Enerquality, a major certifier of energy efficient home and Enbridge teamed up to host a workshop in Almonte for builders, contractors and municipal staff focused on energy-efficient construction and retrofits. Led by Building Knowledge president Gord Cooke, the session highlighted code changes, new technology and best practices for creating healthier, more efficient homes.
Cooke also outlined the evolution of Canada’s building codes, noting energy standards were added in 2010 and adopted in Ontario in 2012.
Since then, energy use has dropped sharply—homes built today use about half the energy of those from the 1990s, with heating demands also significantly reduced.
He covered new trends in insulation, air-barriers, window technology, and construction methods designed to improve efficiency as well as a home’s indoor environment.
Local builder Mark Tritton of the Lanark Design/Build Group believes what he learned at the workshop can deliver true value to home buyers.
Cooke spent time explaining the operation and benefits of heat-pumps noting that the growth of this segment of home heating and air-conditioning is set to relegate stand-alone AC units to the junkyard as major AC producers are planning for phase-outs of AC production.
That was good news for Joe Hartgerink of Bangs Fuels, whose company has been specializing in them for some time.
Cooke told his audience to stop fretting over vapour barriers and instead focus on air-barriers; a key to reducing condensation with increased insulation. He noted that in cold Canadian climates, air leakage brings warm wet air into the walls leading to structural damage.
As he said, water always wins. Casey Grey of the Conscious Builder, a creator of high-end efficient homes for years, said he learned something new about these crucial systems.
Carbon reduction is set to be introduced into the National Building Code as regulators look for ways to reduce home energy impacts on climate change. That was good news for Rachel Everett-Grey, a member of Climate Network Lanark.
Cooke says the key to getting the right home is to choose a builder who believes in continuing education.
With programs such as EnergyStar, R-2000 Netzero Homes and Passivehouse Canada, and improved builds, heating is expected to only consume 15% of home energy needs in the future and help builders meet home buyers’ top must-haves of high-efficiency windows, energy-efficient appliances, and overall energy-efficient homes.
Story by Brian Turner
