Currently the country leading the way in photovoltaic energy production is Germany, but with climbing energy prices, many countries are soon to follow with incentives to use this renewable energy source. Investors in the United States began offering free installation in 2006 in return for an agreement with the owner to sell the investor back the power generated at a fixed rate for the next 25 years. This has been a major driving force and the more popular they get, the cheaper the systems become. 

The benefits of using this renewable energy source are many, but the biggest factor by far is the sheer quantity of energy that hits the earth as light. There is approximately 89,000 terawatts (TW) of power constantly beaming down on the earth at any given time. The terawatt is equal to one trillion (10¹²) watts. The total power used by humans worldwide (about 16 TW in 2006) is commonly measured in this unit. We would have absolutely no problem sustaining all of human kind on this kind of power for many years to come. Solar electrical generation has the highest power density of any renewable energy source. Solar power plants also require little unskilled maintenance to maintain, which is significantly lower for operating costs. 

The most common solar cell found today is very inefficient. However, some breakthroughs have happened that will have an impact on the future of photovoltaic technology. The average photovoltaic cell today only captures about 12 to 18% of the total energy that actually hits the cell. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States has manufactured photovoltaic cells that are up to 43.5% efficient. Boing and Sharp have also developed photovoltaic cells that are 40% and 35% efficient respectively. The main obstacle that hinders the adoption of photovoltaic power is that the sun does not shine every day, yet the sun does shine every day “somewhere”. The future of photovoltaic power will depend on reliable networks of power plants. Further into the future, there is limitless energy available in space for photovoltaic power plants. The challenge is the cost of getting them into space. 

As photovoltaic power grows in popularity it will become affordable for everyone. It will happen sooner or later, depending on certain catalysts like government incentives and/or private investment. The sheer quantity of power available from the sun is undeniable. The technology for these photovoltaic systems is improving rapidly and is only in its early stages of development.

As stated on the Go Green Saskatchewan website, “about 40 per cent of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This is known as phantom or stand-by power. Some stand-by power is necessary. For example, it's why your television is ready to detect signals from your remote control when you turn it on. But, keep in mind this means your TV can draw power even when it's not on.”

Appliances and electronics that draw phantom power include:

• any appliance with a digital interface or clock
• microwave, coffee maker, DVD player, VCR
• anything that relies on DC power
• any device that has a remote control
• stereo, television cable box
• battery chargers

Devices unlikely to draw phantom power include:

• any appliance that has a mechanical switch that closes an electronic circuit in order to work
• overhead lights, lamps, and many kitchen appliances like mixers or toasters

How to turn off phantom power 

One great option to eliminate stand-by power, especially at night, is to operate your whole entertainment centre using a power bar. At the VerEco House, we use the Belkin model that turns of and on using a remote switch.

The VerEco House also has a continuous circuit. This is a circuit that connects several outlets throughout the house to a switch located in a convenient location. Items plugged into the outlets connected to the switch can have the power turned on and off easily and the homeowner will save on phantom energy. 

Installing a continuous circuit is something you should get your electrician to do. Here are two websites that explain the process. 

How to wire multiple outlets and a light on the same circuit

Wiring Diagrams

Whatever method you use to cut back on phantom power, there are a variety of options that make it easy and convenient.

When looking for windows, here is some important information to keep in mind.  

Window Types

There are 5 different types of windows typically used today. They include Casement Windows, Awnings, Hoppers, Sliders, and Hung type windows. All of these window types are not created equal and the pros and cons:

Casement windows are hinged at the sides. These windows have a much lower AL rate than a slider or hung windows because it closes against the frame, making a good seal. Casement windows also provide much better ventilation because the window opens outwards, and is capable of catching the passing breeze and directing it into the house.  Casement windows can also open entirely, where as sliders and hung windows are limited to less than half of the window’s total surface area. 

Awnings are windows that are hinged at the top, and open outwards. The performance of this window is identical to a casement window, with two exceptions being that it does not catch the breeze as well, but is much better at preventing rain from getting in.

Hoppers are windows that are hinged at the bottom and open outwards. The performance of this window is identical to a casement or awning window. These windows don’t catch the breeze or prevent rain from getting in, however because of their angle, they are much less likely to give off any harsh glare from the sun.

Slider windows are made up of two or more windowpanes inside individual frames called sashes that slide freely to the left or right. These windows have higher AL because they do not seal against the window frame, they seal by overlapping the sashes, which does not work very well. The only advantage of these windows is that their design is simple, requiring no mechanical parts, and is typically cheaper to make.

Hung windows are identical to slider windows but instead of sliding to the left and right, they slide up and down. These windows are slightly more dangerous than any other windows. Poorly designed hung windows, if not carefully closed or properly locked in place when opened, may fall down which could break the glass or cause injury, most commonly to fingers.

Window Terminology

Here are some common terms you should know when when window shopping:

• U-factor -  Thermal conductivity.  (lower is less/better)
• SHGC - Solar heat gain coefficient.
• VT - Visible light transmitted. (in or out of the house)
• AL - Air Leakage. (less is better)

Glazing  

A window glaze is a film added to the glass pane in your window on the side facing outwards. This is done to improve the performance of your windows in terms of excess heat gain or loss, (lower U-factor) reduction of glare given off by the window, to modify the window’s VT, or simply to change its appearance in terms of colour.

Gas Fills

A gas fill is a heavy gas with a low U-factor that is placed into the gaps between a window’s panes before the window is sealed. The purpose of a gas fill is to eliminate or reduce any convection currents that would otherwise occur in a regular air filled window, which leads to a lower U-factor. Argon and Krypton are most commonly used for gas fills. These gasses are inert and completely non-toxic. Argon is much cheaper than krypton, however, krypton has better thermal performance.

Low-E Coatings

A low-emittance (low-E) coating is made up of a microscopically thin layer of metal or metallic oxide. This coating is applied on the surface of the glass facing into the gap between the window’s panes, and so, can be used in conjunction with regular glazing. This coating reduces heat loss between the panes of glass in the window itself via thermal radiation, ultimately lowering the window’s U-factor. There are low-E coatings designed for high solar gain, moderate solar gain and low solar gain. Higher solar gain is better for cold climates, and low solar gain is better for hot climates. The purpose of this coating is, when used in conjunction with regular glazing, to allow for a better U-factor for the window yet still have a high SHGC, or vice versa. This coating is invisible to the naked eye.

Frames

Window frames represent anywhere from 10% to 30% of the total surface area of a window, so how they are made is an important thing to consider. The most common frame types are metal, metal with a thermal break, non-metal frames (wood) and thermally improved non-metal frames (insulated vinyl, fiberglass, or engineered thermoplastics). Generally speaking, metal frames have the highest U-factor, wood is better, but the best by far is an insulated non-metal and non-wood design.

Spacers

Spacers are the small bars that hold the windowpanes in a window at the correct distance from each other. These bars are usually around the perimeter of the windowpane. In some, though very few, windows today aluminum is still used as the actual material for a spacer because of its structural properties.  However, aluminum has a very high U-factor so it’s something to watch out for when shopping for, or designing windows. Aluminum’s high U-factor creates rapidly changing surface temperatures on the spacer itself. It can also cause condensation to occur around the edge of the windowpane, which lowers the window’s overall U-factor. More recently window manufacturers are experimenting with much better options such as extruded vinyl, fiberglass and thermoplastics.

For more information on purchasing energy efficient windows, visit the Natural Resources Canada website.

We can use passive solar energy in a number of different ways. By designing and situating a home with larger windows facing south, we can collect the suns energy to warm our house during the colder months of the year. We can also use materials within our home that will soak up that energy and slowly radiate it over time. These heat absorbing materials are called a thermal mass and can keep our home’s heating and cooling costs down.

Thermal mass materials such as concrete, stone, brick or water have the ability to store energy and release that energy back into the living space. In the winter months, the house is designed to allow the maximum sun into the home. The sun's energy heats the home and the thermal mass absorbs the heat. In the evening when the sun is gone, the thermal mass radiates the heat back into the home.  In the summer, the home is designed to work the opposite. Window shadings keep the sun out of the home. At night the thermal mass cools down and during the day it absorbs heat to keep the home cool.  A passive solar thermal mass should be well designed and installed balancing glazing with the thermal storage mass.  As a rule, you will need your south facing window area to be about 10% of your floor area.

The VerEco Home on exhibit at the Western Development Museum uses concrete blocks as the thermal mass. Each block measure 12” x 24” and is 1 1/4” thick. The concrete blocks are located in the kitchen, dining room, living room and the south bedroom/office. Weighing 15 lbs/square foot with a total space off 600 square feet, the VerEco house has over 10,000 lbs. of thermal mass. 

A well designed solar home can hold an interior temperature between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius balancing the square footage of glass (solar collectors) and the right amount of effective thermal storage mass. In the summer, a shaded thermal mass will keep rooms cool. 

Learning more about solar thermal mass and passive solar design is as easy as logging on to the internet and doing a google search. 

How it works

Each element has a magnetic coil beneath the surface. These coils generate a magnetic field that induct a warming reaction in steel or iron pots and pans when the element is turned on. Only the pot gets hot, not the surface of the cooktop. This means the temperature of your kitchen will not be affected as much when preparing meals.   Since cooking time is reduced, the amount of power needed is also reduced.

Cost

Costs vary for induction cooktops and there is something available for almost any budget. Kenmore cooktops start at $1499.99, Miele cooktops start at $2,999.99, the LG 30” induction cooktop sells for $1978.20 at Home Depot and Electrolux models start at $1799.  If a new cooktop is not in your budget but you would like to try induction, a portable unit may be an affordable option. Both one burner and two burner models are available. Sears sells a Frigidaire® one-burner unit for $169.97. These units are handy. They can easily be stored when not in use and would work well at the cottage too. For those not wanting to purchase a new appliance, this is an affordable option.

When purchasing new appliances, always make sure to review the product information and consumer reviews to make sure the product will fit in with your existing electrical connections. 

What Is ENERGY STAR®?

