All posts by Giulio

Architecture, Green Energy, HVAC, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

True to form

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Reid’s Heritage Homes continue as innovators with first net-zero energy project

One of Reid’s Heritage Homes’ company core values is “we are world-class innovators.” And make no mistake about it – the company takes this credo seriously.

Case in point: Back in September 2014, Reid’s Heritage Homes became the first builder to break ground in a national net-zero energy homes’ demonstration project. Then, less than a year later, they opened the doors to the Net Zero Discovery Home and over 400 interested members of the public lined up for a tour. Any way you look at it, that’s an example of innovation at work.

The Net Zero Discovery Home is the first to be completed as part of the national demonstration project to prove that net-zero energy homes can be built on a community-level scale. The goal is to make net-zero energy homes – which can produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis – fully accessible and affordable to all Canadians.

Reid’s Heritage Homes is building five homes as part of this project. Overall, five builders were selected to participate in the national project that will see the construction of at least 25 net-zero energy homes in four provinces—Nova Scotia, Québec, Alberta, and Ontario. This total will almost double the number of net-zero energy homes currently in Canada. The project is funded in part by the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII), with contributions from each participating builder, industry suppliers and Owens Corning Canada.

While many agree that net zero is the future of the home building industry, a past barrier saw net-zero energy homes as custom-built projects, using elaborate designs, with complex and expensive heating, cooling and generating technology. This project, however, aims to make net-zero energy homes accessible to more consumers than ever before, using existing, often “off the shelf” high-performance equipment, insulation and building materials that are readily available to the average builder.

The back roof of Reid’s Heritage Homes’ Net Zero Discovery Home features 33 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels from Bluewater Energy which will produce the energy required for the home to achieve net-zero energy status. More importantly, the technologies underneath the façade are what make this net-zero energy home innovative and affordable.

One of the critical technologies is the insulated and airtight design providing an advanced envelope system made possible by the Owens Corning CodeBord® Air Barrier system, which significantly reduces air leakage of the home. The triple-pane windows by JELD-WEN Windows enhance comfort and insulation while providing noise reduction. The home also incorporates the latest air source heat pump space heating technology from Mitsubishi Electric and a leading-edge hybrid air source heat pump hot water tank from Rheem Canada.

Due to the volume of information coinciding with the net-zero energy home and overall initiative, Reid’s Heritage Homes recently released a collection of informative technical videos on its designated YouTube channels. A video – About Net Zero by Reid’s Heritage Homes – provides a detailed overview of exactly what a net-zero energy home entails, with appearances by company executives and industry partners. The videos then break into more detailed focus on net-zero energy features, covering topics such as advanced building enclosures, home comfort systems, fresh air systems, ultra-efficient electrical, high- efficiency water solutions and renewable solar power.

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Built in the Westminster Woods community of Guelph, Ontario, the project’s inaugural home will be used as a show house for the remaining four net-zero energy homes to be built by Reid’s Heritage Homes.

The second home is currently under construction and was recently listed for sale. The home features the popular Fairmeadow Craftsman floor plan and has three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and offers 1,775 square feet of living space.

Some of the features include:
* Insulation in foundation walls and under slab, improving the efficiencies of heat loss through the basement floor;
* Flex ducts providing the home with improved air circulation;
* Comfort zoning on the main and second floor to allow separate temperature controls;
* Drain water heat recovery system;
* Battery back-up rough-in;
* LED spotlights, energy monitoring, and over $42,000 in upgrades.

The home is currently priced at $554,382 and will be move-in ready by February 2016. For a limited time, the builder is offering a discount of $35,000 off the sale price. The remaining three homes will be completed by spring of 2016.

About Reid’s Heritage Homes
A modern approach to traditional homebuilding. Built on a solid reputation of quality, integrity and service, Reid’s Heritage Homes is one of Ontario’s leading builders, with a history of homebuilding that dates back to 1947. The same enduring values that motivated our founder, Orin Reid, inspire our many diverse communities today. Our commitment to these values applies across the Reid’s Heritage Homes’ family of companies, including Williamsburg Homes in Kitchener and Sherwood Homes in Collingwood.

Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Minto Bside to set new sustainability benchmark in Toronto with electric car offering

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Minto is no stranger to setting sustainability benchmarks within the real estate industry. The developer has long held a reputation for prioritizing green initiatives and environmentally-aware design in each of its residential projects across Canada.

