Energy efficient homes, net zero homes, passive energy, renewable energy sources; environmental building practices and technology are developing at an exceptional pace. It’s difficult for the construction professional to keep abreast with new developments and almost impossible for the prospective home owner to know what their options are. Increasingly, it is falling to the architects and builders to inform people of their choices and to guide them through the process of building the most sustainable home their budgets will allow. Sustainability is more than a building method, it’s a principle we must aspire to. Concordia Language Villages aims to create architects, builders and construction workers who are responsible citizens of the world; people who aspire to the principle of sustainability. Read more

Green building technology improves the lives of New Orleans residents.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, killing at least 1836 people and causing $81 billion in damage. New Orleans, its plight deepened by broken levees, was devastated. The floods washed away more than people’s homes and property; it destroyed their businesses — their means of making a living. The unique culture and spirit on New Orleans lives in exile; in the hearts and minds of its native sons and daughters. Without a place to call home; it will not do so for long.

More than five years after the hurricane, attempts to reclaim property and prosperity have failed catastrophically. Many New Orleans residents still live in temporary shelters. Many are displaced with no hope of rebuilding their homes after insurance companies failed to honor their responsibilities; claiming that damage due to flooding was not covered by resident’s policies.

The historic Lower 9th Ward was hardest hit. Two years after the flood, this area had still not been rebuilt. When actor Brad Pitt toured the area, the devastation affected him profoundly and he vowed to “Make it right.” His pledge led to the inception of the Make It Right project which committed to building 150 new homes in Ward 9. Make it Right also endeavored to improve infrastructure and prevent future catastrophes from affecting the community in such a devastating way.

Make it Right is the building of an extraordinary neighborhood. 21 Award winning architects have collaborated to construct America’s greenest community. The buildings have earned the highest distinction in sustainability — a LEEDS platinum award. 26 Gauge roofs absorb less heat, reducing the need to cool the houses by 20 to 70%. Spray foam insulation in the floor, walls and roof increase the efficiency of the home envelope. Photovoltaic solar panels convert the abundance of New Orleans sunshine to energy; 2.7 to 3 KW per household. Most houses produce more than they consume which reduces reliance on fossil fuels. The homes are elevated by five to eight feet, ensuring their safety from rising flood waters and providing convenient shaded parking. Hurricane fabric windows, which are made from Kevlar, negate the need for boarding up homes during storms.

Reinforced framing enables homes to withstand winds of up to 130 km/h and are further reinforced by fiber cement board siding which is hail and termite resistant, thereby reducing maintenance and increasing longevity. Tank-less water heaters and energy star appliances help reduce energy consumption. Insulated Concrete Forms which offer energy efficient and sustainable construction are also a good choice for this type of projects.

Make it Right is not just building homes; they are creating communities. Rain gardens, community farms and even streets are contributing to the reconstruction of the 9th Ward. The project is made possible by generous contributions of time, money, expertise and building materials by people who want to see 9th Ward residents come home. You can help by donating, purchasing merchandise or adopting a Make It Right Home.

More than three quarters of Canadians want to make their homes more energy efficient, a recent Bosch green savings survey discovered. The vast majority of people interviewed will be taking advantage of government tax credits to make their homes more environmentally friendly.

Canadian finance minister, Jim Flaherty, said the government would make provisions for $400 million dollars in the 2011 budget for tax credits to Canadian home owners who avail themselves of the opportunity to reduce the energy consumption of their homes. The tax credits form part of a government stimulus program, but fall short of the progressive Home Renovations Tax Credit that expired last year.

About 70% of those surveyed were concerned about the spiralling costs of electricity. This fear is not unfounded. In Ontario alone, a revamp of nuclear cooling towers at the Darlington and Bruce nuclear power stations and the proposed building of two new reactors at the Darlington plant will cost an astounding $33 billion, up from the $6 billion originally quoted for the project. Critics of the project fear that hydro bills will double thanks to the ballooning costs of nuclear energy production. Increases in the cost of living resulted in 72% of those surveyed indicating that saving money, rather than environmental concerns motivated their energy saving home improvements. Only 37% said they wanted to reduce their home’s carbon footprint, while 34% said they wanted to increase the value of their homes.

Renovations That Will Reduce Your Energy Consumption

• The use of energy efficient light bulbs makes an astounding reduction to your energy consumption. If you think that a light bulb uses too little energy to make a difference, use your electricity bill to calculate how much you spend on lighting. This will motivate a trip to the home improvement store for more efficient light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs will no longer be produced in the US as the government attempts to phase in CFLs and LEDs. Several other countries have already implemented these measures and Canada will follow suit in 2012.
• Insulation is the key to saving costs. Most of your home’s energy is consumed by heating and cooling. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation helps to create an envelope that prevents heat transfer. EPS can be utilized in floors, walls and ceilings. SilveRBoard EPS is the leading EPS insulator for new construction and remodelling. SilveRBoard is fitted with a reflective, aluminum foil which aids insulation.
• Replace your heating unit with an energy efficient one. Homes expend up to 50% of their energy in heating. Ensure that AC filters are clean in the summer to optimize energy efficiency.
• Installing solar water heaters is ideal, but if that is beyond your budgetary allowances. Decrease the water temperature from 140ËšF to 120ËšF and save up to 10% on costs.
• Double glazed windows reduce heat transfer by 40 to 50%
• Energy star appliances are energy efficient and well worth the initial investment.