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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.

June 25, 2020

The Sustainable Housing Foundation, with careful planning, was able to hold its annual Green Builder Challenge Golf Tournament at Flemingdon Golf Course on Thursday June 25th, 2020. With great planning and assistance from the staff at the golf course we were able to host 9 teams of golfers with a boxed lunch, a drinks cart and best-ball round of nine-hole golf. By every measure the event was a terrific success and many participants enjoyed (finally) a get together with friends and colleagues at a COVID-appropriate distance.  The Awards for the golf tournament were presented virtually the next day along with the Awards for the RESNET/CRESNET Cross Border Challenge. These are the builders who have achieved the lowest HERS scores in a number of categories.

As golfer, and SHF Board member, Paul Lowes of BP Canada commented,

“the event helped bring industry friends and colleagues together after a prolonged period of isolation, to participate in the annual event. The weather was spectacular and Flemingdon Park Golf Club did an excellent job ensuring protocols were met by making modifications to the pins and catering a delicious boxed lunch for each player. It was evident that everyone felt comfortable with the safety standards implemented and happy to see each other.”

The winners of this year’s Tournament prizes were:

• Women’s Longest Drive:  Jenifer Hurd
• Men’s Longest Drive: Daryl Pirocchi
• Closest To The Pin: Richard Lyall
• Most Honest Team: Silvio Longo and team
• Best Team: Frank Muto and team

Canadian Awards for the Cross Border Challenge were:

• CRESNET President’s Award: Heathwood Homes
• Lowest HERS score production builder: Brookfield Residential
• Lowest HERS score mid-production: Campanale Homes
• Lowest HERS score custom builder: Tribute Homes
• Enbridge Innovation Award: Geranium Homes

Browse some photos of the golf teams below.

THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED IN THE FALL ONCE THINGS RETURN TO A NORMAL WORK ENVIRONMENT.  Resilient housing is the next step in future proofing the homes we build. It is more than energy and water efficiency; it is more than durable construction and solid foundations; it is the ultimate combination of building practices that will allow our homes to last into the future despite the extreme climate changes our planet is facing.

Join us for the Sustainable Housing Foundation’s Breakfast event on April 2nd at the Thornhill Club from 8:30 am to 11 am. The topic for the morning’s event is HOUSING RESILIENCY. WHAT BUILDERS NEED TO KNOW.

It is no longer enough to build quality, energy efficient homes. Municipalities, the Insurance industry and other levels of Government are demanding resilient homes that can withstand climate change events such as increased winds, rain, drought, and other severe weather changes.

Our panel of speakers will highlight what Builders need to be aware of and show them how to navigate the inevitable regulations that are coming and how to be ahead of the curve in making your homes more resilient.

AGENDA

• 8:30 am  Breakfast Buffet
• 9:00 am  Presentations begin
• 10:00 am  Discussion and Q&A
• 10:30 am  Cross Border Challenge Winners’ presentation

SPEAKERS

Presenters:

• Arthur Lofsky, Director, Gov’t Relations and Climate Adaptation Lead, Ontario Insurance Bureau of Canada
• Glenn McGillivray, Managing Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
• Corrie McCambridge, Canadian Field Rep, APA- The Engineered Wood Association

 Builder Response:

• A GTA Builder has been invited to respond to the issues raised by the speakers. TBC