BUILDING A GREEN & HEALTHY DREAM HOME

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "BUILDING A GREEN & HEALTHY DREAM HOME"

Shannon Atkinson
6 years ago
Views:

1 BUILDING A GREEN & HEALTHY DREAM HOME By building green you are making a healthy choice for the whole family Building today for tomorrow EVOLUTION OF GREEN WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BUILD GREEN? WHERE DO WE START?

2 Climate change is real, and it is affecting the environment and health of Canadians. The causes of climate change and its impact on the environment and human health are becoming increasingly understood, and increasingly problematic. The Greens on Gardiner is a community that understands green technology and energy efficiency are the way of the future.

3 Housing The Bigger Picture Our housing stock is one of the largest causes of global warming: 21% carbon emissions Our demand for natural resources is quickly rising, beyond our supply Utility prices will continue to rise Houses will need major retrofits! (Plan on it) (Environmental Health Watch, 1980)

4 Building or remodeling a home using available green construction methods, will create a home that: Avoids Risks from Mold, Fire, Insects Reduces Energy Costs by 60 to 75% Costs Less to Own and Operate, Monthly Has Greatly Increased Resale Value Has Dramatically Lower Environmental Impact The concept of green architecture is closely linked to that of the healthy house, which aims for excellent air quality.

5 EVOLUTION OF GREEN 1. SQUEAMISH SKEPTICISM Too much trouble Too costly 2. CAUTIOUS CURIOSITY Perhaps assistance is available Cost-benefit awareness 3. ENTHUSIASTIC ENCOURAGEMENT A claim to fame!

6 WHAT DOES BUILDING GREEN REALLY MEAN? In general, a green home will be one that is designed to use fewer non-renewable resources, and to conserve land, water and energy. You will only stand to gain from following sustainable development principles

7 WHERE DO WE START? Key Factors to Consider: 1. Innovation and design 2. Eco-power (daylighting, energy efficiency) 3. Environmentally friendly materials (divert waste from landfill, use of low VOC paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, carpets and urea formaldehyde free composite woods and insulation) 4. Conserve water (indoor and outdoor) 5. Landscape Design 6. Provide for home owner education 7. Incentives for Green home construction

8 Key Factor 1: INNOVATION AND DESIGN CMHC EQUILIMBRIUM HOUSE Building orientation for solar design Design home for active and passive solar gain 90% of south facing glazing is shaded in summer, unshaded in winter

9 Key Factor 1: INNOVATION AND DESIGN Building Integrated Photovoltaic Technology (BIPV) Chose windows that are both energy efficient and protect the building envelope against wind forces Window locations R40 Walls (including basement), R in attic

Key Factor 2: ENERGY EFFICIENCY Daylighting Daylighting: maximizing natural light through windows, roof windows, skylights, and sunrooms Provide

10 Key Factor 2: ENERGY EFFICIENCY Daylighting Daylighting: maximizing natural light through windows, roof windows, skylights, and sunrooms Provide effective natural lighting to as much living space as possible. While controlling as much as possible heat loss/gain, glare and deterioration/fading of materials.

windows Balance window area with floor mass Design roof overhangs for winter

11 Key Factor 2: ENERGY EFFICIENCY Passive Solar Energy Attic space with BIPV Roof Rear of house facing south for passive and active solar gain South facing windows Balance window area with floor mass Design roof overhangs for winter sun and summer shade based on latitude and window size Design rooms around sun exposure

12 Key Factor 2: ENERGY EFFICIENCY Insulation levels of R in attic Above grade walls insulation levels of R40 Basement walls insulation levels of R40 Basement floor insulation Structural insulated panels Insulated concrete forms Increased insulation at rim joist areas Well sealed building Use of drain water heat recovery system Energy Star appliances Compact fluorescent lamps or LEDs

13 Key Factor 3: ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MATERIALS The use of environmentally friendly materials helps to create a cleaner home environment and lessen your home s carbon footprint Use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds)paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and carpets Urea formaldehyde free composite woods and insulation FSC certified lumber Use of local materials as much as possible

system High efficiency irrigation system Indoor water use

14 Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER Surface water management The Greens BioSwale in park area Water reuse Rainwater harvesting system High efficiency irrigation system Indoor water use (high efficiency fixtures and fittings)...these have become standard

Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER When it rains, water that is not absorbed into the ground, intercepted by vegetation, or evaporated flows in surface waters such as rivers, creeks and lakes.

15 Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER When it rains, water that is not absorbed into the ground, intercepted by vegetation, or evaporated flows in surface waters such as rivers, creeks and lakes. This flow is called runoff. As the runoff flows over the roads and land, it picks up pollutants. Surface water can be polluted through groundwater. Roads are a source of pollution. Oils, grease, construction dirt, trash & cigarette butts wash off roads when it rains Excess fertilizers wash off lawns & gardens when it rains and flow into surface water. Things put into stormdrains and on the street can end up in our rivers, creeks, and lakes SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT (Understanding stormwater runoff)

The vegetation will also decrease the velocity of water flow and in doing so some water will be transpired by plants and other

16 BIOSWALE Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER The Greens BioSwale A Natural Filter PARK ENTRANCE HOW IT WORKS Runoff enters the bioswale and is intercepted by vegetation which in turn will remove silt and pollution. The vegetation will also decrease the velocity of water flow and in doing so some water will be transpired by plants and other water will percolate into the rock reservoir at the bottom of the swale. There will be less water returning into the storm system and what little water does go back will be cleaner.

