Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are one of the most sustainable and efficient materials from which to build a home or business. The insulation that the EPS exterior and concrete interior affords your home, make it up to 50% more energy efficient than conventional constructions. Just when you thought that ICF technology could not get any more efficient, enter the bermed ICF home. Bermed or earth-sheltered homes are partially buried beneath 4 feet or more of earth. The temperatures below the frost line are a cosy 13 to 14 degrees Celsius which cools the home in the summer, and keeps it snug and warm in the winter. You don’t have to be a hobbit to live in a bermed home, but you can benefit from the HVAC savings, have a safer and sturdier home and you will never have to clean out the gutters again.
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Is work making you sick?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) refers to a collection of symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritation of the eyes, nose, skin and throat, neurotoxin reactions and allergies among others, that are caused by a lack of adequate building ventilation. Respiratory illnesses can also result from SBS including edema, coughing, congestion, occupational asthma, chest pain and shortness of breath. The most commonly reported SBS symptoms are lethargy (57%), blocked noses (46%), headaches (46%) and trouble breathing (9%). SBS will lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and job satisfaction and high staff turnover. Up to 30% of new buildings can cause sick building syndrome in occupants.
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The heat beneath your feet that’s clean and renewable

Geothermal energy is heat that comes from the earth. Geothermal (often confused with earth coupled, ground-sourced and ground-loop systems) is a clean, renewable source of energy utilized for generating electricity. Primordial heat and radioactive decay are responsible for the earth’s inherent toastiness. Primordial heat is a result of the collision of cosmic proportions which created the earth some 4.5 billion years ago. The cooled outer layer of the earth acts as insulation for its molten core. Some of the earth’s elements are radioactive and they release heat as they slowly decay, adding to the earth’s geothermal cache. The earth’s temperature increases with depth at a rate of about 30°C/km. You don’t have to live on a volcano to take advantage of the earth’s heat, you just have to drill baby, drill (but in a good way.)
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A carbon-free Christmas for one and all

Just when the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving has finally been consumed and the dry ice-induced Halloween fog has subsided, it’s time to start planning for the silly season. This year, we would like to encourage you to think about the carbon footprint of your Christmas festivities. There is, indeed, much to think about. When you consider the carbon footprint of the turkey, which travels up to 1500 km to reach your table, the planting, harvesting, transporting and disposal of your Christmas tree, the energy consumed by your legendary lighting display in addition to the traveling of loved ones as they fly, drive and train to you and your homemade eggnog, it’s enough to give you indigestion.
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Designing a zero energy house (ZEH) is a complex procedure. A properly functioning ZEH is like a well composed concerto; all systems need to be working seamlessly together to create a masterpiece. The most important requirements include a well insulated building envelope, efficient HVAC, a reliable source of renewable energy and energy efficient appliances. All of these components must work together to create a home that is healthy and produces as much energy as it consumes. Here are 7 tips to designing a ZEH so harmonious, it would make Mozart proud. Read more