Nesting
Dec 15
This weeks discovery is a new product from Nest. It’s an intuitive, wi-fi connected, smart phone connected, energy miser and statistician. The only thing it won’t do is order pizza. After further review it seems to be gaining a good amount of hype and some great reviews according to purchasers. It’s available now and according to the website can be installed in less than 20...
+ Pool in NYC for Everyone
Jun 26
It’s amazing what can happen when a couple of good guys get together over a case of beer on a hot day in NYC. If this goes ahead I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw this in the Thames, Seine. More than that, the reasearch involved in this could even result in some very interesting methods for fresh water filtration and clean up of some of the worlds dirtiest rivers. + Pool: A Floating...
Sourcing Green Construction Materials
Jun 26
When undertaking a renovation or a new construction, it’s important to take the time to evaluate your materials. Sourcing good materials is everything when attempting to build sustainably. It’s no longer about the cheapest price, there’s much more to consider. These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself when you’re considering environmentally friendly...
Advanced Framing – Swedish Platform Method
Jun 19
This is one of the best alternatives to conventional North American wall framing. The site http://blog.lamidesign.com has provided a comprehensive review of a framing method used in Sweeden where they have eliminated issues with insulating between joist cavities, retaining the vapour barrier for air tightness, ensuring its continuity, and eliminating further unnecessary studs to eliminate...
Formaldehyde and Styrene Listed as Known Carcinogens
Jun 17
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has just released their 12th report on carcinogen. Two widely used substances found readily in building materials have just been listed. Formaldehyde is an organic compound and naturally occurring substance widely used in the building industry as a binder for various products. It’s typically found in particle board, plywoods, MDF, and...
Introduction to Green Roofs
Mar 22
Green roofs have been around for quite some time, but here in North America, they’re only starting to gain momentum, particularly in the residential sector. The market currently is mainly catered to the commercial/industrial sector and many cities including Toronto have passed bylaws which mandate that at least 10% of the total roof area includes a green roof. Much interest exists in the...
Green inspired
Mar 19
One of the best tricks for reducing heat gain from the suns rays is an adaptable green wall. It shades in the summer when you need it the most and allows light to pass through in the winter to reduce the cold on an exterior wall. Here’s an interesting application: JetsonGreen
Home Energy Audit and Mandatory Minimum Efficiency Rating For Homes?
Mar 21
As governments and municipalities realise the potential gains in subsidizing home energy retrofits in order to offset the high costs in energy production, government funded initiatives are popping up just about everywhere. For use as an example, HomeEnergyOntario.ca is the new energy retrofit program for Ontario residents. Home owners who wish to have their home evaluated for these...
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