True to form, Minto is once again pushing the green envelope, this time turning their attention to the issue of green transportation. In conjunction with the launch of Bside, the second phase of their highly successful Minto Westside project, Minto has partnered with Nissan to offer purchasers a bold new incentive: Buy a parking space equipped with an electric vehicle (EV) charging station along with your condo, and Minto will throw in Canada’s top-selling, fully electric car, the Nissan LEAF®.

This program not only provides fantastic value but also raises awareness about the lack of EV infrastructure in the downtown area. In many cases it is not a lack of environmental sensitivity that’s stopping downtown residents from going ‘electric’ but actually a lack of EV charging stations in the core. Through this green initiative, Minto hopes to increase the ubiquity of green transportation downtown while also helping future residents live a more sustainable lifestyle.

“The majority of high-rise buildings are faced with the challenge of overcoming a lack of infrastructure and space required for the transformers needed to install electrical vehicle chargers,” says Wells Baker, Director of Conservation and Sustainable Design at Minto. “Bside is aiming to set a new standard in Toronto: an environmentally progressive condo with a dedicated transformer for EV chargers, as well as space to add additional chargers as demand grows.”

It comes as no surprise that this simple, green feature has quickly become a selling point for the project, with residents from other Minto properties requesting for EV charging stations at their condominiums. Contrary to traditional car transportation in a city like Toronto, EVs don’t rely on gas, making them a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Despite the obvious benefits, EVs have yet to become mainstream in the core, a deficiency that Minto is looking to change.

“Our goal is to design for the future,” says Baker. “Installing EV chargers at Bside gives residents who want a vehicle in the city the ability to make an affirmative environmental decision. That alone is a huge step forward, but we wanted to take that next step and actually incentivize a decision towards the more sustainable option.”

A pioneer in sustainability, Minto is known for consistently producing energy-efficient residential developments. Since 2006, Minto has certified over 2,800 units using various LEED programs on a variety of projects in Toronto, including MintoMidtown – North America’s largest condominium to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Prioritizing high-end design as well as sustainable practices, Bside located at the corner of Front and Bathurst, offers state-of-the-art, design-forward suites from a price point rarely seen in the downtown core. Starting from the low $200s the project pays tribute to Toronto’s original warehouse districts by reinterpreting the architectural style of the area’s heritage buildings. Bside’s convenient location appeals to urban end users with busy work and play schedules. Weekends can be spent wandering the historic King West entertainment district, sampling the neighborhood’s high-end boutiques, charming cafes and five-star restaurants such as Buca and Lee or satisfying a culture fix at the nearby Princess of Wales Theatre and TIFF Bell Lightbox.

 

 

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

Ahead of his time

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Mark Rosenberg ‘one of the pioneers’ of energy-efficient homes in the Toronto area

All the latest talk about energy efficiency in new homes is mostly old hat to Mark Rosenberg.

Since he began building custom homes in the Toronto area back in the 1980s, the president of Mark Rosenberg Design Build and Codyco Properties Ltd. has been offering energy-efficient components to customers.

“I was one of the pioneers of infill housing, incorporating new homes into established areas,” says Rosenberg. “In fact, no one else was doing that at all. Plus, from the outset of my career, I started using triple-glazed windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, upgraded ceiling and wall insulation, green residential roofing systems, and capturing rainwater to be stored, and used, in irrigation systems.

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“Very early on, I started incorporating smart home features in the homes. Even when clients were hesitant, as they often didn’t understand the early systems, I suggested roughing them in for their future capabilities. Even now, I remind them that, down the road, roughing in can save a lot of money, and damage to the home, if they eventually decide to install them.”

Prior to starting out on his own, Rosenberg worked for a large development company, where he gained expertise in all aspects of building – from development, planning and contract servicing to overseeing construction.

He soon found his own niche in the custom design market, incorporating the contemporary with the traditional. He also likes to “bring the outside in,” which, again, ties in with his penchant for creating environmentally-friendly homes.

“During the day, I want the client to be able to walk through the home with no lights switched on and have the home full of natural light,” he says.


He likes to combine rugged features with elegance and high-end details. And it’s his attention to detail that has won Rosenberg many admirers and repeat customers.