17 Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER The Greens BioSwale Built BioSwale Preliminary Landscape Plan Built BioSwale

Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER ain gardens brighten up yards and help keep creeks flowing cleanly and smoothly Much of the rain and snowmelt runs off of hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways,

18 Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER ain gardens brighten up yards and help keep creeks flowing cleanly and smoothly Much of the rain and snowmelt runs off of hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways, sidewalks and roads. It flows quickly into underground pipes, then into our creeks, where it can cause flash flooding. Faster moving water also carries more contaminants, which can harm fish habitat. Planning a rain garden is one way to reduce runoff and help prevent flooding, while having fun and improving your yard. Rain gardens feature loose, porous soil that slows down runoff water and filters it. The water gradually moves through the ground and into local creeks, but at a slower rate than water running off pavement or lawns. This slower moving water is less likely to cause flooding, and does not carry as much sediment or chemical contaminants, allowing our creeks to flow more cleanly. With a little planning you can build a rain garden in your own yard that will provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Typically, soil should be replaced with a combination of sand, compost, and topsoil, then planted with tough prairie vegetation that can handle our harsh environment, such as red-twig dogwood, Siberian iris, etc. Rain gardens are easy to build and maintain, and can fit in small yards as well as large ones.

19 Key Factor 4: CONSERVE WATER Rain Barrels Rain Chains Rain Chains RAINWATER HARVESTING

Reduce local heat island effects Locate trees to provide shading for at least 50% of

20 Key Factor 5: LANDSCAPE DESIGN No invasive plants Drought tolerant turf and plants Limit conventional turf Use of mulch & soil amendments Reduce overall irrigation demand by 20% Reduce local heat island effects Locate trees to provide shading for at least 50% of sidewalks, patios, and driveways Use of permeable paving (ie, pavers) Surface water management (stormwater runoff)

Key Factor 6: HOMEOWNER EDUCATION Educate the customer from big to

everywhere Build today for future generations If you want

and seek out a builder who will work with you Ask your prospective

21 Key Factor 6: HOMEOWNER EDUCATION Educate the customer from big to small Work together to learn about the beauty of our environment, everywhere Build today for future generations If you want energy-efficiency you will have to go far beyond the building code and seek out a builder who will work with you Ask your prospective builder for predicted energy costs and energy upgrades and low energy packages. The best choices often involve higher initial capital costs; however, these costs will be quickly recovered through lower operating costs.

22 Key Factor 6: HOMEOWNER EDUCATION Energy Star rated: energy efficiency guidelines that enable new homes to be approximately 30 percent more energy efficient than conventionally built homes. The increased efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners. The specifications that have to be met to earn the ENERGY STAR for New Homes label fall into two main categories - 1) improvements to the envelope and 2) better mechanical systems.

23 Key Factor 6: HOMEOWNER EDUCATION R 2000 certified home: The R-2000 Standard sets out the criteria that a new home must meet in order to be eligible for R-2000 certification. The technical requirements involve three main areas of construction: 1. energy performance, 2. indoor air quality 3. environmental responsibility.

24 Key Factor 6: HOMEOWNER EDUCATION R-2000 and Energy Star homes achieve high energy efficiency targets, only R-2000 requires that homes be built using environmentally friendly and renewable products, and go through the most demanding quality assurance process in the industry. Your R-2000 home will be certified by an independent R-2000 expert throughout every phase of building including before, during and after construction and be registered with Natural Resources Canada as an R-2000 home.

25 Key Factor 6: HOMEOWNER EDUCATION Cost Comparison Average yearly heating cost for home built to the Building Code...$1,800 Average yearly heating cost for R2000 home...up to $1,200 ENERGY STAR new home could save you $800 to $1,000 annually in energy costs* Average yearly heating cost for green home...up to $600 (Based on Factor 9 Home) Water savings for green home per year...up to $488 (Based on Factor 9 Home) -Upgrading an existing building later will cost 3-4 times more than building it right the first time -As energy prices rise, buyers are seeking out and paying a premium for fuel-efficient homes. This trend is just beginning to appear in the real estate market -Building better homes now makes economic and environmental sense and is the responsible thing to do today better homes for us and better homes for our grandchildren and their grandchildren *Based on NRC Hot-2000 energy simulation software

26 Key Factor 7: INCENTIVES FOR GREEN HOME CONSTRUCTION Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers a 10 percent refund on its mortgage loan insurance premium when a borrower buys or builds an energyefficient home. To qualify for this refund, the home's energy efficiency must be rated using the EnerGuide rating system or be R-2000 certified and meet certain minimum requirements. For more information or Genworth Financial Canada through the Energy-Efficient Housing Program, home buyers purchasing an energy-efficient home or refinancing an existing home to make energy-saving renovations with Genworth-insured mortgages are now eligible to receive a 10 per cent premium refund. For more information call m.html

27 Key Factor 7: INCENTIVES FOR GREEN HOME CONSTRUCTION GRANTS AND REBATES Purchasers of new ENERGY STAR qualified or R-2000 certified homes are eligible for a $1,000 rebate, as well as additional rebates for qualifying products. The Province of Saskatchewan offers the PST exemption for qualifying ENERGY STAR residential furnaces, boilers and ENERGY STAR heat pumps. For more information or call or The Province of Saskatchewan offers Sales Tax Exemption for New Energy-Efficient Household Appliances. 7% of the purchase price (e.g., $70 for an appliance costing $1,000). Call , or outside Regina.

28 RESOURCES Saskatchewan Green Directory: Helping Saskatchewan Choose a Better Environment -provides information on green products and suppliers in the area -makes available information on grants and rebates for green products -for more information visit website http// CMHC website: GoGreen Saskatchewan: Click on GoGreen

29 SUSTAINABILITY: Meeting today s needs without jeopardizing the interests of future generations...

2012 Green Homes Tour

2012 Green Homes Tour Sunday, November 4 th 11AM-4PM Tour innovative sustainablydesigned homes throughout San Diego County. All homes feature high performance green design and construction features. Tour includes sustainably