Benefits of a green home

With 42 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) being produced at home, buying a green home could be the single best thing you could do for the environment. And the environment isn’t the only thing that stands to benefit from buying green—your health, comfort, finances and community can also realize substantial benefits.

Environment

Reduced GHG emissions – Built with lower embodied energy and designed to reduce energy consumption, green homes mean less emissions. An ENERGY STAR home, for example, can keep as much as 2000 kg of greenhouse gases out of the air every year.

Reduced waste and use of resources – Since approximately one-third of Canada’s waste comes from building, opting for a green home that economizes materials and uses recycled and reused materials means far less waste and the peace of mind knowing that your home economized on materials.

Preserving environmentally sensitive land – In general, the larger the home, the larger the footprint. Green homes are designed to do more with less. More functional space means less actual space is needed, resulting in a smaller impact on the environment.

Durable – Home renovations have a significant impact on the environment once building materials, transportation of those materials, energy consumption and waste are accounted for. By choosing materials such as fibre-cement over vinyl siding and metal roofing over asphalt shingles, green homes are designed to last longer and require less renovation.

Health and quality of life

Indoor air quality (IAQ) – Green homes use low- or zero-VOC paints and building materials that have little or no formaldehyde, saving your respiratory and immune systems from getting stressed. Good ventilation moves chemicals and odours out of the home quickly, ensuring less exposure to the harmful effects of chemicals and the unpleasant smell of bad odours.

Comfort – Since green homes tend to have better insulation, they produce less temperature variations between rooms and minimize drafts.

Quieter – Triple-paned windows and increased insulation do a better job preventing sound from entering the home.

Finance

Loan, tax and insurance rebates – Green homes qualify for a 10 per cent mortgage loan insurance premium refund and extended amortization period from Canadian Mortgage and Homes Corporation (CMHC). A number of tax rebates and other incentives are available to Canadians. Visit the Financial Assistance page on Natural Resource Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency site for details.

Lower operating costs – With utility rates steadily climbing, renewable energy sources such as solar PV or wind will produce more energy savings than ever before. Other resource-saving alternatives include low-flow showers, rainwater harvesting, and xeriscaping. Homeowners buying a home built according to the Passive House specification, for example, can expect their home to consume 90 per cent less heating energy than a conventional home.

Increased resale value – Though just some people will pay a premium to live in a green home, everyone likes to save money on utility bills, making green homes a wise investment. A study by the Earth Advantage Institute found that homes certified with ENERGY STAR or LEED designations sold for 30 per cent more than conventionally built homes.

photo courtesy Grand Canyon NPS (CC – BY)