Sustainability Now

The impact of climate change has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. Nowhere is this movement more impactful than the construction industry. As the Ontario Building Code did not harmonize with the National Building Code, Ontario builders have a chance to voluntarily show leadership and forward thinking. In Ontario, simply ceasing to use fossil fuels as an energy source is not a possibility with Ontario’s specific challenges.   Builders, manufacturers, and governing bodies all recognize the…

This past June, a Canadian builder, was on a flight back to Toronto from Florida after Game Seven of the Stanley Cup final. Along the way, the builder struck up a conversation with an American developer, comparing notes on home energy efficiency. Surprisingly, this person made a comment that Canadian builders were not doing their part in reducing CO2 emissions compared to their U.S. counterparts.   The American builder’s observation was far from the truth. Unbeknown to him, this builder…

On April 10, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) announced that they would not completely harmonize the Ontario Building Code (OBC) with the National Building Code (NBC) 2020 9.36 and would preserve the use of SB-10 and SB-12. This is a victory to preserve builder choice — not just for energy compliance for building permits, but for allowing fairness in meeting local green building standards that solely reference government programs like Energy Star. The Home Energy Rating System…

Federal climate change policy and the National Building Code (NBC) are targeting Net Zero Energy Ready new homes and buildings by 2030.  Local Ontario Green Building Standards are referencing the NBC 2020 step code Tier 4 and 5 or Zero Rated Home. How does this relate to current OBC prescriptions for energy performance, Energy Star or higher? The long-awaited Super Semi Demonstration Project report sheds light on this topic and raises important questions. How do we measure zero energy carbon…

June 19, 2024 12 Noon to 5 PM Flemingdon Golf Course, Toronto The annual Green Builder Challenge Golf Tournament, hosted  by the Sustainable Housing Foundation’s President John Godden, is happening on Wednesday June 19th in the afternoon and you are invited to attend. Lunch and beverages will be provided before the first T-off time at 1 PM so come early and enjoy a relaxing lunch on the patio and great networking opportunity with your colleagues from the sustainable building industry…

The impact of climate change has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. Federal and Provincial governments have implemented rebates and taxes, to incentivize industry and citizens to do their part to address climate change. Most companies in North America have implemented strategies and targets to mitigate their impact on the environment. Companies express these efforts in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) policies and reporting. Nowhere is this movement more profound than the construction industry. Topics include: Manufacturer’s…

This year, like many others, was my first time attending the Low Carbon Home Builders Coalition. It was a great opportunity to network with other professionals such as Builders, Manufacturers, Contractors, City Officials, and many other industry stakeholders who share the vision of creating sustainable and affordable housing for our province. There were many great speakers at this event talking about Codes, Carbon, and the future of our housing. Furthermore, highlighting an important topic that was discussed is Combination Hybrid…

Here are some ideas that Paul Lowes would like you to examine when it comes to the future of residential home building. The impact of climate change has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. Federal and Provincial governments have implemented rebates and taxes, to incentivize industry and citizens to do their part to address climate change. Most companies in North America have implemented strategies and targets to mitigate their impact on the environment. Companies express these…