Preparing for your design appointment with your builder will be a very exciting and somewhat challenging task and like everything, requires careful consideration. Some things that may not be included in your new home design package include the impact your new home may have on the natural environment.
Your new sustainably designed home could allow you to consume over 30% less energy & water. When selecting a new neighbourhood be sure that it has been designed to encourage walking & cycling to the convenient nearby amenities, strolling through the planned green spaces that incorporate the natural landscape, or walking the nature trails.
As with Minto's green community, Ampersand, here are some sustainable tips for your consideration:
Programmable Thermostat
Makes it easy for you to save by offering pre-programmed settings that regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter.
Efficient Lighting
If your home is equipped with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), these bulbs have up to 10 times longer life expectancy while consuming less than one-quarter of the energy of their incandescent counterparts.
"All-off" Switch
A simple, convenient lighting control located at your front door can allow for one switch that turns off all fixed lighting and some electrical plugs.
Low Flow Shower Head
Showers can use a large amount of heated water. Specially designed showerheads can be installed to provide a comfortable shower while using up to 40% less water than a standard showerhead.
Dual Flush Toilets
Installing toilets in your home that use dual flush technology allows you to reduce your water consumption. A small flush is only 3 litres; a large flush is 6 litres – that of a conventional low-flush toilet.
ENERGY STAR®-Qualified Windows
Double-pane Low-E argon windows are designed to minimize the effects of the outside climate on the interior temperature. When they are used, the interior climate of a home can be maintained longer before the heater or air conditioning must kick in to readjust the temperature. Unlike traditional, single-pane windows, multi-paned windows provide additional protection against air leakage.
The main benefits of ENERGY STAR®-qualified windows are threefold:
• They lower energy bills while helping the environment: using less energy saves you money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
• They create a comfortable home: better protection from sun, cold and drafts will keep your home comfortable by controlling fluctuations in temperatures.
• They protect your valuables: low-e argon glass acts like sunscreen for your house by keeping out the summer heat and protecting your valuables from harmful ultraviolet light without noticeably reducing visible light.
Low Emitting Materials
Environmentally friendly underlays, hardwood, ceramic flooring and low toxicity paints should be used in order to significantly reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air you breathe.
HRV and Improved Air Circulation
Your home can be uniquely enhanced with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) which will efficiently circulate fresh, filtered outside air outside air throughout your home for improved ventilation and living comfort.
Recycling
Homes can be equipped with convenient built-in kitchen recycling centers for easier waste disposal.
Increased Insulation
Inquire about enhanced insulation in your roof, walls, ceiling and basement floor in order to improve comfort and provide a quiet home for you and your family. This green feature also allows you to conserve energy and lower your monthly utility costs.
Low Impact and Environmentally Friendly Products
Be sure to incorporate construction materials consisting of recycled content and products that are locally manufactured. Non-invasive plant species and drought tolerant sod should be used for landscaping.
