Al's Green Blog

How Low Can You Go?

2011-03-25T10:28:00.002-04:00

We are not talking the limbo dance here. We are into water and how little can you use. On the toilet side we just replaced a water guzzler in our home with a 3 liter Hennessy and Hinchcliffe model. I am impressed – stylish and efficient! The mechanism is different in the tank, creating a vacuum to drive the water into the bowl - which quickly removes contents. Canadian designed, built and distributed by Phil Hennessy and Mark Hinchcliffe.
For even lower use, the Sun-Mar Excel NE composting toilet uses no water. We put one in our Muskoka boat house in 2009, with good results. It provides the overnight users a close, clean efficient facility and for the beach crowd – a convenient place to go – rather than hike back up to the cottage.
How low can you go?
Check out:
http://www.watermatrix.com/proficiency/
www.sun-mar.com

Seeing "Red over Green"

2010-05-18T12:17:00.002-04:00

The Toronto Star recently ran a series of articles describing the fraud of some "green" experts and their heart wrenching stories. As a small green builder, I am pleased that the fraudsters and “green washers” are being exposed. However the green entrepreneurial world is not as simple as green = bad and Mike Holmes = good. There are many, many committed people who are running green businesses because it is more than the money – it is their passion, their commitment and their calling. We in the “green” industry are expected to be operating from the moral high ground. We need to stand the test of honesty. As most businesses in the green field are new, consumers need to be careful.
Some questions you can ask a prospective green business owner or representative:
· What have you done personally (not business) to make for a better environment and world?
· What is your personal goal in relation to the environment?
· What relevant skills do you possess? How do you provide all the services you claim to provide?
· Give me 3 references in this field of business.
· If I Google your company – what will I find?
· How long have you been in this business?

Composting 365

2010-05-12T09:19:00.000-04:00

COMPOSTING TOLIETS 365 - NEWS RELEASE

Attention: Environmental Decision Makers From: Al Seymour, President
For Immediate Release Contact: info@muskokainthecity.ca
May 12, 2010 www.muskokainthecity.ca

Year Round Composting Toilet Solution Off the Grid

Mississauga, Ontario ~ Muskoka in the City Inc. has developed a solution to allow composting toilets to operate year round, outdoors – off the grid. That means the microbial and decomposing action takes place during winter.

This is done with a combination of solar power, passive solar design, smart insulation and environmental consideration. This solution builds on our existing washroom installations using composting toilets, solar, low flush – no water, on tank, green materials to situations requiring year round use.

Benefits:
· Location flexibility
· Less intrusion and damage to the environment from excavating for deep tanks and field tiles in traditional systems
· Less costly than traditional systems
· In combination with a low maintenance, robust building – a pleasant user experience.

Applications:
· Parks and conservation areas
· Golf courses
· Remote trail areas
· Off grid maintenance buildings
· Cabins, cottages and camps
Sizing is adjusted to local geographical situations

We provide the complete solution – from design and permits through construction

Check out our website or call us for more information today!

Great Green Websites

2009-02-27T11:36:00.001-05:00

There are huge numbers of environmental focused websites. I have listed some of my favourites that apply to most Canadian homeowners and environmentalists:

Green Blog – Technical - Tyler Hamilton
http://tyler.blogware.com/

Green business and services in the GTA
http://www.greenenterprise.net/web/index.php?id=160
http://www.grassrootsstore.com/

Local initiatives:
http://oakvillegreen.sheridanc.on.ca/
http://www.ecosource.ca/
http://torontogreen.ca/

Events, conferences and jobs;
http://www.planetfriendly.net/calendar/
http://workcabin.ca/

Life style:
http://www.simplelivingtv.net/
http://www.zerofootprint.net/

Education:
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/
http://www.faith-commongood.net/gss/
http://www.conservationontario.ca/

Technical:
http://www.naturallifenetwork.com/

Food:
http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/index.cfm
http://www.localfoodplus.ca/
http://www.burnhamfamilyfarmmarket.ca/

RENOVATION REBATES – Pay yourself back!