Promoted by the  Natural Resources Canada (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency, ENERGY STAR® is the international symbol of premium energy efficiency. Products that display the ENERGY STAR® logo have been tested and found to meet or exceed higher energy efficiency levels without compromising performance.

This symbol can be found on many appliances sold in Canada including major household appliances. 

The Government of Saskatchewan’s Go Green program has a number of incentives to help Saskatchewan citizens go green in their day-to-day lives. For example, there is a PST exemption on all ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances, furnaces, boilers, ground and air source heat pumps. When making your purchase, your heating contractor or appliance retailer will not charge you PST on this equipment.

Remember, lower annual energy consumption results in lower power bills. How you use and maintain your appliances will also affect its performance, so look for energy saving and maintenance tips in the user's guide.

When researching and  comparing household appliances, the  Natural Resources Canada (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency website has a wealth of information. Here you will find the average annual energy consumption chart, an energy cost calculator for new appliances, life expectancy of ENERGY STAR® appliances, information on how to recycle old appliances, and more.

 The Bosch refrigerator (model B22CS80SNS) in the VerEco house uses about 539 kWh/year and aproximately $59 of power. The KitchenAid (model KUDC20CVSS4) dishwasher uses approximately 313 kWh/year which works out to about $33 of power.

To get the best use of your ENERGY STAR® appliances, make sure they are installed properly and read the manuals so you know how to operate them. 

Did you know that clothes dryers, ranges and cooktops do not qualify for the ENERGY STAR® label? You can still reduce energy consumption. Here are some tips on how:

Energy saving tips for clothes dryers:

•  Use the moisture sensor option if available. Many new clothes dryers come designed with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry. This feature saves energy and wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.
•  Clean the lint filter. Cleaning the filter after every load will improve air circulation and increase the efficiency of the dryer. It is also an important safety measure.
•  Scrub the lint filter regularly if you use dryer sheets. Dryer sheets leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow. Over time this can affect the performance of the motor. Use a toothbrush to scrub it clean once a month.

Energy saving tips for clothes washers:

• Wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible. To save water, wash full loads or, if you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
• Hot water heating accounts for about 90 percent of the energy your machine uses to wash clothes - only 10 percent goes to electricity used by the washer motor.
• Depending on the clothes and local water quality (hardness), wash clothes in cold water, using cold water laundry detergents. Switching to cold water can save the average household more than $40 annually (with an electric water heater) and more than $30 annually (with a gas water heater).
• Washing full loads can save you more than 3,400 gallons of water each year.

Energy saving tips for dishwashers: 

• Rinsing dishes can use up to 20 gallons of water before the dishes are even loaded. Save yourself the rinsing and just scrape food off dishes. ENERGY STAR® label qualified dishwashers and today's detergents are designed to do the cleaning so you don't have to.
• If your dirty dishes sit overnight, use your dishwasher's rinse feature. It uses a fraction of the water needed to hand rinse.
• Dishwashers use about the same amount of energy and water regardless of the number of dishes inside, so run full loads whenever possible.
• Select the no-heat drying option. It gives good drying results with less energy.

Energy saving tips for microwaves:

• Use your microwave or toaster oven to reheat or cook small portions.
• Reduce up to 80% cooking energy by using a microwave for small portions. This also helps save on air conditioning costs in summer, since less heat is generated when compared to using your stove or oven.

Energy saving tips for ranges:

• Use the right sized pot on stove burners. A 6" pot on an 8" burner wastes over 40 percent of the burner's heat. Cover pots and pans to keep heat in.
• Using the right sized pot on stove burners can save about $36 annually for an electric range, or $18 for gas. Covering pots and pans also helps you cook more efficiently and keeps your kitchen cooler.
• Have a gas range? Keep the burners clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Blue flames mean good combustion; yellow flames mean service may be needed to ensure the gas is burning efficiently.

Energy saving tips for refrigerators:

• Keep your refrigerator at 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place your fridge in a cool place away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
• Allow air circulation behind the fridge.
• Keep the condenser coils clean if you have an older model. Read the user's manual to learn how to safely clean coils. Coil cleaning brushes can be purchased at most hardware stores.
• Make sure the refrigerator seals around the door are airtight. If not, replace them.
• Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.

For more information on ENERGY STAR®, visit the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency.

It is common for a standard single dwelling home to lose energy in their homes. The following shows where the most heat loss occurs:

• 25% of heat is lost through the roof,
• 35% through the wall,
• 15% through doors and air leakages
• 10% through windows, and
• 15% through the foundation or basement

This will vary from house to house and depends on the age and size of your home and if you’ve made any upgrades.

Air leakage areas in a home exist in several places. These include, ducting, vent hoods, windows, doors, every electrical outlet, light switch, to name a few.  If you know where these exist, chances are you should be able to fix them and make your home more energy efficient.

Most homes have more insulation in the attic than the walls. A standard house will have R20 in the walls and R40 in the attic. This is because there is more space in the attic and since insulation is affordable, we add more in the attic. Many people believe that hot air rises which is why we add more insulation in the attic thinking it will cut down on heat loss. The truth is, hot air travels the same in all directions. Heat loss per square foot through a wall is the same as through an attic that has the same R value. Most homes are constructed with 2” x 6” studs every 16” on centre with R20 fiberglass insulation in-between. The structural members that support the frame do not have the same R value as the insulation. These are conductors, not insulators. This is where we get thermal bridging. The VerEco House has a double wall structure with R60 insulation and no thermal bridging.

What should a homeowner do when updating a home to make it more energy efficient? 

Most people replace their windows but this is not always the best option. Having an energy audit done by the Sun Ridge Group will help homeowners make the right decisions on upgrades.  Sun Ridge evaluations cover all aspects of the home and make recommendations based on their testing for air leaks, insulation, mechanical equipment, ventilation, hot water heater and furnace efficiencies.  Evaluations show where the most energy loss is so homeowners know where to begin.

All homes are rated based on the Energy Rating System (ERS), a standard system that is used in Canada. An energy efficient evaluation report will rate a home on a scale from 0 to 100.  It will give two scores: the low score is what the house is currently at and the higher score is what is achievable if the recommendations for retrofitting the home are made. 

The Sun Ridge Group also provides homeowners with an Energy Savings Summary. The summary explains the amount of savings resulting from the upgrade.  For example, if a R10 rigid insulation is added to all the exterior walls of a house, a homeowner could save an average $247/year in heating & cooling costs and qualify for a grant. It is a good idea to base your decisions on the amount of energy costs you will be saving over the years and not the amount of the grant money available. This will help you decide what renovations will work best for you over the long term.

In addition, make sure you know that some fixes could lead to problems down the road.  For example, if a homeowner upgrades their furnace and their windows they may find more condensation on their windows. A well sealed house needs ventilation and air circulation. An air exchange unit will help improve the air quality and humidity levels in the home.

In order to qualify for the grants, homeowners must have an evaluation done first.        Evaluations done by the Sun Ridge Group cost $300. This is subsidized by the Government of Saskatchewan by 50% so the cost to the homeowner is $150 plus GST. It is well worth the investment because homeowners will learn what upgrades should be done first and the cost benefits to them from this investment.

For the latest information on grants and incentives, visit the Sun Ridge Group website. SaskEnergy has current grant information on their website as well.

Rinnai, a leader in the gas appliance industry, is based in Japan. They manufacture gas powered appliances, water heaters, boilers, furnaces, cooking products and dryers. Rinnai has 8600 employees world wide and is one of the largest manufacturers of gas appliances.

Rinnai’s North American distribution center is located in Peachtree City, GA. Rinnai North America is one of the few gas appliance manufacturers with its own CSA certified testing laboratory with CSA accredited lab technicians. The company has been manufacturing water heating products since the 1960s. With their state-of-the-art technology and quality, they have earned the reputation as industry leader in tankless water heaters and control half of America’s market share.

Benefits of tankless water heaters include:

• cost savings to the customer that may include product and installation costs and monthly operating savings,
• endless hot-water supply,
• product longevity and warranty,
• environmental benefits, and
• space savings.

Comparisons: 

The Rinnai tankless water heater RL75 or RL94 units can heat 240 gallons of water per hour. This is based on a 77 F temperature, 34,000 BTU input. When compared to a gas tank water heater, you would need 6 - 40 gallon tanks to match the same output. You would need 10 - 40 gallon electric tanks to match the same output.

Rinnai tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. Twice that of a traditional tank. This means less waste materials will end up in the landfill. If there is an issue with a product, all tankless water heater parts are field replaceable.

Rinnai offers one of the best warranties available and is the only major tankless manufacturer that offers round-the-clock technical support. Even during major holidays.

Technicians installing Rinnai products are well trained and Rinnai offers multiple layers of product training. Installers are trained at their lab facility, hands-on training in the field, and web-based product knowledge and installation training sessions keep all their technicians up-to-date. A database on installers and service technicians keeps Rinnai informed of the amount of training all their installers and authorized service providers have taken. Rinnai has over 20,000 technicians and installers throughout North America.

Condensing water heaters

When heating water using natural gas, the goal is to get as much heat from the flame into the water. The more heat that a water heater can transfer into the water, the higher the efficiency and energy factor of the product. The result is a savings in gas consumption. Any leftover heat that doesn’t make it into the water will escape into the atmosphere through the vent system. A non-condensing Rinnai tankless water heater transfers about 83% of the heat into the water. A condensing water heater has a heat exchanger specially designed to transfer virtually all of the heat into the water. As this happens, the exhaust temperature drops drastically - to the point where the moisture in the exhaust begins to condense. Any excess moisture will drain.

Operating costs of water heaters vary. Rinnai’s condensing tankless heaters can save a homeowner up to 66% when compared with electrical water heaters. The following chart describes how:

Cost of usage based on the average use for a home of 64.3 gallons/day.

Venting is an important part of installation and operations of the unit. Rinnai uses a unique polypropylene vent that is specially designed for their products. The polypropylene material for exhausts is a proven and reliable venting technology that has been used in Europe for many years. The positive fit and lock allows for installation assurance. The two layers of pipe equals two layers of protection. There are engineered seals at every joint and they expand and contract with weather and temperature changes so there is no flexing or cracking in the venting. There are no flammable, messy or harmful glues, cements or solvents used and concentric venting allows zero clearance from combustibles.

