Water and Other Material Resource Conservation

Below grade rain water harvesting cistern to supply toilets and irrigation

Toilets and irrigation represent over 50% of a homes annual water draw. Rain water is better for irrigation that tap water, because plants are more used to its PH levels etc and they grow better when irrigated with rain water. And, it is just common sense that there is no reason why we should waste drinking water to flush toilets, so these homes have an innovated rain water harvesting system developed by the University of Waterloo. Rain water is collected from the roof, filtered and stored in a below grade concrete cistern. When a toilet is flushed or the irrigation system comes on, water is again filtered and pumped from the cistern to meet the demand. This results in a tremendous reduction in storm water runoff and potable water consumption.

Dual flush low flow toilets

Low flow toilets use less rainwater so that these homes can also use if for irrigation. Which is the largest single water draw in the summer months for most homes.

Hot water recirculation pumps

When you turn on the hot water and wait for it to warm up, you are actually wasting water, this recirculating pump has a timer setting that recirculates the hot water, providing you with almost instant hot water at the taps.

Low flow faucets and aerators

All sink facets and shower heads have aeration devices that conserve water usage while maintaining the appearance of good water flow. Low flow shower heads are also installed in every home to reduce water use during showers without lowering comfort or convenience.

Touchless vanity faucets in the powder rooms

Touchless faucets conserve water by preventing accidentally leaving the tap running after washing your hands. This simple technology can save hundreds of gallons a year.

Xeriscaped front yard using drought resistant local plants

The front yard of each of the homes has been "Xeriscaped" or designed by a landscape architect to minimize the need for irrigation by using native plants species that are accustomed to the Ontario climate. Drought resistant plants are chosen to minimize the need for irrigation while still producing a beautiful front yard.

Permeable driveways

Asphalt driveways channel rain water into the storm sewers, but the earth under the driveway can absorb and hold some of this rain and allow it to recharge the ground's soil, much like the way a lawn does. By using interlocking paving stones and a crushed rock underlay, the homes have both a smooth useable driveway, and a means of retaining rainwater in the soil where it belongs.

Automated "smart" irrigation systems

Sensors alert the irrigation system when to water and when to stop watering, taking the guess work out of irrigate and preventing over-watering. Because the irrigation system is rainwater supplied, municipal water restrictions will not affect your lawn and garden.

Exterior spigot connected to the rainwater harvesting cistern

Marked "Not for Drinking" there is an exterior spigot connected to the rainwater harvesting cistern that will allow homeowners to use rainwater for planters or even to wash the car. This helps to maximize the conservation of municipal drinking water.

Locally sourced materials from local companies

Tremendous amounts of energy can be used to haul stone, woods, and other materials from one side of the planet to the other. Every effort has been made to locally source (approx. 500 miles) material where possible. These products have less "embodied energy" because it has taken less fossil fuels to transport it shorter distances to the homes.

• Locally quarried landscape stone
• Locally harvested wood
• Local concrete aggregates
• Locally produced windows
• Local solar manufacturers

50 year recycled fiberglass shingles

Lasting two times as long as traditional asphalt shingles, these homes have fibreglass shingles that are lighter in colour to reflect the sun's heat in the summer. This saves both resources and money.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood used throughout

• FSC dimensional limber
• FSC flooring
• FSC cabinets
• FSC trim

FSC certified wood comes from well managed forest that use sustainable and ethical harvesting practices, much like the "Fair Trade" certification on chocolate or coffee, this label preserves forests and improves the working conditions of loggers at the same time. FSC is the industries highest certification standard, and it guarantees that the wood used to build these homes is truly a renewable resource.

Built in kitchen recycling centres

Recycling is a way of life in Ontario, but it is not always convenient. These kitchen recycling centres make it easier to separate out recyclables and compostables in a clean and convenient manner.