unit
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The RGB Group of Ottawa has achieved Ontario’s first LEED Platinum Certification for a nine-unit residential urban infill executive townhome project in Ottawa.
LEED Platinum is the highest level of achievement awarded by LEED Canada for Homes using a protocol developed by the Canada Green Building Council. Some of the building features include: locally-sourced LED lighting, use of “chain of custody” lumber that is traceable to responsibly-managed forests, energy star-rated appliances, and low-flow toilets and water fixtures, and elimination of interior-use synthetic materials that “off-gas”.
“Achieving LEED Platinum is the hardest work I’ve ever done as a developer,” says Rolf Baumann, RGD Group CEO. “But the bottom line on LEED is that it fits perfectly with The RGB Group approach — Real Green Buildings, for life.” Info: www.rgb-group.com
Books
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Convert Your Home to Solar Energy |
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Solar Water Heating |