Rinnai products are EnergyStar rated. This means they save energy and the environment.

For more information on tankless water heaters, visit Rinnai’s website and watch all five segments in this expert series.

Federal and provincial programs

The federal government energy rating system (ERS) has existed for a number of years. This system is available for both existing and new houses and rates homes on a scale of 0 to 100. This is a point system, not a percentage system. Energy efficient homes will rate 80 points or higher. The rating is analyzed using a program developed by the federal government called Hot 2000.

There are four programs for new homes:

1. EnerGuide for New Homes
2. Energy Star for New Homes
3. R-2000,  and
4. LEED for new homes 

Homes that are energy efficient will have the following in place:

• An HRV (heat recovery ventilation system). This mechanical equipment exhausts stale air from the house while bringing in fresh air. The warm air being exhausted transfers heat to the fresh air coming into the house. The equipment is 60% to 80% efficient and improves the air quality in the home. Most homes have exhaust only fans for ventilation but they do not bring in fresh air from outdoors.
• Heating systems. Most houses in Saskatchewan use gas furnaces. High efficiency furnaces will work better than older models and can save a homeowner money in heating costs.
• Hot water heaters. Most hot water heaters use natural gas. If these are vented properly, they can operate more effectively.  
• Properly sealed duct work. To cut down on air leakages, all ductwork should be properly seals.
• Water saving appliances and plumbing fixtures. The less water used, the less impact on the hot water heating system and the environment.
• Reduction of thermal bridging. Thermal bridging is created when materials that are poor thermal insulators (ie. studs) come into contact, allowing heat to flow through the path of least thermal resistance. Foam insulation on outside walls, SIPs and ICFs reduce thermal bridging.
• Upgraded basement wall insulation. 
• Upgraded ceiling insulation.livepage.apple.com
• EnergyStar rated windows and doors.
• Reduced air leaks.
• Energy efficient lighting and EngeryStar rated appliances.
• Third party verification.

Energy Star Qualified Homes

Only Energy Star trained and licensed builders can build Energy Star qualified houses. Only trained and licensed R-2000 builders can build R-2000 houses. Any house can be rated for the EnerGuide program and do not need to be build by a trained and licensed builder. 

Benefits of Energy Star homes:

1. Lower ownership costs. Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating.  Homeowners could save $200 to $400 per year. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial. Financing your home purchase using an ENERGY STAR Mortgage or an energy efficient mortgage can also lead to savings. Learn more about Mortgage Lending Programs.
2. Better Performance. Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.
3. Smart investment. To date, more than 8,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct more than 1 million ENERGY STAR qualified homes. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.
4.  Environmental Protection. Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

When building a registered energy efficient home, there are two paths to consider: EnerGuide for new homes (EGNH) or Energy Star qualified builder training.

EnerGuide for new homes is for owners and builders located in Saskatchewan. Benefits include: a pre-construction consolation and plan analysis with the Sun Ridge Group, labeling and registration in the NRCan database of energy efficient homes, and owners are eligible for SK government rebates.

Energy Star rated homes must be built by a trained and licensed builder. The benefits of owning an Energy Star rated home are:

• builders are trained and certified in energy efficient housing construction,
• labeling and registration in the NRCan database of energy efficient homes, and
• buyers of Energy Star rated homes are eligible for SK government rebates

LEED Certification for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources. It also creates less waste and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. LEED Canada for Homes rating system measures the overall performance of the home in the following categories:

• innovation and design,
• location and community,
• site sustainability,
• water efficiency,
• energy and atmosphere,
• materials and resources,
• indoor environmental quality, and 
• awareness and education.

Both federal and provincial rebate programs change periodically. To learn more about the most current programs available, visit Natural Resources Canada, SaskEnergy, or the Sun Ridge Group.

Learn more about energy efficient homes by watching all six segments of this expert series.

There are two different type of green roofs; extensive and intensive. 

Extensive roofs:

• have a shallow growing medium of 4 to 20 cm
• are lightweight
• may not require irrigation
• have a restrictive plant palette
• are low maintenance
• usually are not accessible, and
• are self sustaining

Intensive roofs:

• require a deep growing medium
• are heavy and need irrigation
• can support all types of vegetation
• are high maintenance and more expensive
• are easier to access, and
• may provide amenity space

The benefits of green roofs are many:

• They provide space to manage storm-water and allow rainfall to absorb into the soil like a sponge and let it slowly drain. With conventional roofs, rainfall is drained into the sewer system immediately. This could put pressure on the systems during a heavy rainfall.
• Green roofs improve the thermal performance of a building. In the summer, they reduce the heat flow through the roof which helps keep the building cooler.
• Membrane protection allows the rooftops to last longer. 

In Saskatchewan, green roofs were common when the pioneers first settled on the prairies. Homes with sod roofs were cooler in the summer and may have helped keep out some of the water during a rainfall. 

Today there are a number of green roof projects in the province. The T Rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, SK, U of S Dentistry building test plots, the U of S College of Law, the Lab Addition at the U of R and the edible rooftop garden at the Pinnacle condominium building in downtown Saskatoon.

If a rooftop garden is to survive our harsh climate, it should have native plants that are hardy. A number of plants that grow well and are able to survive the winter conditions include:

1. Antennaria rosea (rosy pussytoes). This native plant is slow growing and will spread to 19 cm in the second season.
2. Artemisia frigida (pasture sage). This rapid growing native plant spreads to 66 cm in the second season of growth but tends to get patchy after three years of growth.
3. Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) is a rapid growing native plant that spreads to 30 cm in the second season of growth and is a warm season grass.
4. Koeleria cristata (prairie junegrass) is a native rapid growing grass that spreads to 30 cm in the second season of growth and is a cool season perennial bunchgrass.
5. Sedum ewersi (Ewer’s stonecrop). This slow growing plant spreads to 15 cm in the second season.
6. Sedum hybridum (evergreen stonecrop) is a rapid growing plant that spreads to 33 cm in second season.
7. Sedum floriferum (Weihenstephaner Gold) is a rapid growing plant that spreads to 32 cm in second season.
8. Sedum Kamtschaticum (Variegatum). A moderate growth plant that will spread to 24 cm in the second season of growth.
9. Sedum pluricaule, a slow growing plant that spreads to 19 cm in the second season.

Base materials for rooftops can vary. There are special formulated materials that may include red shale and a volcanic material. Often the base material is something that is lightweight or porous. 

Rooftop layers differ from project to project. The U of S College of Law building is composed of the following:

• First layer: a drainage layer made of corrugated plastic,
• Second layer: a retention layer that also contains the irrigation system, 
• Third layer: root barrier, and the 
• Fourth layer: soil or plant medium. 

When it rains, water is absorbed in the growing medium and some may go down into the retention layer. The excess will drain through to the drainage layer where it will end up in the storm system.

Modern rooftop gardens are still new to the province. To fully understand and the benefits, more research is needed. This will allow for the testing of local materials to see how well they survive, training and experience for construction and maintenance of systems and the development of economical systems so they can become more affordable.

For more details on green rooftops in Saskatchewan, watch all four segments in this expert series video.

Homeowners have different needs when it comes to lighting. If they have high ceilings, replacing lightbulbs may not be something they want to do on a regular basis. LED lights may be a good solution for both homes and businesses. In addition to saving money on electrical costs, LED lights will last longer, reduce green house gas emissions because less electricity is needed, and there is less waste going to the landfill.

In todays world a lot of energy spent on lighting. We need lighting for our homes, businesses, schools and also for outdoor security. The most common type of lighting used in the past few years has been incandescent lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes. CFLs have been another popular choice and now LED lightbulbs are starting to  see a surge in popularity.

The incandescent lightbulb was invented in 1879. It will be phased out of production in 2012 and some countries have already banned them. Fluorescents and CFLs do not require as much power as a regular incandescent bulb, however CFLs have been getting some negative attention lately. For the most part these types of lightbulbs are fine, but people with skin sensitivities could get a rash from the exposure if too close to the light.

Up to 90% of expired CFLs usually end up in landfills instead of being disposed of properly. This is causing serious environmental damage because each bulb contaminates 1500 gallons of drinking water. Because it is not convenient to dispose of CFLs, most people choose to toss them in the garbage, but there are better solutions. In Saskatoon, a number of businesses such as Home Depot will recycle and dispose of your CLF bulb properly.

Clean-up procedures for broken CFL bulbs in your home are extensive. The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States  recommends the following:

Before cleanup:

• have people and pets leave the room
• avoid the breakage area on the way out
• open a window or door to the outdoors and leave the room for 5 to 10 minutes
• shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system
• collect materials you will need to clean up the broken bulb that include:
  • stiff paper or cardboard
  • sticky tape (ie. duct tape)
  • damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces)
  • glass jar with a metal lid or sealable plastic bag/s

This is only the start so make sure to review the complete list of instructions on the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States website.

LED Lighting

LED lights are a solid state device that make use of light-emitting diodes. They are built using the same technology as televisions, radios and computers. 

White LEDs are based on blue LEDs. To accomplish white, a phosphor cover is placed over the blue part. This causes the phosphor to get excited and gives us the full spectrum of what we perceive. The more coating put on, the greater the color temperature.

LEDs are full spectrum of color close to what our eye sensitivity is. Some people do not like LED lights for this reason and they find the color of the light difficult to adjust to. The good news is, not all LED lights are the same and there are products available that produce good quality light.

Shopping for LED lights 

Many people buy their lights based on color temperature. This is based on the Kelvin Scale. Choosing the right LED lights for a home can be challenging. Until you make the purchase and install the bulb, it is difficult to be sure of the light quality and how it will work in a room.

Suncap Energy, a local Saskatoon business that will come to your home, show you several different types of bulbs and let you try them. If you are investing in lighting that will last you 50,000 hours, you want to make sure you make the right purchase.

LED brightness

LED bulbs should be chosen by the lumens, not the watts.  The watts will tell you how much energy the lightbulb uses but not how bright it is. As LED lightbulb technology changes, newer lightbulbs are being produced that give brighter light for less power. The packaging should explain the lumens produced by the bulb.