“I always work very closely with my clients and have a personal relationship to ensure they are getting exactly what they want in their new home,” he explains. “I get quite involved from the outset on decisions regarding floor plans, design features, colours, moulding choices, mechanical systems etcetera.”

Bolstered by an architectural background, Rosenberg seamlessly becomes involved in the design process.

“Clients like knowing they have a hands-on builder,” he says. “And I also have tradesmen – or craftsmen, as I like to call them – who have worked for me for over 25 years. These longstanding relationships allow for exceptional service and quality with all the homes we have built together; so much so, that many clients return to us to build their second or third homes, as well as the first homes for their children.”

Web / markrosenberghomes.com

Style, Sustainability, Technology

Ahead of the curve

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Heidan Construction makes it a point to stay ahead of green industry trends Some people try to keep up with the Joneses, but Daniel Meirovitz of Heidan Construction Ltd. goes much further than that.

As president of Heidan Construction, Meirovitz makes it a point to constantly stay ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the sustainable needs of his clients.

“We definitely keep up with the times and adapt to the changing needs of clients to build exactly what they request for any green project in their homes,” says Meirovitz, whose company offers construction services in the design/building of custom homes, additions, renovations and commercial office spaces.

“Each client has his or her own definition of what they feel they want to spend or understand to do their part to help the environment. For some, it just means simply purchasing more energy-efficient new appliances, but to others it is a top priority.

“From pre-heat solar hot water tanks, geothermal heating, window replacements, smart home technology, green roofs, spray foam insulation to instant hot water tanks – it’s a long list.”

He stresses that staying up to date has become one of the top priorities for Toronto-based Heidan Construction. “For sure, there’s fast-pace change in the industry.”

With over 18 years of experience, Heidan Construction’s goal, Meirovitz says, is to take each client through a seamless and pleasurable process.

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One client, Dr. Michael Aharon of East Village Dental Centre in Oshawa, Ontario, had this to say about the working experience with Heidan Construction: “Heidan Construction contributed immensely to the successful renovation of our dental office. The workmanship, professionalism, and efficiency of the team and sub-contractors met our every expectation. Quality was never compromised, even while working under the strictest guideline. Daniel was available at all times to address questions and concerns. A very positive experience, which produced an amazing modern dental office.”

Heidan Construction strives to deliver all projects in a timely fashion, on budget, and with strict attention to detail, says Meirovitz. “We have proven immaculate customer service and a quality trade force.”

At one time, Meirovitz seemed headed for a legal career. After graduating from university, he was accepted in law school, but he took a year off to pursue his interest in the construction industry. The rest, as they say, is history.

“As I was honing and developing my skills I knew I would need within the construction industry, I realized I wanted to pursue my passion for construction,” he recalls. “I’ve never looked back.”
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After earning his construction-management certificate at George Brown College, he worked as a carpenter before becoming a superintendent for a subdivision builder. He soon realized, after building over 100 houses and two blocks of townhouses in nine months, that he could branch out on his own.

Some of the diverse projects Meirovitz has been involved with over the years include: The Niagara Fallsview Casino, various high-rise developments, restoration projects, medical/dental offices, subdivision and townhouse complexes, as well as exclusive custom homes.

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“I always try to keep up with the times and understand technology so I can stay ahead of my clients to offer ideas and suggestions to meet their needs,” he adds. “A lot of builders take on a project, hire a super, and then show up once or twice a week. But I’m on-site every day. I have a relationship with my clients, and I think that’s one of the things that separates me from other builders.”

Web / heidanconstruction.com

Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Sustainability, Technology

A 50th birthday to remember

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Bel-Con Design-Builders made sure ‘more than the tractors are green’ at Clow Farm Equipment

Clow Farm Equipment celebrated its 50th anniversary in a big way thanks to a full-scale green makeover provided by Bel-Con Design-Builders.

The Kingston-area company, founded by Oakley Clow, left no stone unturned, either, building a brand new store situated on Highway 15 just north of Highway 401, equipped with a full complement of sustainable features.

“Oakley and his son Doug, were concerned about quality, fit and finish right from the start,” says Bel-Con president Tom Gunsinger. “ They’d seen a similar John Deere Dealership constructed by Rice Construction, the Butler Builder in St John New Brunswick. The Clow family Oakley, Shirley and Doug were all great to work with and a breath of fresh air with their commitment to constructing an efficient, comfortable, low maintenance building.”