2009-02-27T09:57:00.001-05:00

Good news from the Jan. 27 federal budget: Home owners completing renovation projects between $1000 and $10,000 completed prior to Feb. 2010 can get a %15 rebate of up to $1350 for home renovations. This program includes items such as kitchens, bathrooms, decks, painting, new carpets and flooring. Routine maintenance does not qualify. Such things as new furniture, appliances, tools, carpet cleaning and snow removal are excluded.
The invoices/receipts need to be kept for your 2009 tax return.

You can also double dip on a project if you are including energy efficient upgrades – furnace, insulation, windows etc. You still need to have an energy audit done to qualify.

Let’s do the math:

Example #1:

Bathroom reno. – tub, floor, fan, tile, paint, fixtures – low flush toilets – GTA area.
No energy savings and therefore no energy audit. Total contractor and purchase price $9500.
Calculated savings = $1425. cap $1350. Low flush toilet = $60- municipal rebate - net $1410 savings.

Example #2
Renovation of living room, powder room bathroom, front foyer, stairs – Total price - $30,000.
Calculated savings = $4500. Cap of $1350. Net savings $1350.

Example #3
Basement and energy combination - new appliances – Energy Star, high efficiency furnace, heat recovery ventilator, insulation, door, windows, tile, lighting. Energy Star appliances = $3000. Total Price $30,000. Energy audit $400.
Calculated savings – Federal renovation incentive = $1350
- Home Energy Savings Plan rebates on energy audit - $150
- Retail sales tax rebates on appliances 8% = $240
- EcoAction and HESP rebates for energy retrofits = $2000
- Total savings = $3740

Please note that each project will have its own unique opportunities and savings.

Green Design

2009-02-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

I recently heard a green focused interior designer talk about undertaking an environmentally based renovation. Her planning points and choice of materials were well covered. E.g. SFC lumber, low VOC paint, no formaldehyde furniture etc. These are all important considerations.

However, a total project that is sustainable must incorporate LEED based principles that go beyond just material selection:
Plan using the 4 R’s – the real work is to take inventory of what can be reused, modified or given away, and make only changes that are sustainable.
What to do about the waste on the tear out? Call the dumpster and have it go to Michigan? Or, do you plan for an on-site sorting, with the materials going to the local recycling centre – metals, drywall, wood, packaging, appliances etc.
What energy savings devises or methods does the contractor employ? E.g. modern tools, sealing up cracks and openings to cut heat loss when under construction, insulating areas that are not planned – because it is the right thing to do.
Does the contractor plan carefully for material usage so that there is minimal waste and minimal property damage?
Are you saving any money and time by the selections you make – long term energy use, your maintenance time?

Remember that a sustainable project has 5 steps:
Energy Audit
Building inspection
Planning / design
Doing the construction.
Collecting the rebates.

Enough of the Negative Talk

2009-02-27T09:46:00.002-05:00

Auto industry crashes, TSE reaches new yearly low, unemployment edges up, another business goes bankrupt. I am tired of it. Yes we are in a deep recession. But we are not a depression.

There are lots of people working. The national unemployment rate is 7.2%, which means the employment rate is 92.8%. On Feb. 19, CMHC predicted resale housing prices to drop only 5.2% in 2009. Which means the investing in home improvements now is a good investment looking into the future. A well planned and executed renovation of the home areas where a home value improves the most – bathrooms, kitchen, and painting will continue to add value.

Retailer pricing may be very competitive this year in order to mover stock. Add the rebates of the Federal budget and the multiple environmental energy rebates, there are lots of incentives to get going!

And as far as my business - it has never been brighter. Off grid washrooms using composting technology, green focused building and renovations and fine outdoor structures. Lots of very creative and worthwhile projects coming! Our Mississauga based youth program, Erin Mills Youth Outreach Program, a United Way of Peel agency is also growing and doing great work with kids that need a helping hand. (“Youth with potential”)

Planning a Green Energy Retrofit

2008-08-20T08:42:00.000-04:00

Key in planning a green energy retrofit is to work through 5 steps. The multifaceted project we are now working follows this process:
1. Get an energy audit
2. Obtain a home or building inspection
3. Design the project with these 2 reports in hand
4. Build with the combined plan
5. Apply for energy rebates to assist in payment for your project.

