March 9, 2017

Think green homes are just trendy urban redevelopment projects? Think again.

Take one Ontario family's new lakeside cottage, which achieved LEED for Homes Platinum certification. Although modestly sized (and not costly), the home utilized 30 new or different technologies and expert craftsmanship. The home itself doesn't look space age, instead it utilizes reclaimed Ontario yellow brick to blend in with the heritage homes in the neighbourhood.

Unlike its neighbors, however, the home boasts electricity generating shingles, frost protected slab on grade construction with a thermal break in the frost wall, pervious concrete driveway and patio, a heat pump water heater, the most advanced ERV available and a rainwater cistern that is used to flush toilets. And of course, the home has enviably low utility bills to match its small environmental footprint.

Building Knowledge seved as the building science and LEED consultant for the project, helping the contractor/home builder identify the best technologies and strategies to achieve their LEED and efficiency goals, but still be financially reasonable.

For builders looking to create homes that achieve LEED, Net Zero, ENERGY STAR or other certifications, Building Knowledge can help create a strategy for success.