Is your Builder Green?
What colour will your future to be? There are a lot of builders today that pretend to be green. Simply adding a high-efficiency furnace or better windows does not cut it. Gold Seal Homes believes that building a house becomes the extension of every aspect of your life. One great example is that healthy building materials and indoor air quality improving…
Ever heard of green roofs?
By Robyn Burnett With environmental concerns being foremost in many people’s minds, it’s no wonder that the notion of green roofs is being embraced by many. From commercial buildings to private homes, green roofs provide an opportunity to not only support the environment, but also come with other benefits for those who choose to get in on the trend. What…
Under slab insulation – is it needed?
I met Robert Bean last year at a sustainability Speaking engagement in Toronto last year. Robert is a great source of information on better building practices revolving around indoor air quality and healty heating methods. I will be posting information from his website in future blogs as they pertain to Gold Seal Homes and our building philosophy. We have added…
energy saving tips – lighting
This week we have looked at four ways to reduce energy costs. This last article is probably the best and easiest way to reduce energy consuption in your home. Please pass these articles along to neighbours, friends and family. Together we can save money and reduce greenhouse gasses. -Murray No Cost / Low Cost Turn off lights whenever you leave a room…
energy saving tips – home office
No Cost / Low Cost Turn off your computer, monitor, printer, and speakers when not in use. Computers do not use large amounts of energy when starting up, nor do constant start-ups damage computer components. Screensavers do not save energy. Turn off your monitor whenever you step away from your computer and when you turn your computer off. Enable your…
Dual flush toilets – save the world by flushing less water
Water efficient 6L toilets are available in many municipalities. A family of three would expect to save approximately 37L per day by replacing standard toilets with a 6L model. (CMHC Dec. 2006) Whether you are on a well or on municipal water, water savings can lessen the impact you make on the environment and reduce your water bills. The amount of water you…
Green stocking stuffer ideas for 2010
Deciding on the perfect gift to give your loved ones during the holiday season can be challenging—so here are some green stocking stuffer products to give you some ideas. These suggestions—the gifts outlined below—will help your family and friends reduce their environmental impact, or treat themselves a little this season with more sustainable, environmentally-friendly or socially conscious products. WWF-Canada: Wildlife…
holiday safety tips
Here are some great holiday safety tips from our friends at the Calgary Fire Service regarding Christmas trees: Get a freshly cut tree. It stays green longer and is less of a fire hazard Consider an artificial tree, they don’t smell as nice, but they are a lot safer Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high moisture…
Myth #2: Sprinklers increase house damage
Fire Sprinklers Reduce Water Damage Fire hoses, on average, use more than 8 1/2 times the water that sprinklers do to contain a fire. According to the Scottsdale Report, a 15-year study of fire sprinkler effectiveness, a fire sprinkler uses, on average, 341 gallons of water to control a fire. Firefighters, on average, use 2,935. Reduced water damage is a…
myth #1: Smoke detectors are good enough
Many Canadians believe that they are adequately protected by their Smoke Detectors. The early detection of fire and smoke in your home is important, but often times homeowners have not maintained or correctly installed their detectors. When was the last time you checked your detector? Is there one on every level? How old is it? Is it hardwired into an…
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