Lifespan 

The lifespan of incandescent lightbulbs is determined by the amount of times the bulb is turned on and off.  Every time it is turned on, a surge of power goes through the bulb. So the more it is turned on, the faster it will burn out. CFLs have the same issue. CFLs should last 5000 to 10,000 hours but do not. In addition, they are not designed to operate as effectively when the screw-in part is in a ceiling and they are hanging upside down. They will last longer though if in a lamp where they are standing upright. This is because they generate a lot of heat when turned on.

Most LED lights will last up to 50,000 hours. The maximum temperature reached is 65 C and the electronic components of the lightbulb can handle this. They will work well outdoors in cold temperatures too.

If you are looking to reduce your power bills and generate less green house gas emissions, changing your lights to LED might be a good solution for you. Remember to do your homework and learn all you can about LED lighting. For more information on types of lights available, watch all segments in this expert series.

Here is a list of things to consider when purchasing items for your home:

• Is the item locally sold, sourced or produced?
• How much toxicity of off gassing is there? 
• Is it from reused, reclaimed or repurposed sources?
• Is the piece made from natural, biodegradable or recycled inputs?
• How practical is the piece? Does it have longevity, lifetime value or dual purpose?
• Will it apply to the principals of feng shui and efficient space planning and layout?
• Do the suppliers practice ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices?
• Is there a cost benefit analysis and return on investment?

Interesting statistic:  American businesses are spending upwards of $100 billion a year as a result of lost worker productivity due to poor indoor air quality and “Sick Building Syndrome”. (Consumer Federation of America)

When decorating it is important to use and purchase only what you need. Create an environment that you enjoy being in and living in. If your room does what it is supposed to do, flows well and works with your personality, you will appreciate the space much better and you will want to live there longer without desire to redo the environment. 

The Better World Shopping Guide  by Ellis Jones rates national companies and rates them from A to F based on their ethical manufacturing and business practices. The book covers everything from appliances to electronics to banking. It is a good location to source for information and lets you know who walks the talk in terms of:

• environmental sustainability
• human rights
• community involvement
• animal protection, and
• social justice

Floor options for homes

Bamboo is a sustainable product. Compared to traditional hardwood floors, it is ready 2 to 3 years after harvesting, it grows like a weed and does not need any pesticides. Even though it does have to travel a great distance to get here, when compared with other hardwood flooring options, it is still more sustainable. It is a much stronger product and will wear better and last longer than hardwoods.

Cork flooring is another option. Some believe that cork is an endangered species and should not be used. Cork is harvested off of living trees and you can keep harvesting cork off that tree for a long time. When people stop harvesting cork they decide to clear cut the trees and plant another species. By purchasing cork products we keep the industry alive. 

Linoleum and marmoleum are both made with linseed oil and flax seed oil and are also biodegradable.

Interesting fact: Vinyl is a petroleum based product. If we were to replace 1% of vinyl flooring installed every year with linoleum or marmoleum, we would save 600,000 barrels of oil per year.

Concrete is also a good option for flooring. It is a local product where only the dry ingredients need to be transported, not the finished product. 

Recycled carpet is a new product on the market and many larger retailers now carry it. Most if it is made from recycled plastic pop bottles and it looks and feels like regular carpet. Some people have issues with its off-gassing but it does keep items from the landfill and takes less energy to manufacture.

Some companies will take your roll-end pieces and send them back to the manufacturer for reusing. If you’re doing a renovation, think about what you will do with the pieces left over and instead of sending the end pieces to the landfill, return them to the manufacturer or take them to the Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Wool carpet is another good option since it is made from natural sources, wears better, does not require toxic cleaning agents and is not covered in formaldehyde or stain resistant chemicals. If you purchase a wool carpet, make sure it does not come from a country where it was made using child labor.

Jute and sisal carpets are biodegradable and can be disposed of in the landfill when worn out. 

A good idea for area carpets is to purchase remnants from the Habitat for Humanity Restore or from a carpet store and have the pieces stitched together and edges bound. It is a fraction of the cost of purchasing new and you will make good use of material that have no other purpose while supporting Habitat for Humanity.

Reclaimed hardwoods are becoming more popular too where wood from old barns and buildings and made into usable products for resale. 

Paint

Paint contains many different chemical that are carcinogenic and toxic. Good news - there are a number of paint companies that now make low and no VOC (volatile organic compounds) products. Some of the better ones are Benjamin Moore, General Paints and PARA Paints. For details on no VOC paints, watch our expert series featuring Jolene and Brandy from Blended Jive Paint and Decor.

Recycled paint is another good option and is available from Rona. It is less than $17/gallon but only comes in 15 different colors. It encourages people to recycle their left over paint, uses minimal energy to produce and contains less VOCs than regular paint.

Milk paint is another option for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative.

Window coverings

Windows can be responsible for up to 25% of your homes heat-loss in the winter and up to 40% of your homes heat-gain in the summer.  Reducing energy loss from windows can be done by:

• weather stripping and insulation
• insulating shrink-wrap
• replacing old windows
• using insulated drapes, cellular or honeycomb shades, and
• avoiding the use of plastic blinds that contain toxic PVC or vinyl

Interesting statistic:  If  Americans closed their curtains, the energy savings annually would equal the entire energy used in the country of Japan. 

Some tips for home decor:

• use second-hand furnishings
• choose furnishings made from FSE certified lumber, soy-based foam and fabrics made from recycled or natural materials
• choose linens made from organic cotton or hemp
• purchase multipurpose pieces
• use existing items instead of buying new
• purchase furnishings made with reclaimed wood
• use antiques and give them new life by refinishing them
• buy artwork that is fair trade or made locally
• use reclaimed fabrics
• use construction and finishing materials from building projects for DIY projects

Overwhelmed by all of these things to think about?  Here is some advice to make it easier:

• Purchase products that are one step better than your previous purchasing decision and encourage one other person to do the same.
• Sustainable change happens one step at a time. Don’t worry about doing it all at once.

With some research and careful planning, you can have an eco-friendly home. For more details, watch all four segments in this expert series.

Most vehicles run on oil based fuel which is the main contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Alternatives to fuel include electricity, solar, wind and biofuels.

For those who do not want to buy their electricity from a 3rd party, most are converting to solar or wind. In a city, solar photovoltaic is the only option.

The best way to reduce dependence on gas and oil is to drive less and take shorter trips, walk, bike, carpool, take public transportation, drive fuel-efficient vehicles and use clean electricity for plug-in electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have been around for a long time. In the past few years, they have become more available and production of them has increased.

Some of the reasons why more people are purchasing electric vehicles include:

• The general public and governments are beginning to understand how vehicles powered by fuel are affecting climate change.
• Tailpipe emissions cause smog and pollution.
• Increased energy costs. 
• Disruption of habitat.
• Political conflict over oil.
• Lithium ion battery technology has changed and improved in past few years.
• Economic crisis in the United States and Central Canada affected automakers. Government bailouts of large companies made them change the way they were doing things.
• The success of Toyota Prius as partially electric car. 

Electric vehicles and fuel vehicles were developed about the same time. Each seemed to have their own issues. Fuel powered vehicles didn’t always have a supply of fuel available and batteries in electric vehicles didn’t work well.

In Saskatchewan, until the time of the 1st World War, gas, electric and gas-electric hybrid vehicles all shared popularity. Once big improvements were made to the internal combustion engine, gas vehicles became more popular.

In Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, municipal electric rail services existed and Saskatoon’s electric trolleys ran until May 1974. Wired electric vehicles continue to serve as subways, bus and light-rail transit in Canada’s largest cities. Diesel-electric hybrid trains became popular in the 1930s and continue to be the workhorse of the rail system to this day.

From a small number of electric hobby projects, to rechargeable electric vehicles for indoor use (warehouse trolleys, forklifts) electric vehicles have always existed within the province. Wired and battery electric vehicles and machines continue to have specialized uses in the mining sector. In 2000 Honda Insight and later the Toyota Prius became the first modern consumer hybrid vehicles available in Saskatchewan.

Electric vehicles are powered by electricity that is produced by a utility or solar PV (photovoltaic cells). There is no tailpipe emissions, but depending on where your electricity comes from you could still be contributing to greenhouse gas emissions that lead to pollution. Batteries are very limited.  They can go 4 to 8 km per kw - typically 100 km on a good weather day. Passenger heating in cold weather and performance in the snow is an issue.

Hybrid vehicles still use fossil fuels similar to conventional cars and use a battery for temporary electrical store. This allows the vehicle to gain energy from regenerative braking. It also allows it to use an electric motor which has more torque for startup and acceleration. With hybrid vehicles, the internal combustion engine doesn’t have to be a high-torque engine so they can use a more energy efficient Atkinson Cycle Engine. Their gasoline engine can run at its maximum efficiency and if the power produced isn’t needed for powering the vehicle, it can be stored in the battery. When the battery is completely charged, then the engine can shut off and the car can travel using battery power.

Economic benefits of electric vehicles vs. fuel powered vehicles

If using solar power to drive 10,000 km/year using 25 kWh/100 km requires 2500 kWh/year or a 2 kW grid-tied solar install in Saskatoon. This is approximately $15,000 installed at today’s current prices. The VerEco solar photovoltaic cells produce 4.4 kW. 

Batteries

The first generation Prius hybrids are now 14 years old. The nickel metal hydride batteries have outperformed estimates. Replacement costs have been lower than expected with replacements being harvested from scrapped vehicles ($500) and new packs provided by a 3rd party ($1000 to $2000). Once large numbers of batteries reach the end of their life, costs may still rise. Newer electric vehicles are using different types of lithium based batteries so their lifespan and performance are not know.

Today in Saskatchewan, SGI has some incentives for people driving hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles. The program rewards customers with a 20% rebate on the basic insurance premiums and registration fees.

With the popularity of the Toyota Prius, other car manufacturers are starting to develop their own hybrids. The Nissan Leaf will soon be on the streets and highways. Check out this review to learn more.

For more details about electric vehicles and the models available in Canada, watch all four segments of this expert series session.