The energy audit will expose issues that need addressing, such as insulation, heat source inefficiency and make valuable recommendations.
The home inspection or business inspection will uncover physical problems and potential ones for the future. These should be addressed when the home or business is being renovated. Examples can be: basement moisture, sagging joists, incorrect electrical installations, plumbing venting, attic ventilation, mould and so on. Fix them now.

An important note: A commercial audit is a more complex process and reporting than a home energy audit. It is also more expensive and requires a licensed commercial auditor. However, there is a great deal more valuable information provided.

Thank you for good neighbours

2008-08-20T08:33:00.001-04:00

I recently installed a composting toilet for a man who is on a disability pension. “Bob” is a friendly man in mid life that lives in a tiny cottage home, without plumbing. Bob’s environmental footprint is small and his needs simple. He has no family to rely on. Bob is also blessed with neighbours who “keep an eye” on him. They have paid for home improvements, take him shopping, drop off food, provide advice and are just friends. They have also paid for the toilet system. Thank you good neighbours!

Mike Holmes is right! Recycle.

2008-03-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

I like many of us watch Mike Holmes on Holmes on Homes and read his Globe and Mail articles. The productions are good entertainment and provide good information, although I do not agree with him on everything. The Friday Feb. 15 Globe article was excellent because it raised the issue of dump disposal fees. This is an important cost of major renovations. It is also a major landfill component, and environmental problem. Mike talks up recycling of components that someone else might use on other projects. Items such as sinks, cabinets, lumber, plumbing fixtures have value when used again. It does take time and money to do this sorting and delivery to centres like Habitat for Humanity ReStores or a reused material supply store. There are some cost trade offs on dump fees and recycled material resale value.
Do the right thing for the environment and salvage as much as you can. Please see – previous blog “Green Renovations – What I learn at the dump”.

In Praise of the Prius

2008-03-04T10:52:00.000-05:00

Although this is not a green building related article, I must comment on our purchase of a 2008 Toyota Prius this past November.
We bought this car sight unseen. No dealers in Ontario had cars to test drive last fall and the rental companies had sold off their rentals. So with a little trepidation we ordered a Prius - ultimately from Japan.

Eight weeks after our order we picked up a bright red Prius. After a short familiarization lesson we were off. It was weird to not hear the engine at stops and to start off in silence. We were visually glued to the information screen which produces efficiency and performance information. We have found that it is easy to drive, very comfortable to ride and has much more sitting and storage room that initially appears. And of course – the fuel consumption is great. We did a highway trip recently and found that we were averaging 5.1 L / 100 Km – just under the highway rating. It takes about $30 for a fill and that goes about 500 km. for average driving. The Prius is not cheap to buy, but we are saving on gas cost and greatly reducing green house gas production.

Canada Blooms 2008 Planning

2008-03-04T10:51:00.001-05:00

I am pleased to be a partner this year with the Canada Blooms “Backyard Ecotopia” display team. This year’s booth theme is “Choices for Sustainable Living” and involves many partners. Please see http://www.canadablooms.com/ It is truly inspiring to work with the partners (list will be added when finalized) in planning, integrating components, sharing ideas and sharing resources.

From a planning point of view, the 4 “R’s” are paramount. The 4th R being Really think. It is most relevant to our efforts. What is the impact of what we are doing? What is our message and who do we wish to influence with that message?

As far as what we are doing – we are reusing materials from previous show years. We have sourced materials with high recycled content (e.g. Enviroshake). We have secured wood from sustainable managed forests (Forest Stewardship Council – FSC). We have selected good materials for reuse again. E.g. Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

What is our message and who is it being addressed to? There are many good green choices to be made. We can use solid environmental solutions together with each other. We can be inspired, with the knowledge that going green is not a severe belt tightening. Going green can be beautiful, can save money and be the right thing to do.

Come see us at the Metro Convention Centre Mar. 12 -16.

Off the Grid Toilet systems

2008-03-04T10:40:00.005-05:00

Muskoka in the City has developed an off the grid washroom system that works well for golf courses, low use situations and for recreational use. We have teamed up with Sun-Mar – North America’s largest maker of composting toilets to put together an environmentally sound solution. No water, no electricity, no septic system which is cheaper and uses a natural bio-system. This combination in conjunction with solar powered lighting and fan, has received great interest.

