Competition in GTA helps drive demand for energy efficient homes, upgrades Fact: A new home built today uses about one-third as much energy as the identical home built in the mid-1970s. Fact: Older homes are being retrofitted to become more energy efficient as furnaces, windows and other systems are replaced. Fact: In 2010, there were 35 per cent more homes in Canada than in 1990, but the emissions of greenhouse gases from all houses had fallen by nearly 6 per cent — a real achievement! Homeowners have become more aware and educated about saving energy. Whether it’s driven by comfort or by cost-saving, it’s also good for the environment. Canada’s homebuilders have embraced energy efficiency as an essential part of meeting customer expectations in a highly competitive marketplace. Locally, BILD promotes sustainable development and green building practices among its membership. Decluttering tips from organization expert Jill Pollack Through a training partnership with EnerQuality Corporation, more than 400 BILD members have taken courses in building to EnerGuide 80 standards, which is a federal program that rates energy efficiency. Workshops like these and others enable GTA builders to become leaders in embracing new energy efficient technology and building practices. Changes to the Ontario Building Code made last year are a major contributor to energy efficiency in home building in this province. For example, air leaking through a home’s exterior can be a major source of energy and heat loss. If all of the holes, cracks and seams in the typical home built in 1975 were brought together, they would add up to 350 square inches — or a round hole more than 21 inches in diameter. In the same home built to the 2012 Ontario Building Code, the air leakage area would be reduced by more than two thirds. In existing homes, energy efficiency can improve over time as owners repair, replace and renovate. There are some simple improvements that can help save energy and money, such as replacing outdated furnaces, windows or appliances like washers and dryers. With a more involved renovation, a home’s insulation can be upgraded, air leaks can be sealed and more measures can be taken to improve the home’s comfort and performance. Of course every home is different and the cost-effective energy saving potential will vary by house type, age, condition and climate zone in which it is located If you’re on the hunt for a new home, don’t be afraid to ask about energy-efficient aspects and if you’re looking to do a renovation, visit renomark.ca to find a professional renovator in your area who can suggest energy efficient upgrades for your home.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:25:59 +0000
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