A dwelling must have specific features for it to be designated as eco-responsible. Ensuring the sustainability of a property is achieved through compliance with defined criteria. Let’s explore them together.
Certifications
Based on specific characteristics, eco-friendly homes can earn one or more certifications. In particular, they may receive:
The Novoclimat certification As a minimum, the home must be equipped with a high-quality air exchanger and superior insulation. Electric or residual forest biomass heating should also be preferred.
According to the Gouvernement du Québec, a Novoclimat home achieves average annual energy savings of 20% and guarantees greater comfort for its occupants.
Before construction is completed, an independent consultant-evaluator mandated by the ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles (MERN) must examine the walls. A blower door test will confirm how airtight the house is and its overall energy efficiency. Subsequent construction work can be adapted according to the results.
A second inspection will be done upon completion of the work so that the house can be certified. It will then be eligible for financial assistance from the Novoclimat program.
The LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Its objective is to reduce negative environmental impacts and build sustainable buildings in over 132 countries worldwide. To comply, a project must perform well in the following six areas:
1. Location and transportation
2. Sustainable site development
3. Water savings
4. Energy efficiency
5. Materials selection
6. Indoor environmental quality
The project must be registered with LEED Canada. The home will then appear in the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) database. It will be subject to evaluation by a professional. Consult the profiles of these experts on the US Green Building Council. The home will then receive certification.
Ecolabels
Look for ecolabels when shopping for your home, so you can buy items that have them. The ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs informs us that:
“It is a distinctive label (often a logo) affixed to a product that provides information on its environmental characteristics. In some cases, it also refers to social and economic qualities.”
Specifically, they focus on food, working conditions, farming methods, products that are preferable for health, the environment, and sustainable forest management. They tell us how the product was made and what ingredients it contains.
Consult the Répertoire des écoétiquettes in order to have access to all categories.
EspaceProprio Tip An Energy Star symbol on appliances indicates that they are the most energy efficient. The symbol is also found on electronic, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, as well as on doors and windows. It can even be seen on houses now.
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