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Windows
Conventional windows are a distinctive feature in any home. In most conventional houses, however, windows are the weak link in terms of energy efficiency and cold weather comfort. During the winter, a typical window loses up to 10 times more heat than an equivalent area of an outside wall. Windows can account for up to […]
Water Conservation
The importance of water in our lives cannot be stressed enough; every living thing on this planet depends on a clean, healthy water supply. This dependency connects us all to each other. Homes designed to pay homage to the importance of water by incorporating elements that reduce the need for water by avoiding waste are […]
Third Party Rating Systems
Third party rating organizations are organizations affiliated with green rating systems that ensure that proper steps are taken (by the builder) to achieve the desired target level in the selected system. There are a number of green rating systems in Canada at the moment. All delivering slightly different levels of emphasis on the important issues […]
Sustainable Features
Sustainable housing can be defined as housing that uses less land and resources to build and maintain. Uses less energy, water and materials to operate, and holds its value through durability and reduced dependence on public utilities. Some of the features that should be included in sustainable housing are: • Compact land use and site […]
Sustainability
So what is sustainability? “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” – Brundtland Commission, 1987. The Brundtland Report helped achieve a global consensus that society, the economy and the environment are inextricably linked. This means that human well-being is fundamentally dependent on […]
Solar Thermal
Solar hot water heating, in Canada, can produce about one half of the water needs for a family of four. The system comprises of three separate parts: 1) The Collector(s): the collectors usually come as flat plates or panels which convert solar energy to heat energy, by allowing a transfer fluid, usually glycol or sometimes […]