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs evaporate into the atmosphere and contribute to the formation of particulate matter and ground level ozone; a main ingredient for smog. VOCs are found in everything from perfume to gasoline and paints. Anything that can evaporate can be considered a VOC. 

There are now 53 regulation categories for coatings that can be manufactured or sold in Canada. With the reduction of VOCs set out in the new Canadian Government Regulations, VOCs will be reduced by an average of 18% annually over the next 10 years. As of September 9, 2010 all paint manufactured must conform to the new rules or they cannot be sold in Canada. Imported paints must allow comply. Paints that no longer meet the new regulations may continue to be sold by the retailer until September 9, 2012.

Back in 1999, paint VOCs could contain up to 250 grams per litre. In 2011, this was been reduced to 150 grams per litre. Off gassing occurs when VOCs evaporate into the air as the paint dries. When the paint has dried, all the VOCs have been released. You may detect “off gassing” if a painted surface is heated up. This can happen with sunlight beaming on a wall.

Regular paint contains glycol as a main key additives.  It is used to help the paint flow and gives it more open time. Because glycol is high in VOCs it is being replaced by other chemicals to formulate zero VOC products. Naturally occurring mineral pigments, marble and cellulose are added to improve the flow, leveling and durability of zero VOC paints. Applying zero VOC paint is the same as other paints except for the open time. This is because glycol has not been added. The clean up process is simple and can be done using regular soap and water. Zero VOC paint must be stored in a warm place otherwise it might freeze in left in cold area.

PARA Paints is a Canadian company that complies with high quality standards. They offer VOC compliant products that meet the newly revised government standards including a zero VOC paint product named Essence by PARA. Essence is a high quality 100% acrylic paint formulated to zero VOC levels by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency). It has very low odor and is an environmentally friendly product designed for interior surfaces. For those sensitive to odors, this is very important.

Zero VOC paints help preserve the environment by reducing the amount of groundwater and ozone-depleting contaminants produced as a result of painting. Its water based, latex formula is fast-drying, washable and provides excellent coverage.

Essence paint is manufactured in a designated area of the plant where no other paint products can be made.  All virgin ingredients are used and there is no rework product, leftover product, or wash water from a previous batch added to new batches. Colorant that can be added to zero VOC paint will increase the VOC levels and may add some odor to the paint. PARA Essence complies with MPI (Master Painter Institute) standards. White paint contains zero VOCs but when colorant is added, the VOC content increases slightly. The main paint color used in the VerEco home is P2146-04 Coin Silver. Its  VOC content is 18.6 grams/litre. This is minimal when compared with the industry standard of 150 grams/litre.

Essence paint by PARA Paints is just as durable when compared to latex products. A nonabrasive scrub test was applied at 10,000 cycles without damaging the surface on Essence eggshell finish. A nonabrasive scrub test was applied at 15,000 cycles without damaging the surface on Essence semi-gloss finish. It is competitively priced and retails for $52.49/gallon.

For more details on zero VOC paints, watch all three segments of this expert series.

Clean-flo has been harvesting rainwater since 2008 and is a a family run business. They are accredited by the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), an organization based out of Texas. This is a national organization that promotes rainwater harvesting and has set the bar in research for the use of rainwater. The goal behind the Clean-flo business is to educate and provide products for those interested in saving water. 

Benefits of rainwater harvesting include:

• assessing a natural source of cleaner water
• reduced stress on aging municipal water infrastructure (main & sewer)
• health benefits (no chlorine)
• saves money
• storm-water management
• sustainability - natural part of the hydrological cycle

Uses for rainwater are:

• residential, commercial & agriculture
• yard, garden and drip irrigation uses
• washing vehicles
• flushing toilets
• bathing
• laundry
• potable

The World Bank and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development both say that water is a finite resource that must be valued at a higher price in order to repair old supply systems and build new ones. 

Water is a valuable resource and one that many take for granted. It is abundant and affordable but this is expected to change in the future and homeowners should be prepared to pay higher prices. Learning about rainwater harvesting now will help prepare concerned individuals for when that time comes.

Currently half of waste water is potable water. Statistics show that the average american person uses 600 litres of water per person per day. The average European uses half that amount; between 250 and 300 litres. The United Nations has statistics on water use around the globe and explains why it is so important to look after our natural water resources.

By using rainwater for flushing toilets, watering grass and gardens and all non-potable purposes, a homeowner can reduce their use of treated water by 70%. Consulting with a professional certified in rainwater harvesting can help you set-up your own systems.

Components of a rainwater harvesting system include:

1. roofing - asphalt shingles will add contaminants to the water. Metal roofing makes a better collection surface.
2. evestroughs and down pipes
3. a pre-filter to catch particles before the water into the tank
4. flush container
5. large storage tank
6. sensor
7. vent
8. pump
9. over-flow with back-flow prevention
10. outlet with filter

Rainfall potential

Using the VerEco Home to demonstrate, the rule of thumb is 1 square meter of roof x 1 millemetre of rain = 1 litre of water.

The VerEco Home’s roof measures 126m² and the average rainfall in Saskatoon is 246 mm per year. 126m² x 246 = 30,996 litres of available rainwater per year.  Some of this water will be lost to evaporation. If there are two people living in the VerEco Home and they use 300 litres of water per person per day, over the course of a year they will use approximately 201,000 litres (this calculation takes into account vacation time). This means they will have a water shortfall of 170,000 litres (201,000 - 30,996) so a homeowner cannot rely solely on rainwater for their home. To address the shortfall, the occupants of the home can:

• use less water
• have low-flow faucets and shower heads
• use a greywater system

When harvesting rainwater, gutter protection is important since you will need something to keep out the leaves and debris from collecting in your gutter. This will help keep your water clean. There are two types of gutter protection systems available. The deflection system and the filtration system. Tanks for the system vary in size and shape. Choosing the right tank will be determined by the size of your home and the use you will make of rainwater. It can be simple or more complex. 

For more details on rainwater harvesting systems, view all five segments of this expert series.

The average home uses quite of bit of energy for heating domestic hot water; approximately 500 watts continuously. It is the second biggest use of energy in most Canadian homes after space heating. Homeowners can save energy and money on hot water heating costs by using less or conserving water and by making use of solar panels to heat the water.

If a homeowner reduces the need for water heating, the size and cost of the solar heating system can also be reduced. This can be accomplished by: 

• using aerating faucets that restrict the flow rate,

• installing low-flow shower heads with a switch that turns on and off the water will use about 50% less water than a conventional shower head,

• using EnergyStar rated front loading clothes washers, 

• adding a water heater R28 blanket made of fiberglass insulation and a foil blanket (for gas tanks make sure to leave enough space at the bottom and at the top for air circulation),

• adding pipe insulation on first meter of pipes from your water heater, both cold and hot water pipes should be insulated, and 

• using a Drain Water Heat Recovery unit

Drain Water Heat Recovery unit

These systems are fairly simple - hot water goes down the inside pipe and cold water warms up as it goes up outside pipe.  The unit is made of coppy and half the heat from a shower can be recovered. 

The best arrangement for this type of system is to hook it up to two locations. First hook it up to the inlet of your hot water heater so that it pre-warms the water before it goes to your water heater. If you can, hook it up to the cold water line on your showers. This will allow the water to be preheated on to the cold line on your showers. 

Using his own home as an example, Dr. Dumont and the occupants of his home were able to reduce their hot water energy costs from 500 watts to 300 watts using the above suggestions.

If a homeowner wishes to go one step further, they can install solar panels that can also heat domestic hot water. 

There are four essential components of setting up a solar thermal water heating system.

1. solar collectors
2. heat storage
3. heat distribution system
4. end use for the heated water (ie. bathing & showering, clothes washing, washing dishes, etc.)

Two main types of systems are flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors.

Flat plate collectors are panels with copper pipe, insulation, copper sheet metal and glass. Water and glycol circulate through the copper pipe. On a sunny day they can produce 1000 watts/square meter of energy.

Evacuated tubes are connected to a manifold.  There is a vacuum between inner and outer layers of glass with a highly absorbing coating inside that captures the heat from the sun. Oil in the tube heats, rises, condenses and falls down again. The tubes can reach up to 250 to 300 C on a good solar day. If a tube breaks, it can easily be replace by a new tube. Tubes retail for $10/each. 

Dr. Dumont’s home in Saskatoon has a combined domestic water heating and space heating system that uses solar thermal panels mounted at a 70 degree tilt in a 52 degree latitude city. He has been studying solar energy since the late 1970’s. 

IceStone surfaces are made from 100% recycled glass and cement and have a highly durable concrete surface. IceStone is cut, installed and maintained just like mined stone. Uses of the product vary from kitchen countertops, back splashes, bathrooms, tabletops, bar tops and fireplace surrounds. 

IceStone is manufactured in the United States and is the first durable surface to achieve McDonough Braungart’s Cradle to Cradle Gold certification. Cradle to Cradle certification measures the manufacturing process by analyzing the environment (using healthy/non-toxic materials), material reuse (recycling/composting) resource efficiency (water recycling/energy efficiency), and social responsibility efforts.

IceStone is manufactured in a 55,000 sq. ft. facility that makes use of the following:

• uses daylighting to minimize the use of electrical lighting
• 50% of their power is generated from wind
• soy-based lubricants are used
• 85% of the water used during the manufacturing process is recycled
• they are working towards zero waste
• any waste materials are recycled into road fill

IceStone surfaces are made from recycled glass and cement. They are cast in slabs measuring 52.5” wide x 96” long and 1.25” thick. This is equivalent to 35 sq. ft. and weighs 16 lbs. per sq. ft. IceStone is twice as strong as marble and comes in 21 different colors. 

For home builders looking for a product that will allow them to achieve LEED certification for residential homes, IceStone is a product that will meet the requirements. It contains no VOCs, is made from recycled materials and reuses materials, contains non-toxic pigments, and is manufactured by a socially responsible company. IceStone surfaces are NSF approved ensuring the product is safe for food preparation. 

IceStone products are available from West Coast Building Products and Hari Stone.