However there are barriers as interpreted by some officials. An open pit privy (outhouse) does not need a permit according to the Ontario Building Code. Waste goes into the ground and is not monitored. However the composting toilet is a contained system and may be interpreted as to need a permit or not be allowed at all.

The old rules have yet to adapt to the green world changes! Hello?

Meet the Eco Animals

2007-10-04T11:13:00.001-04:00

Have you met the Eco Animals?

Our response to the environmental crisis can be captured by the imaging us as various animals:
The wise owls – They are the people that have seen the future and are warning us of peril if we do not act now. Listen to the wise owls.
The eco eagles – They see the future, plan the response, may be entrepreneurs and lead us to the positive changes. Listen to and watch the eagles.
The eco hares – They get the message. Their response is start – stop – but they will get there. Cheer for the eco hares.
The eco tortoises – They get the message also and will methodically get there. Cheer for the tortoises.
The eco ostriches – They do not want to know what is going on. Give them a wake up call.
The eco dinosaurs – We know who they are.

Insulation Myths

2007-10-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

Green Renovations – Insulation myths

Steve Maxwell writes a column for the Toronto Star as well as being the editor of Canadian Home Workshop magazine. A recent article of his, laid out the true story of fiberglass insulation ratings, vs. actual tests. What Dr. Tony Scott at Brock University found was that closed cell foam insulation rated R-17 delivered R-17 while an R-19 building only delivered R-4 due to air movement within the hollow wall / fiberglass during very cold weather. The closed cell foam was an air barrier and superior insulator. Cool! Well not so cool in -25 weather. Something to think about.

Challenge – what to insulate with on an old brick house – drill holes and blow in insulation or add rigid foam to walls. If the wall cavities are smooth (old brick likely have lots of mortar pushed out in air space) then blown insulation will provide some insulating value although there will be pockets. Moisture migration may also be a factor. Better solution is cover with 2” of rigid foam on the outside if the walls are to be resided or inside if the interior walls are to be replaced. This comes from another article of Steve’s. Check out Steve’s information at www.stevemaxwell.ca

New is Old

2007-10-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

What is “new” is old

Many of the “new” technologies we are embracing for new home design and renovation planning are not new at all. They are often old ways of conserving energy. I would like to use the example of my grand parents’ farm in the Peterborough area.

The home faced south, with large maples to shade the home in summer, but letting sunlight warm to enter the home in winter. Lathe and plaster walls and wood floors allowed for thermal heating in the winter. Spruce trees on the west side acted as both a wind break and provided afternoon shade. The house had high ceilings allowing heat to rise up through the home and out the upper windows. Windows were on all sides for summer breeze flow. Rainwater was collected from the gutters and stored in a huge basement cistern, which provided wash-water and a summer cooling. The home wasn’t perfect. It took a lot of wood and in later years, oil heat to keep warm in winter, but it worked.

LEEDership

2007-10-04T11:03:00.000-04:00

LEEDership in the Green World

LEED has become the standard for green building design and construction. It is a new term. LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED principles are basically reduce reuse and recycle, but on a much more detailed level. LEED looks at the environmental sensitivity of a site, occupant’s health, sustainable materials, low eco-footprints and construction practices. Buildings can be registered as Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum (top rating). Individuals can write an exam to be accredited (LEED AP). The LEED process is managed by the Canadian Green Building Council.

LEED is truly leadership in today’s growing green world.

I will be studying this fall for my accreditation exam following my initial LEED training. I will keep you posted on more LEEDs and my accreditation process later.

For more information go http://www.cagbc.org/

2007-09-12T16:43:00.000-04:00

Green Renovations – A refinishing challenge!

I recently was asked to refinish a dresser but do it using green techniques and materials, and have it match the rest of the suite. What I found was the project required both research and experimentation. There are not many options in large home improvement stores other than Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) for stripping and refinishing. But I did succeed. The removal of the old finish went well – with lots of TLC sanding. In consultation with my professional paint supplier we were able to determine the existing finish so as to come up with a rematch process. As it was a natural finish I commenced with a water-based polyurethane. Tannins (looked like I spilled tea all over my project) soaked into the wood from the water based polyurethane, darkening some areas of the wood. Solution - sand again! Anyways, after sanding, applying water based sanding sealer, sanding and 4 layers of water-based polyurethane with sanding between coats – we have the match to the old finish. At first if you do not succeed, sand and sand again!

