Wood pellet exports double
Nearly $500K for car crash
Mounties won't be charged
Minister defends right to bail
Vise grips as steering wheel
$36M for vaccine injury 
New US rules for airlines 
Historic Trump hearing 
Pig kidney transplant 
Big loss for Boeing 
Metro sales edged higher
Retail sales slip 
Warriors snakebitten in loss
Iginla off to Europe
Rockets ink prospect
Perry teams with Lu Kala
Megan denies harassment
Swift ‘one of the family’
In part 3 of this series, Five of the World’s Greenest Homes, who says sustainable homes and luxury can't go hand in hand. This home, built in Toronto, is a great example of what can be done on a budget more in keeping with average Canadians.
These pre-fabricated homes are built on site saving time, energy, and damage to the landscape. They combine unique architecture with healthy and sustainable construction. This home arrived in pieces by transport trailer and was assembled in less than 3 days and is specially fabricated for the Canadian climate.
With cold weather in mind, insulation is important. Triple paned Argon gas insulated windows and glass sliding doors, R38 closed cell blow in insulation, and R50 roofing insulation all maximized the geothermal technology for heating and cooling. Other popular features include 2,100 square feet of living space in addition to 1,000 in the basement. There is also 1,000 of multi level outdoor living space as well as a unique glass enclosed stair tower that allows natural light.
Finishings are locally manufactured where possible, recycled or recyclable products such as recycled quartz countertops are used, low emitting carpets, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood flooring.
Water is also a consideration and conservation is achieved in this home through low flow, high efficiency and high-end plumbing fixtures, an on-demand hot water heating system, a rainwater catchment system and grey water recycling. The tight building envelope includes brick, FSC certified siding and fiber cement composite to help keep out the moisture.
This home will be seeking the highest LEED certification possible. Other homes in this project have achieved gold and platinum LEED certification which is available in Canada from the Canada Green Building Council.
We can all do our part for the planet. In Kelowna there are many resources and companies available to help guide you through a GREEN build or renovation for your real estate. Call Paige Guernsey on her direct line at 250-862-6464 for your green housing questions today. Last month's feature home can be found here with more pictures. 5 WORLD'S GREENEST HOMES.
Paige Guernsey is a local Kelowna realtor with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty. Ranked globally in sales year after year, Paige will be able to help you negotiate the road to successful home ownership.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