(In “industry terms,” the facility in New Brunswick is referred to as a ‘Butler building.’ That means, to the layman, that a ‘Butler building’ utilizes the Butler Manufacturing building-solutions company for the design, manufacture, and marketing of metal building systems for commercial construction.)

Clow Farm Equipment was all in, as it turned out.

“The client appreciated Butler’s attention to details, right down to the trims,” says Gunsinger, whose Belleville-based company has been affiliated with Butler since 1978. “And, when they contacted us, they expressed their desire to have an energy-efficient and comfortable building. “
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For starters, Bel-Con worked the following features into the new Clow Farm Equipment building:

  • The wall system is Butler’s eShadowall panel with an accredited tested R-value of R21.1;
  • The MR-24 roof system utilizes Butler’s Thermal Liner System (TLS-12) which has an accredited tested R-value of R38.7;
  • And natural light was important as well, Butler’s SunLite Strips were used in the shop to provide daylight harvesting.

Gunsinger points out that the use of Butler’s systems provided other green building benefits, as well, including high recycled content of the entire structure, roof and wall systems.

“The client also had a desire to ensure comfort for their staff, so we incorporated radiant in-floor heat in the perimeter offices and showroom, as well as throughout the entire shop,” explains Gunsinger. “The mechanics, we were told, are often on the floor when servicing the equipment, so that keeps out the cold. We also included energy-efficient lighting systems, occupancy sensors and low-flow plumbing fixtures.”

Butler’s attention to building green hinges on the premise that “taking actions today so opportunities for future generations won’t be inhibited.’ They combine green technologies and practices with systems’ construction efficiencies to make sustainable buildings more affordable.

Some examples of how Butler Manufacturing is doing that, include:

  • Products that reduce material use. All Butler projects optimize the amount of steel used to meet exact design specifications;
  • Salvaged/recycled products. Butler building systems contain up to 74 per cent recycled steel;
  • Reusable or recyclable materials. Butler steel buildings can be disassembled, relocated and reused, making them adaptable to different end uses and extending their usable life;
  • Butler buildings require minimal maintenance to last much longer than their intended warranties. The MR-24 roof system has a proven in-place performance of over 40 years.

Gunsinger says Bel-Con is definitely on the same page.

“Our focus is to encourage our clients to look at the total cost of ownership (TCO), as opposed to just the initial construction costs,” he explains. “Studies have shown that, on average, the construction cost only accounts for 10% of the TCO of a facility, with the other 90% spent on lighting, heating, cooling and maintenance.

“By investing in high-efficiency and long-lasting systems the owner can realize significant savings over the life of the building. Another study shows that for every $1 invested in energy efficiency, there will typically be a savings of about $6 in total building operating costs. The roof system, itself, is very sustainable as its life expectancy is over 30 years. In fact, for another client, we recently replaced a metal roof that had been there for 47 years!”

Web / bel-con.com / greentractors.ca

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Green Building Expo

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The first Canadian trade show for green building

It’s no surprise that Green Buildings & Sustainable Strategies magazine is leading the way in cost-efficient virtual trade show technology for the green construction industry.

After all, part of the magazine’s mandate is to alert readers and advertisers to the latest sustainable development trends.

The countdown to Canada’s first virtual trade show for the green construction industry is underway and the wheels are already in motion on a number of fronts.

Utilizing cutting-edge virtual trade show technology, we are pleased to announce Green Building Expo. This first-of-its-kind show will be held in “cyberspace” starting April 12, 2016 and running for a full year.

What we have planned is an affordable way for you to engage all of Canada in the latest green building endeavours in very interesting and cost-efficient way. The event itself will celebrate Canada’s greenest and most successful building projects. Each exhibit will showcase sustainable construction solutions to the right attendees in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Participants will be able to exchange contact information with Canada’s most active green building professionals. Green Building Expo is budget-friendly for participating exhibitors and free for attendees. Our coverage area is Canada, but being held in cyberspace, exhibitors can reach out to a global audience to generate a high volume of leads and prospects.