Summary - research, test, do, and enjoy – a green solution.

2007-09-07T10:44:00.001-04:00

Green Renovations – What I learn at the dump.

When I bring demolition materials to the local recycling centre, I like to see what is coming in. It reminds me of my childhood when my father would take me on an outing to the township dump. The dump was the place to take your garbage as we had no collection service. It was a place pick up “treasures” and to see the wild life. With a hand full of stones I enjoyed trying to “stir up” the lunching rats.

Today it is pleasing to see renovators sort out materials in scrap metal, drywall, wood, paper products plastics and general waste at local recycling centres. But it is usually the small guys at the sites. At so many large jobs, the monster bin sits out front, filled with everything. It’s easy to throw it all in the bin. There is no infrastructure to sort at job sites and move to end sources. Have you ever asked where the monster bins go? In the Toronto area, most likely they go to a transfer station and then to Michigan landfill. When I do a tear out, I sort by layers in the truck or trailer so that the materials can be recycled.

In Peel Region the recycling centres wood goes to power generation and park mulch. The drywall gets reworked back into wall board. Metal goes to back into the metal industry. Paper and plastics are recycled into other products.
Let’s put in a little sweat, a lot of recycling, but hold the rats

2007-09-07T10:43:00.000-04:00

Green Renovations – Green is Boring?

A lot of the information I see on websites and in blogs is kind of dry – lots of lists and lots of dire warnings. There is a lack of problem solving using the green stuff in practical terms. We also need to lighten up with a dose of humour. So I will try and provide green solutions for real issues which I have encountered and from other sources I come across. And I will add some humour to this series. Please feel free to comment at info@muskokainthecity.ca

"Has anybody seen the Al Gore movie about global warming and the environment? Well, the Bush administration has seen it and they are very annoyed about the whole thing. As a matter of fact, earlier today, Dick Cheney shot a projectionist. ... One very dramatic scene in the Al Gore global warming movie is when a glacier melts and they find more Al Gore ballots from the election." --David Letterman

2007-09-07T09:32:00.000-04:00

Step 5 – Green Renovations – Energy Grants and Rebates

Now the renovation is done, the mess is gone you have just enjoyed your first dinner with friends in your new dining room and kitchen and the question is asked. “Bob – you’ve got the power. How much savings did you get from the renovation?” And that is when you remember that the process has one last step.

The second energy audit is conducted following the completion of the recommended improvements to evaluate and verify the actual work performed. (This is where an unbiased auditor is important). The auditor submits the report to the ecoENERGY retrofit program. ecoENERGY issues the grant money. Local municipalities may also offer low ware usage rebates. See links below for more details.

Check out:
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit-homes/questions-answers.cfm#q19

http://www.toronto.ca/watereff/flush/

http://www.peelregion.ca/watersmartpeel/indoor/toilet-program-1.htm

Get going green!

2007-09-05T13:35:00.000-04:00

Step 4 – Green Renovations – Build

Once your plan is in place it is time to start the work. Thinking green in work terms means practicing green in how you do your work and what you use.

On site a contractor should have only materials ordered that will be required – just enough to do the work. This creates less waste. Materials stored on site need to be protected from the elements again to reduce waste. Driving vehicles back and forth for supplies due to poor planning is not only a time water but a huge fuel waste considering most commercial vehicle are gas guzzlers.

Rather than the big disposal bin on site which makes it easy to fill and remove - recycle. (The bin may be destined for Michigan). We have always been recycling drywall, wood, packaging, metal, tile and other materials from a job sites into local municipal recycling centres. It takes extra work – but it is the right way.

We like to call this the 4 R’s reduce, reuse, recycle, and really think. There are no cookie cutter green solutions for older homes. Each is unique and presents its own challenges.

Even if the project is not “green” we can incorporate green practices and materials. We ask what eco-materials can be included in the project. (E.g. low VOC paint).

Go green!