Compost is the dark earthy material that results from the breakdown of living things such as plants. Also known as hummus, adding compost to soil helps with its structure and allows it to hold more air and water resulting in better plant growth.By having a composting system in our homes or back yards, we can save a substantial amount of waste from going to the landfill and put it to good use in our gardens, flowerbeds and lawns. Composting is good for the environment because it reduces the amount of materials going to the landfill, allowing the landfill to last longer. In addition, long term problems with methane gas and leaching can be avoided.

Composting can be done several different ways: 

• Leaving grass clippings on the lawn. They add fertility and do not encourage thatch. A mulching lawnmower can help with this process.
• Minimizing lawn area and landscaping using drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials.
• Tilling leaves directly into the soil in the fall.
• Using mulch around perennials and trees. A four-inch layer of dried leaves around plants will also help retain moisture. In Saskatchewan it is best to add mulch to annuals and perennials once they are established and the ground is warm. If the leaves are shredded, they will allow more water to penetrate. Grass clippings or wood chips also can make a good mulch. Just remember to use grass clippings that have not been treated with chemicals.
• Elmwood should not be used and should be disposed of properly because of issues with Dutch Elm Disease in the past.
• For those living in the country, food scraps can be fed to farm animals like chickens or pigs and their manure can be added to the soil.

Compost bins

Compost bins can handle many materials such as food, grass clippings and leaves all in one system.  Compost can be used in a variety of applications and can be done throughout the year. 

Compost is made by mixing organic materials in piles or bins. When the materials is dark and crumbly, the compost is ready for using. This takes approximately three months in warm weather to complete. The success of a compost pile depends on the ingredients it contains. Having the right balance will speed up the process. Brown ingredients such as dried leaves, grass and straw add microbes to the mix. High nitrogen sources that include fruits and vegetables, green plants and manure are also important to the mix. Wood chips and paper are very slow to break down and can be used when no other brown materials are available. Greens decompose quickly but can cause odour problems. By having a good mix, this can be eliminated. Two parts green to three parts brown is a good mix for compost bins. Compost piles and bins need to be kept moist so that the materials can decompose and should be as wet as a damp sponge. Make sure to check the moisture regularly and add water when needed. It is also important to add air to the mix so make sure to mix your compost pile on a regular basis. If a compost pile does not get enough air, it could start to smell.

Compost piles can get as hot as 60 C in the summer which is hot enough to kill weed seeds. Also adding a layer of topsoil to the pile helps with the breakdown of materials and helps eliminate odor problems. Compost bins or piles should be a cubic meter in size. Smaller piles will dry out faster, will not hold heat and will take longer to break down. 

For everything to work right, composting needs the following:

- microbes

- browns and greens

- water

- oxygen

Compost piles are best started in the spring or fall and should be put together in layers. Finished compost can be used from the bottom of the pile. First start with a layer of browns such as dried corn stalks or brown leaves.  Next add a layer of greens, then soil or finished compost and another layer of browns. This should be mixed with the layer of soil or finished compost underneath it. Water should be added in intervals. After your pile is started, continue to add food scraps as they become available. Cover these with browns to avoid odours.

Do not add the following because these items will attract rodents and animals:

• dairy products
• meat
• fats and oils
• bones
• cat and dog manure
• weeds with mature seeds
• diseased plants

When compost is ready for use, mix it with soil and add it to your garden and flower beds. It can also be spread and raked into a lawn.

For more information on composting, visit the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s website at http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/.

Delta does more than just produce water efficient plumbing fixtures, they are aware of how they conduct themselves in the market place and are involved in several water sustainability initiatives.  Their products can contribute to LEED certification for homes and they are working with the Environmental Protection Agency to encourage efficient use of water resources and actively protect the future of Canada’s water supply.

Some of Delta's water efficient products including lavatory and kitchen faucets have a flow rate of 5.7 litres per minute. The industry standard is 8.3 litres per minute. Their water efficient shower-heads and hand showers have a flow rate of 5.7 litres per minutes whereas the industry standard is 9.5 litres per minute. For the consumer looking for more information about the water saving features of Delta products, their website has a water savings estimator.

The VerEco Home uses WaterSense shower-heads. The style is very modern but the main idea behind the design is to give the feeling of having a comfortable shower while still conserving water. The shower-head delivers larger droplets of water instead of a fine mist. 

Delta is a Water Sense partner.  This is a program that is similar to the energy star rating program but is specific to water standards.  Over 50% of Delta’s bath suites feature shower-heads and hand showers that meet WaterSense requirements, using between 20 to 40% less water than the industry standard. WaterSense labeled lavatories use 32% less water and perform as well or better than competitor’s products. This is important since 30 to 40% of a home’s consumption of water is from showering.

For more information about Delta's plumbing fixtures, visit http://www.deltafaucet.ca/ or http://www.frontiersupply.ca/

Radiation travels in a straight line at the speed of light, about 168,000 miles/second. It can be reflected, does not heat air but transfers energy from one thermal mass object to another at a rate that is determined by the absorption ability of the other object. If you walk into a room heated by radiant heat, you start absorbing the heat and radiant heat has minimal heat loss to infiltration.

Radiation transfer creates inverse stratified thermal radiant. Radiant floor heating systems will have cooler air at the ceiling than at the floor level. This makes a difference in terms of energy loss or transfer. Thermostats cannot properly control radiant floor heating. When first introduced to North America, many tried to control the temperature the same way as forced air however it doesn’t work as well. It is best controlled by state of flux. When installing radiant floor heating, the thermal envelop also plays an important role.

Radiation systems are self-compensating. The absorption rates increase as temperatures fall and decrease as temperatures rise. The idea behind radiant heating is to maintain as many constants as possible. The best way to run radiant heating systems is to run constant flows with variable temperatures or constant temperatures with variable flows. Indoor sensors add another demotion of control with radiant heating systems.

To help with radiation loss, a reflective barrier is added that will reflect 97% radiation loss. Buildings made with insulated concrete form blocks, also known as ICFs, provide better energy efficient envelopes. In ICF buildings, radiation going through the Styrofoam is absorbed in the concrete where it becomes a heat barrier. If you can maintain 16 C in a wall you will not need any heating or cooling.

Sustainable Concepts had worked on an existing home where they used a reflective barrier to break the thermal bridging. A foil reflective barrier was put on the inside of the studs covering the vapor barrier. They then put on 2 x 2 studs horizontally. This makes sure the vapor barrier isn’t punctured and makes it easier to install electrical wiring. The drywall was then put on top. This leaves and 1 ½” gap between the drywall and the foil. This is comparable to a double wall cellulose insulation filled house.

Applications for radiant heating are numerous. It can be used in the floor, ceiling, or walls. View all segments of the Radiant Heating Expert Series on the VerEco Home YouTube channel to learn more details of how

In this Expert Series, Brent Veitch from Rock Paper Sun focuses his talk on solar thermal heating installation and how it applies to the VerEco Home exhibit at the Western Development Museum.

The VerEco Home uses two different types of solar panels. Solar thermal panels of which there are three located on the front of the home and photovoltaic cells that are mounted on the roof.  The VerEco home also has evacuated solar tubes on the front decking, however these are not hooked up to anything in the home.

The idea behind solar thermal heat is to transfer heat from the sun into something we can use. Heat flows from a hot object to a cooler object through a number of mechanisms. It is also possible to pump heat to a source.

Basically there are three methods of transferring heat.

1. Conduction – the transfer of heat from a warmer object to a colder object.
2. Catapult transport – occurs when fluid is heated in a system and transferred to a source that distributes the heat.
3. Radiation - does not require another medium or contact. This is how heat from the sun gets heat into our solar panels and into the house.

With solar thermal panels, fluid is used as a collector that is pumped to a source that distributes the heat. When heating water we know that warm water rises and can be isolated which is important to control heat loss. Water in a confined space will expand when it freezes or boils. In solar panels, an anti-freeze solution is added to reduce the expansion. Glycol is commonly used because it is non-toxic however glycol does not hold as much heat and is not as easy to pump. Expansion tanks are built into the system to deal with any expansion that may occur and there is a pressure release valve on all panels.

Regarding the solar thermal panels on the VerEco Home, there were a number of challenges that had to be overcome. The original plan was to put 4 panels, side by side on the south side of the house. There was a need for windows in this space so instead; three panels were installed with two windows separating them. This made it difficult to get the exact same flow rate of fluids through all the panels.  Connecting the panels to one another took more effort and shading and reflection from the deck rail affects their performance.

There are many types of solar thermal panels on the market. In addition to the panels used on the VerEco Home, in this expert series, Brent also provides information on EnerWorks Thermal Collectors. These are solar thermal panels made in Canada that are CSA certified and qualify for grants without issues or problems. For details, view the expert series video.

With the VerEco Home in a temporary location, there are some limitations with regards to the solar energy it uses. There is a lack of solar storage for thermal heat and the solar collectors are slower than the manufacture’s specifications.  Once the home is moved to it’s permanent location, the system will be re-evaluated. Also, in general, using solar for space heating is a poor fit in our province since the days when you need the most heat are the days with the least amount of sunshine hours. Domestic hot water systems however give heat all year round. This is a good application for solar but is not being used in the VerEco Home.

For details and more information, view all the session in the Solar Thermal Heating, Rock Paper Sun Expert Series.

For more information about Geothermal heating, you can read the presentation slides here.

We unfortunately do not have video available for this Expert Series talk, but for more information about the net metering program, you can follow these links to SaskPower and SRC.

First, Dr. Dumont explained how the sun already provides a significant amount of energy to the earth: approximately 10,000 times more energy than we use from fossil fuels. Since the temperature in space is -273 ^oC, and our average yearly temperature in Saskatoon is 2 ^oC, the sun is providing the bulk of the heat for our homes already.

Dr. Dumont outlined the 5 questions you need to ask yourself about a home for proper passive solar design. The first is: how energy conserving is it? The VerEco Home is super insulated and uses very energy efficient appliances and lighting, which is important for any project where you’re hoping to use passive solar design. Energy conservation ensures that you’re going to capture energy more effectively, as well as use it more efficiently.