Green Building Expo will bring together technology, materials, products, and service providers, developers, general contractors, architects, consultants, engineers, interior designers, builders, specifiers, project managers, green investors, bankers, building owners, facilities managers, along with municipalities, expert organizations and other key stakeholders of green building projects; saving money and eliminating travel time, construction, logistics, and associated carbon emissions with physical meetings and trade exhibitions.

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Instead of being up and running for only a few days, similar to a traditional trade show, the individual booths will remain active for an entire year and available online 24/7. When not stuffed exhibition booths function as a website and the exhibitors can still have the visibility and availability of their information.

And additional exhibitors can join at any time during the duration of the show.

Relevant, compelling, engaging events with live webcasts of expert speakers will be added throughout the year to motivate participation on particular days around particular themes.

Bolstered by advance print and online media and advertising, Green Building Expo will enjoy a social media strategy using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others that will actively promote the event beforehand and during the event as well as provide follow up activities.

Attendees and exhibitors can easily interact through text, audio and video capabilities. The functionality allows both one-on-one and group conversations, thus allowing for meaningful discussions.

Product manuals, demos, brochures, posters, videos and other informational material can be conveniently downloaded by visitors to be saved permanently.

In the auditorium exhibitors can deliver stunning webinars which can be hosted live or made available on-demand to visitors even after the event is over. They can now enjoy greater control in delivering their webinars and drive higher levels of visitor engagement using social media integration.

Studies show that over 40% of traffic on virtual events of any kind come through a mobile device. That figure is only growing, making the mobile experience absolutely critical for success for events hosted online. Thus, Green Building Expo offers a mobile-friendly version for the event, packing it with interaction tools to ensure mobile visitors remain equally engaged and productive.

The mobile experience comes with a comprehensive chat application, allowing mobile visitors to interact seamlessly with exhibitors. This affords visitors even more flexibility as they can keep communicating even when they are on the move. Furthermore, the chat experience is intuitive and familiar, allowing visitors to focus on the conversation, rather than figuring out how it all works.

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Exhibitors will have access to the following information:

• Number of visitors to their booth;

• Number of clicks on their brochures, products, videos, and posters;

• Contact details listed on each visitors;

• Downloaded content;

• Site traffic, unique and total visits;

• Number of visitors contacted in chat.

For more information about the event go to www.green-building-expo.com or contact Giulio Marinescu, Executive Managing Director at 416-250-0664 or by e-mail giulio@green-building-expo.com.

Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology

Doing it right

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No stone unturned with an EcoVicar ENERGY STAR® home

Taking a page from its corporate mantra, the company’s EcoVicar ENERGY STAR® homes are constructed with the same attention to detail.

“The key to a successful home is based on a solid foundation, built with quality material and by experienced craftsmanship. We built our company the same way we build your house.”

Those criteria are evident, in spades, with the meticulous detail found in the EcoVicar homes. Not only are health and safety paramount, but the myriad of options and features ensures fresh air distribution throughout.

With an EcoVicar home, making a house airtight keeps the living space free of outdoor dust, pollen and noise. And each home is equipped with an intelligent ventilation system that doesn’t just flush out odours, but brings in new fresh outside air and distributes it throughout the home.

And standards are maintained with the ENERGY STAR® stamp of approval. The federal government-backed labelling program has a reputation for producing significantly better buildings and ensures consistent quality with inspections and tests.  

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EcoVicar welcomes inspectors. Unlike a ‘code-built’ house, EcoVicar solicits third-party trained and certified auditors to test air tightness air barrier systems and inspect key mechanical systems to make sure they meet the upgraded specifications set by the ENERGY STAR® program. And the key plank in any ENERGY STAR® home is setting a stringent limit on indiscriminate air leakage. This saves money, while ensuring an abundance of fresh air. (Air leakage in a home leads to discomfort, dryness, excessive noise, dust and pollens from outside.)

There are five key, balanced features, namely:

* A complete thermal enclosure system for comfort, durability and reduced maintenance;

* Fresh air, with an airtight thermal envelope;

* Efficient lighting and appliances, which mean reduced operating costs;

* Integrated inside and outside water systems;

* And an integrated heating, ventilation and cooling system with optimal design and installation.

