Category: Uncategorised

Online webinar Thursday February 17, 2022 at 10:30 AM

With changes in building codes and the challenge of climate change, builders and designers face many decisions about how to heat and cool their homes. As a follow up to our combination heating system webinar in December, Michael McCallum of McCallum HVAC Design will speak on the importance of integrating clients’ needs with envelope design to yield an integrated approach to energy performance. The challenge is to integrate architectural design with building performance to ensure the comfort and well-being of the occupants.

The presentation will cover a case study which outlines many different stages including:

• Client interview and survey
• Project goals, including verification of performance Better Than Code, passive house or net zero
• Collaboration with architectural and interior designers
• Optimizing mechanical design including right-sizing of heating and cooling equipment and window selection
• Streamlining documentation for code compliance and permit submission
• On-site verification of mechanical performance
• Verification of energy performance including air tightness testing

This is a free online Webinar hosted by the Sustainable Housing Foundation. Zoom login details will be emailed to registered attendees before the event on Feb 17th at 10:30 am

Online content will be uploaded shortly.

In this webinar, we’ll help demystify the rapidly evolving “smart” home technology.  By focusing on the right elements, homebuilders can create a whole home ecosystem to allow homeowners to live sustainably.

Our industry panel will discuss

• Leveraging smart technology to enable better occupant load management
• Future proofing homes for the connectivity needed to live and work smartly and efficiently
• Emerging smart technologies to easily enable sustainable lifestyles

In January 2021, CSA introduced their updated standard (CSA B212:21) for the installation of hydronic heating systems. This is very important information as many builders are starting to use these systems in attached housing. Recent research in the lab and the field indicate that combo systems use 20% less gas than separate furnaces and water tanks. Not all combo systems are created equal, as there are many ways to heat hot water for them. Join us for a presentation by 2 manufacturers, Glow Boilers and AO Smith Hot Water Tanks to discuss the many options and new technologies that are available to builders and designers.

If you missed the webinar you can download the PDF of the slides SHF – Combination Heating Systems 

This is the first in a series of learning events developed around the idea of a “Sustainability Checklist”, as created by Board President John Godden.  Stay tuned for new webinars this winter as we explore ideas and products that can help builders build more sustainable homes.  Our learning events are supported through our continued Partnership with Enbridge. 

May 20, 2021

John Godden

Join John Godden as he recognizes the Canadian builders who won their categories in the 2021 Cross Border Challenge. These are high performance builders who have achieved the best (lowest) HERS energy rating in a number of different categories. Every year it is a race to see who does better- Canadian or American builders. I think you will be pleased at our Canadian showings!

Congratulations to all the winners!

June 12, 2021

The Sustainable Housing Foundation held its annual golf tournament at Flemingdon Park Golf Course in Toronto. The weather and the COVID restrictions cooperated and a wonderful event was had safely by all!  Have a look at some of the golf teams below.

Christian Rinomato, Director of Sustainability at the Rinomato Group of Companies

March 18, 2021

This webinar will help explain the difference between embodied carbon and operational carbon and why the difference is significant when talking about building sustainable housing.  How does embodied carbon relate to energy efficiency? How do you measure embodied carbon? How does this tie into our governments’ approach to a carbon tax? Led by Christian Rinomato, Country Homes

This is an online Zoom Webinar that starts at 10:30 AM on Thursday March 18th. It will wrap up by noon. Log-on details will be emailed ahead of time to registered participants.

Register for Embodied Carbon.

This is the second of a three-part series of Webinars. For more information about the next webinar click below:

• Cost Effective Durability – April 22, 2021 at 10 :30 AM- Led by Structural Engineer Travis Schiller

John Godden, Founding Board Member and current President of SHF. President of Clearsphere.

February 18, 2021

What does “sustainable” housing actually mean today and how has that definition changed over time? Is it energy efficiency? Is it resilient buildings? Is it water efficiency? Or, is it all of these things and more?  How do you measure and evaluate sustainability? Why is it important to be looking at these issues today and what does the future hold for the home building industry? Led by John Godden, Clearsphere.

Webinar starts at 10:30 AM Thursday Feb. 18, 2021 and will wrap up by noon.  The Zoom link will be emailed to you ahead of time.

This is the first of a three-part series of Webinars that the Sustainable Housing Foundation is hosting this winter. You can get more information about the other seminars by clicking the links below:

• Embodied Carbon– March 18, 2021 at 10:30 AM -led by Christian Rinomato, Country Homes
• Cost Effective Durability– April 22, 2021 at 10:30 AM- Led by Structural Engineer Travis Schiller

April 22, 2021

LOGIN AT 10:30AM TO JOIN THE WEBINAR.

The topic of resiliency in housing has become a hot button issue for many municipalities who are struggling to address climate change, natural disasters, water shortages and other issues- not to mention energy. This webinar will look at this issue from the view point of structural sustainability, building science, and engineering principles. Led by Structural Engineer Travis Schiller

This is an online Zoom webinar on April 22, 2021 at 10:30 AM. Log on details will be emailed to all registered participants beforehand.

Register for this Webinar.