The second question, how big is the home?, is important because any wasted space in the home still requires energy for heating and cooling. As well, heat loss in the building is proportional to the building surface area. Because of this, compact, efficient floor plans will ensure that heat loss and construction costs are minimized.

Third, how is it situated?, covers the building orientation. Facing south is optimal for energy capture, and having the main windows on the south-facing wall will ensure that overheating doesn’t occur from west-facing windows. Dr. Dumont then showed a model demonstration of how the sun moves across the sky in winter, spring/fall, and summer, to illustrate how building orientation affects passive solar design. Passive solar design also typically uses roof overhangs to help shade the windows in the summer when the sun is much higher in the sky.

What type of windows? The fourth question is a very important one: windows are expensive and lose heat much more readily than a home’s walls. There is an optimum for the area covered by window in a home – typically 6 to 8 % of the floor area – because too much window area can cause rapid temperature fluctuations and overheating. Window quality is also a concern: you should use the highest-quality windows possible, with a higher solar heat gain coefficient for the south-facing windows and a higher R-value for the others.

How much thermal mass? Thermal mass is the property of a material to store heat. For example, the VerEco Home uses concrete tiles to absorb heat from the sun and then slowly release it as the day ends and night begins. Dr. Dumont explained that there are some instances where additional thermal mass isn’t necessary, but where it is, it helps to increase the home’s potential for storing heat and dampening against temperature fluctuations.

Using these questions as guidelines, passive solar design for heating can help contribute to a much more energy efficient building. Part 1 of this presentation’s video is included in this blog post, but the rest can be found on the VerEco Home YouTube channel.

Typically, when talking about implementing green technology, people talk about payback, or how long it takes for something to pay for itself. Ronn explained how this way of thinking doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you’re making the best investment: payback doesn’t take into account the time value of money. For example, if you have a payback period of 10 years, do you get most of that payback money in the 9^th and 10^th years, when inflation means that the money isn’t worth as much to you as it would have been at the start?

Ronn then explained how net present value is a more accurate way of accounting for your savings and costs because it does take into consideration the time value of money. All of the costs and savings are calculated into what they would be worth today.  This means that inflation is taken into account.

The outline Ronn gave for decision-making includes:

1. Ensuring you know what the decision is
2. Decide how to decide – selection criteria can be economic, environmental, and social
3. Determine how important each selection category is (e. g. 50% economic, 20% comfort, and 30% GHG reductions)

After discussing how to make decisions, Ronn went through a case study comparing two green investments: installing 10 LED light bulbs or installing a drain water heat recovery unit. Using net present value and proper selection criteria, the best investment for this case study can then be calculated.  Of course, the selection criteria for any investment vary from person to person, so it’s important to make sure you follow the decision-making process listed above. If comfort and ease of installation are vastly more important to you than economic benefits, then you’ll likely be making different decisions than someone motivated more by cost savings.

The City has undertaken efforts to understand what elements of the City’s operations contribute to green house gas emissions. Some of the initiatives to reduce the City’s GHG emissions are: a pilot project to use LED streetlights, to upgrade to more efficient fleet vehicles, and to replace old pumps for water and sewage. The vast majority of the costs associated with these pumps are in their operation, rather than their purchase. In addition to these actions, the City of Saskatoon is also attempting to reduce the energy consumed in buildings. Building energy consumption is the biggest contributor to GHG emissions and therefore an essential focus point for the Energy Management Project Engineer.

A few of the building projects discussed for the Expert Series talk included the ACT Arena’s controls, the ice additives to Cosmo and the Credit Union Centre, and the solar panels installed to heat swimming pools. Arenas are typically quite inefficient, since cooling is required for the ice, and heating is required to make the building comfortable for occupants. This means that there are heating and cooling systems working against each other in the building. For this project, the heat was turned down at night, which saves energy for heating as well as for ice cooling. Ongoing monitoring for this project will also determine if separate heating systems are a good idea.

The Cosmo and CUC ice project involves using a type of bacteria that can reduce the energy load for ice refrigeration. Cooler water can also be used for the zamboni, further reducing energy consumption.

Solar thermal panels were installed to collect energy from the sun to use to heat swimming pools. In this particular project, the 16 panels were installed on the roof of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre. Solar thermal technology is very appropriate for swimming pools, since there is no need to store the heat collected from the sun. The pools are the direct recipients of the sun’s energy, which makes it much more efficient. How it works: the panels heat a mixture of water and glycol that circulates through pipes that allow it to transfer heat to the pools without mixing the liquids.

This is just a brief overview of the projects described at the talk; for the full explanation, watch the video posted above (Part 1 of 6)! 

If you are looking for a relatively simple and cost-effective way to increase your home’s sustainability this winter, you may want to start with reducing water consumption in your bathroom, as up to 65% of indoor water use happens here.  What’s all the fuss about? Environment Canada says municipal water treatment plants across the country will cost Canadians about 23 billion dollars over the next 10 years, not to mention all of the chemicals and energy that goes into making our water crystal clear! 

Replacing your old toilet is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce water consumption; about one third of indoor water used gets flushed down the toilet.  Prior to 1980, most toilets used 19L of water to flush.  By the early 90’s most new toilets were designed to flush with 13L.  In 1996, the Ontario Building Code introduced legislation requiring the installation of 6L toilets for all new homes and bathrooms.  Unfortunately, the rest of the provinces failed to follow suit.  However, in 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced a provincial “Toilet Replacement Rebate” program funded through the Go Green initiative.  This program offers a $50 rebate to families, institutions and not-for-profit organizations who replace a high volume (13L or more) toilet with a dual flush or 6L or less per flush toilet.   Replacing your old toilet saves you money as well as water.  Switching up a 19L toilet with a 6L can save you $121 or 410 bathtubs of water a year.  Replacing your 13L toilet with a 3/6L dual flush can save you $89 or 300 bathtubs. 

Unfortunately, some people have had less than satisfactory results with their low flow toilet replacements.  This is because not all toilets are considered equal!  Although price is not considered a good overall indicator to quality, the truth is that the cheapest toilets generally don’t perform the best.   I have found many excellent toilets to be priced between $250 - $400.  Things to consider when purchasing your new toilet are how many grams they flush, what size of p-trap they have, the quality of the glaze and whether or not the trap is glazed.   You may want to check with your supplier to make sure that the toilet you have selected has been tested by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Warnock Hersey.    Don’t try and save money by attaching a 6L tank to your old bowl as the bowls on low flow toilets have been redesigned as well to maintain the same flush performance with less water.   When planning for your toilet installation you will want to consider the overall size of the new toilet and how it fits into your space compared to the old one.  Many new toilets have smaller tanks in addition to smaller footprints.  You may need to repaint or change up the flooring at this time as well.

Many people do not consider the performance of their existing toilet and are not aware that their toilet tanks may be leaking.  Leaking toilets can waste about 2,800L of water per month.  Two main things contribute to leakage – old flappers and overflowing fill valves.  As a rule of thumb, flappers should be replaced every five years.  You can test if you need a new flapper by putting food coloring into your toilet tank. Wait 20 min and check your bowl.  If the color has leaked into your bowl you need to replace your flapper.  Ensure when selecting your new toilet that you are able to purchase a certified replacement flapper that is designed specifically for your toilet type.  Installing the wrong flapper can lower the water savings or reduce the flush performance by 2L per flush. Ensure when selecting your toilet that you are able to purchase a certified replacement flapper that is designed especially for your toilet type and purchase an extra one at this time.  If after replacing your flapper your toilet is still leaking you may want to replace your fill valve to ensure that your water completely shuts off after a flush cycle.

The exhibit is closed tomorrow for Christmas, as well as Sunday, for Boxing Day. We'll resume our regularly-scheduled tours on Monday, December 27th at 10:00 a.m.

Merry Christmas!

The talk covered CMHC’s EQuilibrium program, an initiative to build net zero houses across Canada. The process for this program started with a consumer survey, the aim of which was to gauge interest in green building and what barriers existed to building environmentally friendly homes. Industry interviews were also conducted to discover what builders might be interested in and what reasons motivated industry to become involved in green building.

Of course, they found that the up-front cost of building green was what kept people from building net zero in the first place. The overall response showed that renewable energy and the potential to save money in the long run were the most intriguing features mentioned in the survey, and that people were interested in what the program had to offer.

The EQuilibrium program produced several varying types of net zero buildings: single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and a retrofit. It’s interesting to see the variations in these projects, because they attempted to build the homes in different regions of Canada, as well as in urban, suburban, and rural contexts.

The designs for these homes all ensured that they reduced the amount of energy needed (through energy efficient lighting and appliances, as well as well-insulated building envelopes) before producing energy through alternative means. What this means is that you don’t have to produce as much energy using your alternative sources, because the demand is also lower. This is really important for a net zero building, since it helps to reduce the cost of producing energy to fit your needs.

One thing I found particularly interesting is that one of the homes even has an edible landscape on its front yard: it grows food in the middle of the city!

Anand’s presentation was a great introduction to the EQuilibrium program, and it’s wonderful to see that there’s so many net zero home initiatives right here in Canada. 

The greenest choice is to purchase a live tree that can be reused or replanted.  If this is not an option for you and you are asking yourself, “which is better for the environment, to purchase a reusable artificial tree or to cut down a natural tree?” here is your answer.  Contrary to public opinion, natural Christmas trees are overwhelmingly preferred by environmentalists.  Here are their arguments.

Although you can reuse an artificial Christmas tree year after year, the cold hard fact remains that artificial trees have an average lifespan of 7 years.  Some are donated or sold after this period and a few brands can be recycled, however, the majority of these trees end up in our landfills where they take centuries to break down. Consider this quote from The Green Book: “If just 10% of households planning to purchase a new artificial tree this year purchased a natural one instead, forty-four million pounds on nonbiodegradable materials could be diverted from landfills.” 

Another major source of concern for artificial trees lies in their production.  About 85% of artificial trees come from China, and many of these trees contain lead, which is used to stabilize the non-renewable PVC plastic. As well, you should consider the energy costs to manufacture and transport the tree, heated retail space and packaging to sell it, and lastly the house size and energy costs that go into storing it.  If you must purchase a new artificial tree, ask your supplier where it was produced.  Trees manufactured in the U.S. do not contain lead. A better option may be to find one second-hand.

