EnerGuide Rating for New Homes
There are a number of different construction standards for low energy and/or green homes in Canada. Depending on the region of Canada you are in, you may be familiar with one or more of the following…
Energy Efficient New Homes – Grants and Incentives
Currently, although Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) does not offer incentives to new home buyers or new home builders, NRCan manages the EnerGuide Rating System, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, and…
Earth Hour – A one-night stand or new mindset?
WWF-Canada Earth Hour Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate…
Intelligent Cities – Capturing graywater in Tucson
Would you water your garden with what goes down your shower drain or out your washing machine? In Tucson, Arizona, and an increasing number of water-starved western cities, more and more residents…
Xeriscaping – A sustainable landscape option
Whether by conscience or necessity, many people are looking to reduce their water consumption. The perfectly manicured emerald lawn may certainly look lovely but normally requires a great deal of…
Indoor Air Quality
With Canadians spending more than 90% of their time indoors, much of it at home, the "healthiness" of their home is a serious issue. Poor indoor air can have a detrimental impact on people's…
We want your natural corks!
A lot of corks will be popping this evening, you may want to think about some creative recycling! An Ontario company specializes in the recycling of natural cork. Jelinek Cork Group has been…
Holiday parody – On the 4th day of building…
Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Four house plans to choose from, Three French city planners, Two steel-toed boots, and a journal for my…
Greywater Report looks at wastewater’s potential
About 50% of the water used inside U.S. homes can be reused to irrigate landscapes and flush toilets, according to a gray water report released by the Pacific Institute last week. The Overview of…
Official Opening of the EchoHaven EQuilibriumTM Home in Calgary, Alberta
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Nov. 12, 2010) - Today, the Government of Canada announced the official opening of the EchoHaven Home, an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home in…
Double-duty recycling of building supplies
Whether you are doing a remodel, a renovation or building new, it is surprising to find how many useable materials end up in site dumpsters. It seems like such a shame but these items can be…
Buying An Ethanol Fireplace – Check Out The Facts
Before winter sets upon us we are considering repairing or cleaning the chimneys, or at least looking at all that needs to be done to have a safe fireplace. A lot of people who don’t have a…
Low Flow Showers for $$$avings
Hot water can account for as much as 25% of a household's total energy costs. In many cases, showers can be the largest single contributor to overall hot water use in a home, accounting for 15% of…
