Active Solar Systems Evacuated tubes pre-heat water for domestic use, providing about 1/3rd of the hot water needs at the tap on an annual basis. The 3KW photovoltaic system generates enough electricity for about 1/3rd of the homeowner’s need. Pictured here are just 2 of the 15 panels installed on this roof.

	Hands-free Low-flow Faucet Low-flow faucets reduce water consumption up to 80% saving homeowners money and helping the environment at the same time.

	Thermal Break Under Floor Slab Two inches of closed-cell foam placed under the entire slab, allows the concrete floor to act as a heat sink for the passive solar home.

	Two Meters and Inverter A grid-tied inverter and two meters are standard features when electricity producing solar panels are installed on the home’s roof. One of the electrical meters measures gross production of electricity. The billing meter turns backwards when more electricity is being produced than the home needs.

	Natural Lighting and Healthy Finishes A well designed home allows plenty of natural lighting, has healthy finishes and uses materials that are sustainable. An effort is made to use locally grown and manufactured goods.

	High Quality Exterior Envelope Weatherproofing details on the exterior are extremely important. Enclosed eaves, custom bent flashings, insulated fiberglass doors, and high quality siding are just some of the components used to keep wind and water out.

	Innovative Exterior Wall Assembly Our exterior wall is constructed using a 1/2” layer of foam under the exterior plywood. This measure, combined with other techniques helps us to achieve an R-26 rating on this wall assembly.

	Advanced Framing This is an inside view of one of our advanced framing techniques. The roof truss has an energy heel. This means that it is much taller at the exterior wall than conventional trusses, allowing for full attic insulation over those walls.

	Fiberglass Entry Door All exterior doors are insulated fiberglass and all windows are triple-glazed, achieving a U-value of .25.

	Small Lot Landscaping A kitchen garden is convenient and practical for the city dweller. Solid bamboo fencing is attractive and durable.

	Educating Workers This sign illustrates one of our techniques to get our message to the workers on the job sites.

	Natural Wood Millwork Our homes’ finish packages include finger-jointed pine moldings that get painted, unfinished pine stepping for closet shelving, hardwood floors and shoe moldings. All finishes that are used are low and no VOC, so that the air in the home is fresh.

	Recycled Fir Floor The greenest materials are those that are reused, recycled and diverted from landfill. This original fir floor was left intact when the 1904 house was restored. It was sanded and finished with 4 coats of a water based finish.

	Long-lasting Cedar Siding This kiln-dried and pre-primed cedar siding will last at least 100 years when properly maintained. It is locally produced in British Columbia.

	Pervious Pavement This concrete that looks like rice crackers is porous. Storm water flows right through it into a bed of gravel that holds the water until it has a chance to be absorbed by the surrounding dirt.

	Organic Landscaping For the long term health of plants, slow release natural fertilizers are used. First, manure compost is roto-tilled into the dirt. Then bone meal and sometimes peat moss is added at the time of planting. A layer of wood chips topping off the landscape conserves moisture and adds nutrients.

	Locally Made Tiles When an accessible bathroom is provided the entire bathroom floor becomes the shower pan.

	Fresh Air System The heat recovery ventilator (HRV)hangs above the washer and dryer. It delivers fresh air to all of the bedrooms as it is pulling stale air from the bathrooms. The exhaling air warms the incoming air at an efficiency rate of 90%.

	Triple-glazed, U.25 Window Triple glazed windows with a Low E coating on the exterior and argon gas between the panes of glass provide exceptional thermal comfort and reduced noise transmission.