Master the basics of outdoor wood boilers, from high-efficiency gasification technology and EPA standards to integrating hydronic heating for homes, garages, and workshops. Outdoor wood burning boilers: Is this the right home heating system? For homeowners seeking energy independence, outdoor wood burning boilers…

Protect your home from the 'silent killer' with our guide to carbon monoxide sources, mitigation strategies, and choosing between dedicated or combination detectors for maximum safety. Carbon monoxide prevention and detection: protecting your air quality from dangerous gases Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to…

A complete breakdown of district heating, from central plants and underground networks to 5th generation ambient loops. Learn the pros, cons, and how DE impacts your home and community. District heating and district energy systems: What they are and how they work District heating, also known as district energy (DE)…

A definitive guide to developing a resilient, sustainable, and equitable eco-community, covering everything from finding land and people to establishing governance and financing models. How to build an off-grid eco-community: Eco-community building, where groups of like-minded people come together on a plot of land…

With verified renewable content and low toxicity, modern laminate countertops are making a comeback. Discover how this new certification helps you build a healthier kitchen without the heavy carbon footprint or toxicity of stone. Homeowners and builders who want sustainable renovations have a new certified option…

Intelligent home devices allow you to control your home remotely, and send you notices of problems. Smart homes take advantage of smart phone technologies to provide you with automated control of your homes systems such as heating and lighting. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the key aspects of this…

Learn how the WELL Building Standard is different from green certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Passive House by focusing on 10 concepts that directly advance human health and well-being. The WELL building standard - how is it different than other green building rating systems? The focus of a lot of green home…

The complete guide on when to hire an architect, how to find green design experts, typical costs, and the difference between architects, technologists, and design/build firms. The first step towards designing and building a home: Should you hire an architect? Knowing where to turn first to design and build a custom…

There is so much to consider when choosing the best windows for energy efficiency - frame type, Low-E coatings, triple or double pane, and gas filled windows. Should you include Argon and Krypton gas in windows. For anyone looking to replace windows or build a new home, the options to weed your way through can be…

The definitive guide to BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Understand the scoring, categories (Energy, Water, Materials), certification process, and how it compares to LEED for new and existing projects globally. What is the BREEAM rating system and should I get my home…

​​​​​​​Standard wood stoves can turn an energy-efficient home as hot a a sauna if you're not careful. Learn how masonry heaters solve this problem by acting as a thermal battery and radiating heat in airtight Passive House, LEED and Net Zero homes. There is a specific quality of warmth that comes from a masonry…

Insulation focuses on R-values while windows show R-values and U-values. Learn the difference to help choose materials and design efficient homes. Understanding U-values, how are they different to R-values? Most homeowners have a general idea of what R-value mean, and it is the most commonly understood metric for…

What is the best insulation material available and what are the best insulated windows? Aerogel is a super-insulator for walls and windows that may revolutionize how we design and build homes. Aerogel in sustainable building: Is this the best new insulation material? Aerogel is often called 'frozen smoke' because of…

Winter can challenge all of us with lack of daylight, and the impact on emotional health is very real. An easy way to protect mental health is daylight balancing. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and 'daylight balanced' home lighting: how do they affect us? As the days grow shorter in the fall and winter months…

How to leverage 'as-of-right' zoning to build up to three units on your residential lot, navigate the Ontario Building Code, and estimate costs related to Bill 23. The Ontario homeowner's guide to 'as of right' zoning of laneway homes, garden suites & Bill 23 The Canadian federal government as well as provincial…

How to navigate municipal bylaws, PIIA architectural requirements, and construction costs to build a legal secondary suite or "UHA" in Quebec. The Quebec homeowner's guide to ADUs, multi-generation & backyard tiny houses How to navigate municipal bylaws, PIIA architectural requirements, and construction costs to…

Everything Canadian homeowners need to know about planning, permitting, and building Garden Suites, Laneway Homes, and Secondary Units for rental income and multigenerational living. The complete guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Canada As housing prices soar and the need for urban density increases, the…

Learn the critical requirements for installing a wood burning stove in an airtight house, including sealed combustion and correct low-output sizing for homeowners and builders. Can you put wood burning stoves in airtight homes? There is an inherent feeling of resiliency that comes with having a wood stove, in that…

Want to reduce your grocery bills and eat healthy in the process? Cold storage root cellars are perfect for storing food you purchase or grow yourself. Root cellar construction - A guide to storing  summer fruit and vegetable harvests As the price of groceries lately is high and seems rather unpredictable, having a…