Visit energy-efficient, climate resilient homes across BC
by flipper935
In August 2023 we took advantage of the Canada Greener Homes program and installed 42 solar panels on our roof (19.1kW). After a year and a half, we’re thrilled that the power generation is exactly as was outlined in the initial design. Drop by if you are curious about adding solar panels to your home.
by flipper935
We are thrilled to invite you to tour Casa Moreno, a single family home that incorporates cutting-edge construction techniques which significantly reduce the embodied carbon footprint and waste.
The home design also reduces future energy requirements by up to 90% through Passive House Design, will conserve and protect water resources and promote occupant well-being through healthy material selections. In addition to prioritizing both planetary and human health, the project incorporates universal design and disaster resilient principles while being budget conscious.
by flipper935
This heritage home, known as the Whitehead Residence or Hammond Forever House, may not look like a low-energy, fossil-fuel free house, but it has been retrofit and restored, insulated and sealed. In 2024, the total energy costs, including heating, cooling and powering two EVs was $993.89. This work earned the project local and provincial heritage conservation awards in 2023, its 100th year.
This tour will interest anyone with questions about the choices and compromises that happen when retrofitting an older home. You will learn about: aiming for net-zero energy use; where heritage considerations compliment or conflict with an energy retrofit; lifting a home to dig a new foundation; insulating beneath foundations and basement slabs; how to super-insulate and seal a pre-existing standard wall; hydronic in-floor and under-floor heating; heat pumps; keeping the air fresh in a well-sealed home without losing heat (heat-recovery ventilation); spray foam insulation; All things solar: installation, incentives, hydronic (hot water) collectors vs. solar photo-voltaic panels, net-metering with BC Hydro vs. battery back-up; how to live without a gasoline-fueled car; how to reduce your household waste so you can cancel your garbage pick-up service; how a heritage revitalization agreement can help; and rainwater conservation.
Much of the home will be open with signage pointing out key elements. The owners will be on hand to answer your questions and key professionals involved in the project have been invited to share their expertise.