Energy Efficient New Homes Are Easy with Greensmart SIPs

EnerGuide For New Homes

EnerGuide For New Homes is a national program to standardize energy related building codes across Canada. The program identifies and measures the elements required to make a new home energy-efficient, such as insulation performance and air tightness,   

Superior insulation and air tightness are major factors in achieving energy efficiency in a home.  Under the EnerGuide rating system a home rated at 80 or higher is considered to be very energy efficient.   SIP wall, SIP floor and SIP roof components are recognized for their capability to achieve EnerGuide 80.  Present day construction methods using fiberglass insulated 2 X 6 inch walls are not capable of achieving the EnerGuide 80 rating.

EnerGuide audits carried out on Greensmart built homes demonstrate that SIP components were key elements in the home’s ability to meet the EnerGuide 80 rating.

Up-Coming Changes to Canada’s Building Codes

The EnerGuide program is administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). NRCan also sets Canada’s National Building Code which is followed by BC, Alberta and the Territories.

Present EnerGuide programs tend to be informational and suggestive, but previews of up-coming changes to Building Codes across Canada indicate that these voluntary actions directed at becoming energy self-sufficient will be mandatory with code changes coming in the next two to three years.

EnerGuide Funding Incentives

Federal and provincial funding programs calling for EnerGude 80+ acheivement are available across Canada.  Presently grants and awards are available to homeowners, builders and First Nation organizations.

Alberta: EnerGuide 86

EnerGuide and Lenders

Lending institutions now recognize that energy efficiency means energy saving.  Money not spent on a heating bill can go to higher mortgage payments, qualifying some individuals not previously eligible to purchase a new energy efficient home.

TD Canada Trust Green Mortgage