There are two sets of south facing solar panels installed on the third floor utility deck:

Solar Powered Battery Back-up System: The first set of panels are photovoltaic solar panels which collect energy that is stored in a battery back- up system. On a clear day, the panels can collect a total of 600 Watts per hour. The back-up system can collect a total of 10,000 watts. This energy can instantly provide power for essential services in the house in the event of a power failure. When the back-up system has reached its capacity the excess energy is sent back to the hydrometer, providing free clean energy to the entire home.

» Sentinal Power Systems Inc – Solar panel & battery backup supply & install

Solar Pre-heat Domestic Hot Water Panels: The second set of panels are used to preheat domestic hot water. Unlike traditional photovoltaic solar panels, these panels do not produce electricity. The panels heat fluid that is connected in a continuous loop to a coil, which pre-heats the water. This system acts to complement conventional hot water systems drastically reducing energy bills.

» Solsmart - Domestic hot water solar pre-heating system install
» Enerworks – Domestic hot water solar pre-heating system supply

Underground Rainwater Collection Cistern & Treatment Tank: Located under the front lawn is an underground rainwater collection cistern and treatment tank. Rainwater from the roofs is collected, treated and re-used as grey water for laundry, toilets and exterior irrigation. This system is energy –efficient and greatly reduces the impact on the city’s water system, especially during dry summer months. Not to mention it also can greatly reduce the monthly water bill.

» RH20 – Water cistern supply & install

A Green Roof system has been installed on the south facing roof deck. The green roof is made up of pre-planted modules that act not only to absorb rain run off, but also serve to provide several environmental and aesthetic benefits.

One of the more notable environmental benefits is water conservation and reduction of storm water run off. The soil and plants act as a sponge that absorbs rainwater; this can greatly alleviate the impact on the municipal storm drainage systems. The system also acts to cool the house when the plants absorb and transpire water.

» Caradoc Green Roof Ltd. - Green Roof install
» Gardens in the Sky Inc. - Green roof install
» Hillen Nursery Inc. - Green roof supply
» Live Roof LLC – Green Roof Supply

» See Full Contributor List

In the building of the house, environmentally responsible and low-dust products were used for improved air quality. Products like zero VOC paints, non-allergenic carpets on stairs Low VOC, hardwood or tile through out instead of broadloom were used to complement the extensive filtration system in the forced air system.

The two "Lifebreath" ventilation furnaces are each equipped with duel filtration systems to ensure only the cleanest air is re-circulated back into the house. Finally, a thorough duct cleaning was performed to ensure the furnaces are working at their peak efficiency.

» Amaircare – Hepa air filter supply
» Ductmate Canada – Ductwork supply
» Lifebreath - Air handler supply

» See Full Contributor List

Concrete Substructure: Tonnes of concrete, in poured forms and pre-cast slabs make up the substructure of the house, both above and below grade. Concrete is durable and can resist high loads and impact. It will not burn or rot and is also energy efficient.

Concrete provides thermal mass, absorbing heat from solar exposure and re-releasing the heat at night or in cooler conditions. This reduces energy costs from heating and cooling.

Because the floors are all pre-cast concrete with a poured top, radiant in-floor heating was installed throughout the entire house- even in the garage and basement. This provides one of the most efficient and evenly distributed heating systems available.

» See Full Contributor List

Improved Building Envelope: The building envelope has been upgraded by using spray-foam insulation with and R25-30 on the walls and R40+ on the roof. This further supports the thermal mass provided by the concrete substructure.

» BASF – Walltite Spray Foam Supplier
» See Full Contributor List

LED Lighting: LED lighting technology is used in accent locations; reducing energy consumption and providing a higher quality of light.

» Juno Lighting - electrical lighting supply
» World of Lights – electrical lighting supply

Window Placement: The windows on the south facing exposure are recessed, providing natural shading through the over hanging soffit. This design also allows for maximum sun penetration during the winter to increase heat gain during the cooler months.

» Click Here to see Designs

Vaulted Design: The triple-floor-height feature in the dining room encourages natural convective airflow. The 24’ ceiling in the dinning room features clerestory windows that work with the ground floor windows to create a naturally driven airflow for cooling in the spring and summer. The air-conditioning units are only necessary during the hot summer months.

» Baird Sampson Neuert Architects – Archtiectural Design » Click Here to see Designs