Many people are concerned with the cutting down of real Christmas trees.  Don’t be!  Christmas trees are farmed and most of the land used for growing these trees is considered unsuitable for other types of crops.  In addition, the trees act as a carbon sink for the duration of their life – absorbing carbon and pumping out oxygen for the 7 or so years until they’re chopped.  Finally, most farmers replant 3 trees for every one they harvest. 

Purchasing natural trees also supports local industry while providing habitat for wildlife, and the trees are biodegrade after their use.  A few things to keep in mind, many farmers use many nasty chemicals including insecticides and rodenticides to grow their trees and paint them before selling for a better look.  For maximum sustainability, purchase organic or non-painted trees.

As the holiday season approaches, consumption in our homes is also increasing.  The annual holiday shopping season accounts for as much as 40 percent of annual revenue and profits for retailers.  What would it look like if, as consumers, we went about our holiday spending with a focus on channelling our resources into purchases which reflect a higher level of consciousness or purpose?  What if we made a decision this year that 50% of gifts we gave were gifts that that kept on giving? A gift you gave to the retailer trying to make a difference by supporting these products and industries, a gift you gave to society by saying every person is important and deserves a quality of life, a gift you gave to the earth saying we care about the gifts you give us and the ways we are destroying you, and lastly a gift you give to yourself, because making these purchases just feels better! 

Three years ago my husband and I started the tradition of more sustainable gift giving in our families.  Although initially it took more effort to shop this way, we found it to be so rewarding that we have continued the tradition.  Fortunately many avenues currently exist for conscientious holiday consumer.  Following are some ideas and shops that we have supported in the past.  Our general rule of thumb for gift giving ideas is that our purchases adhere to one or more of the following standards, gifts that: support local charities and/or small businesses, local activities or entertainment,  fair-trade in third world countries, promote higher learning, positive thought or increased awareness about social or environmental issues,  extend the life or use of an existing product thereby reducing further consumption, items made from biodegradable, renewable, recycled or eco friendly materials which promote the reduction of waste or resources.

“Between Thanksgiving and New Years Americans product an extra 2 billion pounds of garbage a week, much of which is gift packaging.  If 50% of households replaced just 2 packaged presents with gifts that could slide inside an envelope we would save fifty million pounds or more of waste” says The Green Book.  For this reason, we like to purchase gift certificates.  When following this rule, try to purchase cards which adhere to a second rule.  Purchase beauty gift certificates from places like Sunday Morning Organic Spa or Aveda Salons.  Purchase certificates from second hand bookstore like Tramps, Westgate Books, White Cat Book Co. Books Unlimited, or 8^th St Books & Comics. Purchase restaurant gift certificates from locally owned restaurants or coffee shops or places that support organic or fair trade products.  Purchase entertainment certificates such as swimming passes to leisure centers or yoga studios, concert tickets to local musicians or church performances, passes for local theatre groups like Persephone, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, The Barn Playhouse, or The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company. Why not try a one year subscription to Curbside recycling in Saskatoon or Natural Home magazine? Car wash passes from the Co-op carwash in Stone Bridge (with a water reclaim system installed) make a great stocking-stuffer for dad!

For a gift that truly keeps on giving... support Operation Christmas Child (OCC) which sends shoebox gifts abroad or try the Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) Living Gifts Program which allows you to give the gift of health, education, empowerment, care or fish to families in need.  Oxfam and World Vision also have similar programs.  Another way to support others in need is to purchase a $50 KIVA gift loan.  This micro loan program gives a microloan to a entrepreneur in third world countries in your recipient’s name. This change-a-life alternative will pass the $50 back to the recipient once the family can repay the loan.  It has over 98% repayment rate.  Looking for something a little more local? The Be a Santa to a Senior campaign, organized through Shoppers Home Health Care and Home Instead Seniors Care, is designed to provide local seniors with a gift “when many seniors need more of the bare necessities to get by.” To participate, simply pluck a tag from the tree in Market Mall, go shopping to purchase the request then return the tag and gift to Home Instead, where they are set up to deliver your gift.

If you are looking for a store that covers it all... you may want to try the following vendors or websites.  The Better Good on Broadway offers everything from bags made from flat tires, to toothbrushes from recycled money.  They also have jewellery, coffee mugs, soy candles, clothing and home accessories.  Turning the Tide bookstore just off Broadway offers books and videos advocating environmental and social change.  The Saskatoon Farmers Market features local vendors selling crafts and food – much of their product contains either recycled or organic content.  Products purchased here have less packaging, support local industry and have lower production and transportation inputs. McNally Robinson and Dads Organic Market Place also offer a selection of sustainable children’s toys made from recycled milk jugs or bamboo.  Scour thrift or second hand stores or Kijiji for other great gift ideas like china, tools, electronics, designer purses and clothes, DVDs, furniture and toys.  Online, sites like www.ethicalocean.com and www.etsy.com feature a plethora of gift giving ideas as well.  10,000 villages offers fairly trade products from around the world many which are sourced from either biodegradable or recycled inputs.

Lastly, look at making new purchases to reduce energy or water consumption in the home.  Replace mom and dad’s 19 L toilet with a 6 L and save them $121 in water bills, use 1.4L faucet aerators as a stocking stuffer and save $86 per year.  Help others save on their electricity bills by purchasing a thermal blanket for their hot water heater, giving compact fluorescents, or a programmable thermostat which saves $100 per year.  Organic food and liquor can make wonderful gifts as well.  The average bottle of wine can contain 250 chemicals, as grapes are one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world.  DurbanVille Hills Winery from South Africa produces organic wines with sustainable growing practices.  As well you can purchase organic meet and other food items at either Pine View Farms in Osler and Souleo Foods on 3^rd Ave. 

Hopefully this will get you started on your Christmas gift giving ideas.  Please post your ideas and products to this blog.  The bigger the better!

These kinds of renovations involve removing the eaves on a home with a chainsaw, then wrapping the outside of the home in more insulation (among other things). Once this insulation is added, they install siding, roofing, and so on to complete the exterior of the home. An interesting side note on this type of retrofit is that it was first performed right here in Saskatoon by Harold Orr and Rob Dumont. They renovated a home in 1982, which you can read more about here. You can also see a time-lapse video of a more recent Saskatonian chainsaw retrofit here:

This is part 1 of 4; for the rest of the video footage, go to our YouTube channel here.

First, Lee provided an overview of the VerEco Home’s solar photovoltaic system, which is a 4400-Watt system mounted in two strings of 9 panels. These solar photovoltaic cells are grid-tied, meaning that we don’t actually have any batteries, and instead use the SaskPower grid as if it were a battery. When we produce energy in surplus of our needs, it feeds back into the grid, and we can also take from the grid when we aren’t producing enough energy to power the home independently. This is called net metering, and there are some advantages to this. First, we aren’t using up the space required to house batteries, and second, we also don’t need to maintain the batteries.

After discussing the VerEco Home, Lee covered some of the basics of photovoltaic (PV) systems, including cost. Although photovoltaic technology is becoming less expensive, the total installed cost is still around $7.50/Watt, meaning that the VerEco Home’s system was over $30,000. Programs do exist to help reduce the costs of implementing green power-producing technologies, like the Net Metering program offered through the Saskatchewan Research Council on behalf of Go Green Saskatchewan and SaskPower Eneraction. To read more about this program, go here.

There were plenty of questions about solar photovoltaic technology, ranging from where to mount the panels, to different kinds of inverters. I find when giving the tours that people are the most interested in the cost of the systems, and how they work without batteries.

Cost is evidently still a huge factor in people’s decisions to use photovoltaic technology, and rightly so. While solar photovoltaic panels have gotten less expensive over the past few years, there is still plenty of room for them to become more accessible for the average person. In part, this is through the price of the panels themselves, and it’s also through the incentives offered for using this type of technology. Another program Lee mentioned was the MicroFit program in Ontario, which pays people a premium for their solar-produced electricity. You can read more about the MicroFit program here.

If you have any questions, comments, or problems accessing the items in this post, please contact me at catherine@deezine.ca. We should have commenting enabled on the blog shortly!

Then, in the Master Bedroom, we had another second-hand tree, also decorated with recycled ornaments, as well as green gift-giving ideas: Finally, we had a reclaimed tree decorated with green gift-giving ideas from The Better Good on Broadway: The trees will be here to stay until after Christmas if you missed the opportunity to see them last week, though we've now returned to our regularly scheduled tour times of 10, 11, 1, and 2 daily.

Dr. Dumont stressed the importance of occupants’ behavior for reaching residential net zero energy. If the people living in the home are leaving lights and appliances on all of the time or are otherwise maximizing energy consumption, that makes it very difficult to supply the home’s energy needs entirely through alternative energy. In other words, technology can do a lot of the work to make a building net zero, but the occupants of the building also have to shoulder some responsibility. Lifestyle choices do factor into the building’s performance. Dr. Dumont also touched on how approximately 40% of the world’s energy consumption is from buildings. That’s a considerable amount, and there’s a lot of room for improvement. For instance, Dr. Dumont mentioned the U.K.’s plan to have all new houses built carbon neutral by 2016, and California’s goal for all new buildings to be net zero by 2020. What about existing buildings? Though constructing new buildings to these standards is still very important, there are many existing homes that could benefit from efficiency upgrades and retrofits. What’s practical for the typical homeowner to reach? Net zero is still an ambitious goal, so what types of actions can you take to get the most benefit for dollars spent? Making a home net zero-ready is likely a more appropriate step: insulating the building envelope, choosing energy efficient appliances and lights, and taking other actions to reduce the overall demand of the home. Then, when the time is more appropriate (whether it be because of personal finances, or the cost of technology), alternative energy sources can be added to the home. In other words, applying net zero ideas, but in stages. This approach makes green building a bit more practical for the everyday user. Thank you to Dr. Dumont again for speaking on November 2nd, and thanks to everyone who made it out to the presentation. We will be uploading the video footage from our other Expert Series talks on YouTube soon; I’ll keep you posted!