Comprehensive air sealing, properly installed insulation and high-performance windows combine to deliver better comfort, better durability, reduced maintenance costs and lower monthly bills. During construction, partners must meet all the requirements of the EPA’s comprehensive thermal enclosure system inspection.
Because the designed intent of an EcoVicar home is to save money and produce a more durable building by ensuring an airtight thermal envelope, it’s paramount to exchange the stale air produced indoors by a typical family. Most new homes in Ontario use ‘exhaust’ only strategies to pull in outside air through a leaky house, but that approach can cause issues that are easily avoided by installing ‘balanced’ ventilation and heat-recovery ventilator.

A little-known fact is that the lighting and appliances in homes come with two price tags – the purchase price and operating costs. EcoVicar homes offer higher quality appliances that require less maintenance, are quieter, and provide lower monthly utility bills, all the while creating a perfect style most homeowners are looking for.

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Managing water both inside and outside homes has never been more important. EcoVicar homes provide features that conserve water volume, but also lower the cost of producing warm water for a growing family. Additionally, the homes come with built-in features that ensure rainwater is managed with a passive system and backed-up power systems.

The ENERGY STAR® program insists on ensuring the mechanical system is sized precisely for the house and that the mechanical components selected for the house communicate well and co-operate for maximum efficiency. The process doesn’t stop at the planning stage but carries on through to field inspections to ensure that the planned specifications are followed and specified models are installed. During construction, ENERGY STAR builder partners must meet all of the requirements of EPA’s comprehensive heating and cooling system.

As a result, you get a home with a complete heating, ventilation and cooling system – a better approach to building a better home.

Web / vicarhomes.com

Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

The Edelweiss House

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The Edelweiss House in Wakefield, Quebec, becomes Canada’s first LEED v4 certified building and the second LEED v4 Platinum certified home in the world

Ecohome’s Edelweiss House project, a passively heated, cold climate demonstration home located in Wakefield, Quebec, has become the first project in Canada to earn LEED v4 certification. Edelweiss is not only the first project in Canada to be certified under LEED v4, but it has also earned the highest level possible – Platinum – making it only the second LEED v4 home in the world to reach LEED’s most rigorous level.

The hyper-efficient cold climate house boasts an average price tag and an extremely low operational budget. Located 40 minutes from Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills, this 1,552 sq. ft. home was less than $250,000 to build and its energy bills are estimated to be less than $1.40/day. In comparison, a standard new home of comparable size consumes roughly 10 times more energy.

The Edelweiss House was designed and built by Emmanuel Cosgrove and Mike Reynolds, co-founders of Ecohome. “We don’t really build anymore as our mission is education,” they say. “We undertook this project to show builders and homeowners that it isn’t that hard or expensive to build better performing homes, and that your true monthly overhead can actually be lower, right from the moment you move in.”

The home will now be used for full-day workshops, as well as for short-term rentals that allow building professionals or future homeowners to experience the comfort of a passive solar home first hand.

With a slab-on-grade foundation and a living green roof, the house heats by harnessing warmth from the sun, the occupants and their various appliances. Built with non-toxic building materials and FSC certified wood, the home also features finishing materials such as locally-sourced slate, reclaimed sunken river wood, sandblasted antique doors, and a quartz countertop made of recycled porcelain plates, bottles and mirrors. Edelweiss House is also extremely water-efficient, with a projected water savings of 60 per cent over an equivalent new home.

This ultra-low energy home has earned high praise from the CaGBC for its innovation and leadership. “The Edelweiss House is a phenomenal achievement – the first Canadian project to meet the stringent requirements of the latest version of LEED at its highest level,” said Thomas Mueller, President and CEO of the CaGBC. “I commend Ecohome for being a leader in the Canadian home building community and for demonstrating to the industry that high sustainability standards can be achieved right here in Canada, right now.”

Canada currently has nine additional projects registered for LEED v4 certification in Canada, with this certification marking the first of its kind for any project type. More information on the house, including a step-by-step video series following its construction can be found online at ecohome.net. For more information on additional LEED v4 registered project in Canada, visitCaGBC’s LEED v4 Leaderboard webpage.

 

Additional information about the home:

Passive Solar Index (PSI): The Edelweiss House will act as a vehicle to launch Ecohome’s Passive Solar Index, a simple program designed to affix an energy efficiency value to homes. PSI recognizes homes that perform at a level below 50 kWh/m²/year, where most newly built homes in Canada consume over 150 kWh/m²/year of energy for heating.