Article from the Brandon Sun, August 30, 2010 by Mike Moore

THE Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance recently released its 8th annual report card and Manitoba led the country for the fourth straight time with an A+ score. It was acknowledged that Manitoba has been a leader in driving energy efficiency initiatives since 1989 and has committed to continued improvement.

In the area of residential construction, both new home and renovations, Manitoba warranted special mention and consideration. Water conservation was recently added to the Manitoba Building Code and Plumbing Code. The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association lobbied for the elimination of the old 13-litre toilet tank in favour of the more water conscious low-flow toilet. The MHBA recognized that not only had this installation been the norm in new home construction for years but, in order to make the most significant impact on our environment, it had to be implemented in existing homes when bathroom renovations were needed.

Similarly, aerators on taps and faucets had also been standard components of the new home industry prior to being introduced as part of water conservation legislation.

Another area in which the CEEA gave Manitoba high marks was in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency in Manitoba homes increased by 21.6 per cent between 1990 and 2006 while GHG emissions decreased by 31.3 per cent. The building envelope of a new home in Manitoba is so efficient that considerably less energy is used to heat it in the winter than in older, existing homes.

The Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance gave Manitoba high marks for energy legislation, changes to the building codes and outreach programs to the public that were done through partnerships, in particular industry associations that could offer immediate implementation. The MHBA was pleased to be one of those partners that were able to facilitate energy conservation.

Through leadership on the Building Standards Board, a close working relationship with Manitoba Hydro, requesting higher minimum standards for products and being on the cutting edge of design and innovation, MHBA members have helped the government formulate energy efficiency standards unmatched anywhere else in Canada.

In conclusion, the CEEA stated that Manitoba has maintained it’s A+ standing because it continues to take a progressive approach. The residential construction industry, through new home construction and renovation activity, is proud to be a significant contributor to this success.

Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.

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At DrummondHousePlans, we strive to educate ourselves and share information regarding building trends and technology advancements. We encountered this article in Ideal Living Magazine and thought it would be of benefit to our readers…

Energy… that magical thing that illuminates our world. Few of us actually consider what it takes to generate the power to turn on our lights, run our computers and televisions, or cook our food. The daily “news” today touts “clean energy.” An international summit of 192 countries in Copenhagen met in December 2009 to discuss climate change and clean energy alternatives. It all seems a little abstract, and you might wonder how you as an individual can help the global climate and create clean, renewable energy.

Fortunately, some innovative developers and builders are implementing solutions to incorporate into your home. If you haven’t heard of “net-zero” and “zero-energy” homes in your location, you will in the near future. In Aiken, SC, and in Boulder, CO, a developer and architect are proving that you can create affordable, energy-efficient homes. Ron Monahan, developer of The Ridge at Chukker Creek in Aiken and Silver Leaf in Boulder, teamed with renowned Colorado architect George Watt to build net-zero or near-net-zero homes that achieve a 70% to 100% reduction in energy bills. These homes have exceeded the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design developed by the US Green Building Council) Platinum certifications for green building.

One Developer’s Dream
Monahan’s ideas and personal energy are infectious. He believes in creating affordable homes that generate their own power for everyday people. Monahan has been encouraged by the homebuyer’s response to his net-zero approach, with increasing sales at The Ridge during the economic decline.

Watt and Monahan recently partnered with the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken to create a hydrogen-powered home to be completed in 2010. The home will have photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, which will in part power the house and in part pass energy through an electrolyzer that separates hydrogen from water. The hydrogen will be stored in a fuel cell and the by-product is oxygen.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to apply breakthrough technology to residential homebuilding. It would be hard to bring together this caliber of partnership were it not for the pioneering programs that are taking place in Aiken and in South Carolina,” said Monahan.

It wasn’t hard to convince architect Watt to be involved in designing net-zero homes. Watt said, “Ron and I talked for about two minutes about creating a net-zero project in Aiken. Ron said ‘we need to do this in Aiken.’ I said, ‘yeah, we do.’” And the rest is history. Watt, a carpenter before an architect, built his first solar home in the 1980s and realized then that energy efficiency should be implemented into home design; he’s implemented renewable energy systems ever since.

According to Watt, “Energy efficiency should be seamlessly integrated into the design of a building. It shouldn’t be flashy; it should just fade into the background. A home is a home and should feel comfortable and inviting.” Watt’s goal is to incorporate solar or other renewable sources without being an eyesore.

What’s the difference between net-zero and zero-energy homes?
Two types of energy-efficient homes are emerging—net-zero and zero-energy. While both types of homes are extremely efficient, there is a slight difference. Zero-energy homes run off the grid. The homes generate enough energy on their own to power all of the homeowner’s needs through photovoltaic, geothermal and soon even hydrogen power. Net-zero homes still operate on the energy grid, but generate enough energy to offset any annual usage through the same renewable energy means. When you own a net-zero home, you purchase energy from your electric company, but then sell back the energy that your home generates over the year.

“Green” Houses vs. Energy Efficiency
It seems that every successful product available today is marketed as “green.” Houses are no different. Often, the price tag on “green” materials is higher because of this marketing. However, it is possible to have an energy-efficient home that is affordable. Research into energy-efficient construction proves beneficial in creating the most efficient homes for the least amount of money.

It’s important to note the differences between “green-washing” and energy efficiency. You don’t have to have a “green” home to be energy-efficient and help reduce your carbon footprint and energy needs. Zero-energy homes may not be considered green in all areas but tend to have a much lower ecological impact in the long run than a “green” building that requires imported energy and/or fossil fuels.

