In the 21st century, we all care about reducing energy consumption – it’s a cheaper, greener way to live. At Habitat, we’re proud of our high standards for “building green” and we’ve been doing it for a while:

• Thicker walls for R28 to R40 insulation – our minimum is 40 % above code
• R50 to R80 attic insulation – our minimum is 25 % above code
• Basement walls insulated to full height and R20 to R28 value – our minimum is over 60 % above code
• Rigid R12 insulation installed beneath the basement floor slab – not even addressed by code
• Triple-glazed, low E windows – providing double the insulation value of standard windows and a higher sound barrier
• And other superior construction techniques to reduce heat loss

Our standards also include:

• High (minimum 95%) efficiency heating for the air and water in your home
• Air-to-air heat exchangers to capture and re-use exhaust heat and provide high indoor air quality
• Design and technology to maximize solar heating through window placement (with photo voltaic panels and solar hot water panels as an option)
• Water smart plumbing fixtures
• Programmable thermostats
• Electrostatic air cleaners
• Bypass hard water humidifiers
• Specially adapted construction details that increase air tightness (our homes exceed blower door air test)
• Proven and tested framing details to reduce the amount of “wasted wood” that goes into a home
• Recycle and reuse programs (including existing homes if you require demolition)
• Use of non-toxic (VOC) materials
• Urethane-foamed windows and doors
• Urethane foam for all difficult-to-insulate areas

These are the standards we prefer, but we’ll work with you to get the best energy bang for your buck, whatever your budget.

To learn more about how we’re “keen on green”, go to www.riverdalenetzero.ca/