Reducing the energy consumption of a home can equally be done by opting to use household appliances having an optimal energy return, from the refrigerator to the range to the dishwasher, without forgetting the washer-dryer duo.

Products displaying the ENERGY STAR symbol are certified to comply with the program’s specifications.

Purchase of these products instead of the classic models can allow a reduction of electric bill thus contributing in protecting the environment; consuming less energy effectively reduces the quantity of electricity produced and, by doing so, limit greenhouse gas emissions.

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We are all more aware or at least sensitized to the importance of being more ecological, to recuperate, reutilize, restrict certain uses, etc.

I want to talk to you about composting because I find this ecological method fantastic!  What’s more, I find that this is a very educational method to teach our children, the next generation.  When we really take the time to think about it, and those who practice composting are well aware of it, an unbelievable amount of what we throw out is in fact still useful.  Think about it!  Your morning coffee filter (filter made of biodegradable materials), your banana or apple peels, your egg shells and leftovers of the cucumber you prepared for your snack are only some of the examples that you could recuperate by composting!  You reduce the contents of your garbage by half, and this only at breakfast!

You know, we are lucky in our country not to have to pay to dispose of our garbage.  In Switzerland, citizens must pay for disposal, so it goes without saying that the effort put into recycling and selecting is practiced a lot.

My parents have been practicing composting for a few years now so I witnessed firsthand the benefits and above all the quantity of compostable materials!  Don’t be deceived because, yes, it does take some effort on your part.  Personally, I believe this is a practice which can easily be integrated into your daily routine.

Some will say “yes, but it stinks!”  So, to these people, I answer “NO it does not stink!”  Nowadays, many hermetic containers or vats exist in the market.  I can even confirm that when you open the cover, no odour is detectable.  You will also not be able to say  “..I don’t want it to smell during my summer pool parties..”  This container is identical to the one my parents presently use.  Sure, I admit that it resembles something out of Star Wars, but hey, we can also be creative!

In the house, they have a small plastic bucket with a hermetic cover, which they periodically empty outside.

You can surely see that this is a method which fascinates me tremendously…

I am waiting for your comments and tricks as well as other methods you use for composting at home!

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Who would have known that everytime we flush we are actually flushing away valuable and natural fertilizer.  At least that’s what Dave claims in his article “Sustainable Sanitation“ found on the blog called “On the Level“.  It is actually on Bob Vila’s website.  Although most of us know who Bob Vila is,  I personnally remember him from a very funny family sitcom called Home Improvement.  I really enjoyed the show.  Too bad America’s more into the “reality shows” now…  But enought about that, let’s get back to the main subjet cause I could really get sidetracked!

In this day and age everyone is trying to figure out better ways to recycle and save energy.  Sometimes, little do we know that some very basic ways of re-using energy exist very close to home.  Actually, in our homes!  Who knew that urine is filled with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, three ingredients in artificial fertilizer. Feces also have these components in lesser amounts but produce methane, which can burned and used as “biogas.”  

I have often heard that if stuck in the woods with an open wound, urine can be a very powerful, effective and needed antiseptic.  But, I had no idea that it could actually help trees, grass and garden’s grow!  Nature really is intelligent.  We have much yet to learn from her (mother nature).

I’m sure this piece of information will please many men who enjoy a good outdoor “relieving” session;)  It will now be difficult for us women to complain….

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You’re about to build the home of your dreams?    Take advantage and give it a touch of blue to improve your comfort and quality of life.

Known for its comfort and effectiveness, natural gas is present in more than 200 residential projects in Quebec.  The advantages are numerous:

Wall to wall comfort

Not only is it energy, it is the peak of comfort and peace of mind you dream of.  The blue flame enlivens your home and adds a plus in each room: more heat, more pleasure, less work.

A reliable resource

Natural gas is delivered to you by continuous subterranean lines; you’ll never have to worry about the whims of Mother Nature for your deliveries.  And, in case of power failure, many appliances can still function.  Practical and reassuring, isn’t it?

Gaz Métro has different offers available to facilitate integration of the blue in your home.  Here is a glance of financial aid granted:

• $1750 for the purchase and installation of a hot air high-efficiency heating unit (Energy Star rated) and a water heater;
• $100 per outlet for each natural gas appliance, such as a range, dryer, fireplace, barbecue, pool warmer
• $30 for a programmable thermostat.

A friendly word of advice

The integration of natural gas into your new home should be done as soon as your choice of architectural plans is made.  From the beginning of your project, you should have a representative for new construction from Gaz Métro involved.  The consultant can guide you through the steps as your project advances.

Good to know

In order to integrate natural gas into your home, it is of utmost importance to choose a central heating system.  As you draw up your home plans, plan openings for heating and the location of the mechanical room in the basement.

Here is a glance of steps to follow for a blue home:

1. Access to gas lines:  The first step consists in ensuring that natural gas lines pass at less than 30 meters of your future home.  Contact Gaz Métro customer service at 1 800 567-1313 for more information.

2. Implicate Gaz Métro :  Your representative for new construction at Gaz Métro can refer you to a heating professional who is a Certified Gaz Métro Partner.  These professionals are independent contractors, members of the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec, and are subject to most rigorous quality controls.

3. Connecting your home:  Construction is coming along well, your heating system is installed and connection of gas lines to your appliances is complete (water heater, range, dryer, fireplace, barbecue, pool heater)  Expect about 6 weeks for Gaz Métro to proceed with connection of your home to the main gas lines.  Once this is completed, gas will be brought into your home by your Gaz Métro Authorized Partner jointly with a Gaz Métro technician.

All that is left to do is take advantage of the soft comfort provided by natural gas.  For more information, visit www.gazmetro.com

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Increasing the efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle.

What to consider when designing a Green Building:

- The ideal site would be a Brownfield: abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contaminations.

- Conserve water and energy: limit the amount of resources required to operate a building. Installing a self-supporting filtration unit.
- Recycle construction materials: using recycle construction materials limits the amount of resources that must be disturbed. Obtaining locally or manufactured locally reduces the energy in shipping and transporting of these materials.

- Indoor air quality: limit the amount of materials in the building that contain Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC): Compounds that evaporate easily at room temperature and often have a sharp smell. They can come from many products, such as office equipment, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, paints, solvents, and cleaning products.
- Beneficial Lanscaping: using different landscaping techniques to achieve a variety of benefits (e.g., decrease of maintenance costs, reduction of stormwater runoff, beautification of the landscape, preservation of endangered species) and using plants that require little or no pesticides etc.

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