Building a Net-Zero Home
Energy efficiency starts at the base level in home construction, including site plan, passive solar energy, insulation and energy-efficient appliances. According to Watt, “The key is to create a well-insulated building envelope so your energy needs are as low as possible. After you have saved energy everywhere you can in the house and determined what your energy needs will be, then it’s time to incorporate your renewable energy source.”

Site Plan
It wasn’t that long ago (prior to central heating and air) that homes were designed to capitalize on sunlight for passive heating and large porches to capture breezes to cool the home. This same technology still exists today and is the first step in creating an energy-efficient home. Orient the house with its long axis running east/west and utilize daylight to provide natural lighting.

Windows and Porches
Size south-facing overhangs to shade windows in the summer and allow solar gain in the winter. Utilize large porches to create shade for natural ventilation and reduce the need for mechanical cooling. Consider window-glazing techniques for different sides of the house. Use low U-value/low-E in all climates and low solar heat gain (low SHGC) windows in cooling climates.

Insulation
Increase foundation, wall and ceiling insulation. A well-insulated home drastically reduces the needs for heating and cooling. Seal all holes and cracks in walls, floor and ceilings to unconditioned spaces.

Appliances & Lighting
Look for EnergyStar® ratings when specifying and purchasing appliances. Consider tankless water heaters, as they are one of the largest electricity consumers in the home. Front-loading washing machines save energy and water consumption. When choosing lighting options, opt for LEDs and florescent fixtures.

Heating and Air
As stated above, use a passive solar energy. You may also want to consider using a geothermal system, which uses ground-source energy to heat and cool your home. The ground temperature around your house is fairly consistent year-round—approx 50°F in the north and warmer in the southern United States.

Add a Renewable Energy Source
Solar energy or photovoltaic energy captures solar energy and stores it in a battery or sends the energy back to the grid. Most people still think of solar as those unsightly large panels raised on the roof of a home. However, that’s not the case anymore. Major innovation has resulted in lighter, more durable panels as thin as 1/8”. Photovoltaic laminates can adhere directly onto roofing materials without damaging the roof. They even come in solar shingles these days.

George Watt designed a solar system to fit seamlessly into the roof in Boulder, CO, so you cannot tell the solar panels from the roof itself. Many states are even offering tax incentives and rebates to those implementing renewable energy sources into their homes.

If it’s not in your budget initially, you can always have it in your long-term plan and implement a renewable source at a later date.

When Will Net-Zero Reach Mainstream Building?
Smaller builders and developers are currently pushing the envelope to create the most innovative energy-efficient designs available. They are smaller and able to take more risks. Watt believes that as soon as the major builders develop these technologies, it will be available in the general market. The sooner the homebuyer demands this level of efficiency, you’ll see it in your area.

Visit Ideal Living Magazine for the complete article as well as related topics…

We are happy to say that we have a great assortment of homes and vacation properties with charming porches and covered decks that work well in the zero energy and net zero goals. We are also happy to work with you and your builder to modify any of our designs to achieve your energy efficiency goals.

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Dwell Product article:

The Brooklyn–based start-up SMIT (Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology) was formed in 2005 by the brother and sister team of Samuel and Teresita Cochran. Their goal: to invent a hybrid new approach to solar and wind power. Their Solar Ivy—flexible photovoltaic ‘leaves’ made of sheets of recyclable polyethylene—is a modular, ivy-like system that can be used on the sides of buildings, to capture the sunlight much like plants do. As the ‘ivy’ flutters and shifts in the wind, it converts solar energy into electricity.

What inspired solar ivy, originally?

I grew up in St. Louis with a window that looked out over a wall of ivy. It found its way there because it could get a good footing on the old brick buildings, and it received direct sun. The ivy would move slightly, like prairie grass, showing waves of wind moving across a building. This vision from childhood stayed with me till I was trained as an Industrial Designer at Pratt Institute; then I was able to see the connections and opportunities between that vision of a plant and how we apply photovoltaic panels to our homes. From this, Solar Ivy and GROW products were born.

Read more:

Dwell Product Spotlight by Jaime Gross published on August 18, 2010

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It seems ironic to be in the middle of a heat wave and thinking insulation, but did you know that a well-insulated home will keep you more comfortable year round – and result in energy savings for heating and cooling? 

Insulating a home has become something of a science with many innovative products used in the building process including ICF (insulated concrete forms), SIP (structural insulated panel) construction, spray foam insulation and a variety of advanced framing techniques and insulation products. We will speak of a number of these systems in future blogs but thought it would be good to start with an insulatation primer from the CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation).

Insulating Your House (source: CMHC)

While previous generations may have been content to live in drafty houses, most people now want comfortable warm houses. A healthy house today is well sealed, well insulated and properly ventilated.

A well-insulated house is a bit like dressing for the weather. A wool sweater will keep you warm if the wind is not blowing and it is not raining. On a windy, rainy day, wearing a nylon shell over your wool sweater helps keep you reasonably dry and warm. A house is similar. On the outside, underneath the brick or siding, there is an air barrier that does the same thing as the nylon — it keeps the wind from blowing through. Then there is the insulation (like your sweater) and a vapour barrier, which helps keep moisture away from the house structure where it can do damage.

Signs of Insulation Problems

In the winter

• walls cold to touch
• cold floors
• high heating costs
• uneven heating levels within building
• mold growing on walls

In the summer

• uncomfortably hot inside air
• high cooling costs
• ineffectiveness of air conditioning system
• mold growing in basement

Read further for information on various types of insulation and their effectiveness…

… and make sure to stay tuned or subscribe to our blog to make sure you get all of our updates!

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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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