2007-08-30T16:13:00.000-04:00

Step 3 – Green Renovations – Design

Now that you are armed with the home inspectors report and the energy audit you can sit down with the architect and builder to plan the entire project – from the basics, to the energy savings to the green sourced materials and of course all the improvements you wish to incorporate for your dreams.

Designing green involves designing for energy efficiency and includes considerations for insulation, passive solar heating, house shading, colours, flooring and roof materials and landscaping. Green design includes a review of supply source determining what building materials can are environmentally sound (e.g. Forestry Stewardship Council sourced wood (FSC) and cork flooring). Think local here as well, just as we are doing for food sources. Also you may wish to incorporate new and emerging technologies (e.g. green roofs, rain water recovery and cistern storage).

When planning a building, taking care to calculate the materials to be used reduces overall waste. Use common lengths from suppliers to reduce cut off waste – use the 2-4 rule. Lengths of 2 inch increments – 2, 4, 6 etc.

The design and build steps are where Muskoka in the City is most active.

The challenges are there and we look forward to solving them. It is the right thing to do.

2007-08-28T07:53:00.000-04:00

Step 2 – Green Renovations - Energy Audit (2 of 5)

Here is your opportunity for the government to pay you! By doing an energy audit and completing the recommended energy fixes, you can receive federal grants and local rebates for energy savings improvements or water savings fixtures being imstalled.

The energy audit must be conducted by a certified energy auditor. Look for the CEA designation (certified energy auditor). The auditing field is now becoming more crowded. Two types of auditors are appearing - the audit only service which is not directly repairing or renovating the homes, and the audit and renovation one-stop combinations. I recommend the unbiased audit only firms such as Greensaver.

A comprehensive audit should include a review of the heating system, the hot water system and the building envelope. A visual inspection is done and possible some computer modeling. A blower door depressurization test is conducted to determine air loss. The report will tell you the repairs needed and the savings.

After the recommended retrofits are completed during the renovation process the second audit is done to verify the work performed. You could receive a grant for up to $5000. See Ecoenergy amounts available at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit-homes/retrofit-qualify-grant.cfm?attr=4 (More details in Step 5)

2007-08-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

Step 1 – Green Renovations - Home Inspections (1 of 5)

If you have recently purchased a home or are in the market for one, you likely have had a home inspection performed to get the real ‘dirt” on a home’s condition. This information is invaluable also for renovations as the defects and potential hazards are exposed. These are the basic priority fixes.
When looking for a home inspector, I recommend seeking a company who is a member of OAHI (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors). Members meet strict professional standards and cover all major systems including the roof, structure, exterior, interior, insulation, electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing. A structural engineer may be a wise choice as well. Look for the RHI (Registered Home Inspector) certification.
It is also a good idea to accompany the inspector for your own home in order to visualize the points as they are noted. Bring the report when you sit down with your architect and builder.
Although it is far more satisfying to plan the flooring, granite counter, stainless steel appliances, the basics need to be corrected first. Sound plan – sound home – sound investment. And remember that building code requirements trump energy savings needs.

2007-08-21T12:33:00.000-04:00

Starting a Green Renovation

Green renovations are a new concept that is just now evolving from the new green building initiatives. Very positive changes and techniques are rapidly emerging to provide better energy efficiency, use more renewable resources and incorporate old strategies as well. Green renovations are not cookie cutter fixes – each home has its own uniqueness and requires specific solutions. This blog series will focus on steps to organize and execute a green renovation in the Southern Ontario area. We will also include timely and interesting information related to green renovations and smaller projects.

A green renovation project has 5 steps.
1. Determine what a home needs in terms of the basic and important fixes plus potential hazards. Get a certified home inspector to provide review your home and provide a report.
2. Find out what energy savings can be applied to project. Obtain the services of an energy auditor such as Greensaver. Save money on the project and reduce your footprint.
3. Sit down with a builder and architect if possible to put the previous reports together with what you wish for your project. Then you have the entire picture.
4. Build the project with all 3 pieces of information - the building needs, the energy savings potential and your wishes.
5. Apply for, and receive the Ecoenergy grants and rebates.

More on each of these 5 steps in the next blog editions. Blog on!