2.1 Walls
2.1.1 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Insulated concrete forms are made from recycled Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Blocks fill the walls with a staggered stacking pattern, rebar is added in-between for stability, and the forms are then filled with concrete. These forms are permanent and stay part of the structure unlike the conventional form that is removed after concrete is set and dry. The forms are prefabricated for installing drywall on the interior and many mediums can be used for the exterior, including bricks, stucco, vinyl and metal siding.
More information and technical specifications
Insulated Concrete Form information
Supplier, design and product information
2.1.2 Rammed Earth
Rammed Earth consists of mounted wooden or steel forms in the foundation then filled with a mix of soil, aggregate, clay and sometimes Portland cement. This mix is compressed with a pneumatic stamping device, creating a layer of hard-packed material; more of the mix is added and the process repeats until completion when the forms are removed leaving a solid wall of stratified layers from each pneumatic pressing. Rammed Earth homes are appropriate for a variety of climates and are well-suited for passive solar heating and cooling.
Article on Rammed Earth building
2.1.3 Earthbag
Earthbag building fills new or recycled grain sacks with local, natural materials. The fill material can be on-site soil from a dug foundation or brought in from a local source. Earthbags are than stacked in a staggered pattern and covered in a concrete plaster to form the walls.
2.1.4 Straw bale
Straw is highlighted as one of the finest renewable building materials available because it is abundant around the world. Construction is simple and low cost. Building with straw bale consists of a basic post and beam wood-frame construction. Stacking straw bales in a staggered pattern form the walls and steel wire mesh for reinforcement is attached to the inside and outside walls. Finally, the inside and outside walls are covered with cement-lime plaster to seal and lock-out moisture.
Straw bale building information
Ontario Straw Bale Building Coalition
2.1.5 Adobe Block Walls
Adobe Blocks or pressed earth blocks are a simple building alternative. The basic components are soil mixed with a measure of water and a portion of cement. This raw material is put into an Earth Press, where the mixture is pressed until it adheres into a block almost as hard as concrete.
Information about Adobe blocks
2.1.6 Cob Walls
Cob walls are made from a mixture of sand, clay, straw and water; no concrete or mortar is used. It is generally mixed by foot but can also be mixed by machine. Once dry the cob material is hardened.
2.1.7 Cordwood Walls
Cordwood masonry comprises of softwood cut to length. The pieces of wood are then layered on top of each other and held in place with mortar between each piece. The void between the two mortar joints is filled with sawdust mixed with lime. This building material is designed for breathability letting the air circulate naturally from inside the house to outside.
Information on Cordwood Building
2.2 Pathways and Driveways
2.2.1 Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers are honeycomb shaped grid pavers that can be used in pathways, overflow parking, emergency access lanes, boat launches, and driveways. Permeable pavers contribute to storm water runoff control, soil stabilization, and act as an erosion control on slopes and hills.
Pavers Information
Turfstone Technical Information
2.2.2 Recycled Rubber Pavers
Recycled rubber tires create a great alternative for a paving material. Rubber sidewalk pavers, durable driveways and patio pavers are some of the solutions for reusing Canada’s old automotive tires and giving them a new purpose.
Suppliers and more information
2.3 Roofing
2.3.1 Recycled Rubber Roofing
Used rubber tires have taken a new turn as an environmentally conscious roofing material. LEED certified and made from 85% recycled post-consumer recycled tires, this roofing system is long-lasting and expected to last 40 years or more with a 50 year warranty.
2.3.2 Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is built to last with Teflon coating and a lifetime limited warranty. Aluminum roofing is Energy Star rated and comes in slate, shingle shake, panel and even solar options and a large variety of colours.
Information on metal roofing and manufacturers
2.4 Synthetic Lumber for Decks and Docks
2.4.1 Bale Board
Bale board is a plastic lumber product made from 100% solid polyethylene. The plastic medium used to manufacture this plastic lumber is recycled from white agricultural bale wraps and green house films. This is not a composite material mixed with wood fibres or fillers and is 100% recyclable. The benefits to this wood alternative include being mould and mildew resistant, not slippery when wet, gas and oil resistant, and it’s resistant to moisture and insect damage.
Information on Bale board and the manufacturer
2.4.2 Trex
Trex is a wood plastic composite wood-alternative for decking, railing and fencing products and manufactured from recycled and reclaimed plastic and waste wood.
Information on Trex products and the manufacturer
2.5 Paints and Plasters
2.5.1 American Clay
Clay based plasters are a natural way to finish any interior. Non-toxic and made in North America, plasters are a healthy alternative to paint, wallpaper, cement, acrylic and gypsum plasters. Clay plaster offers thousands of colors and unlimited textures with depth not found in other finishes. Clay plasters help regulate humid air inside buildings by absorbing and releasing moisture naturally.
2.5.2 VOC Free Paints
Premium interior paints with zero volatile organic compounds and a durable washable finish to reflect the purity of earth’s color palette. This paint does not contain phenols, formaldehyde, heavy metals, crystalline silica, ammonia, chlorine, butyl ethers, corrosive cleaning agents, or odour-masking chemicals and fragrances, which may be found in other paints.
2.6 Insulation
Good insulation in any home or cottage is the key to energy efficiency and saving money on utility bills. In poorly insulated buildings energy is wasted and subject to heat loss in the winter and inadequate cooling in the summer. Insulating the home or cottage saves money, making the building more comfortable by maintaining a uniform temperature throughout the house and makes walls, ceilings and floors warmer in the winter and cooler in summer.
2.6.1 Hempcrete
Hempcrete is a unique, highly sustainable construction product for the building of insulating walls, and is also useful for insulating floors and roofs. Hempcrete is a blend of hemp and a lime-based binding agent. Together these products form a bio-composite building material that can be used both for the creation of buildings that have excellent thermal properties as well as creating a healthy living environment.
Additional product information
2.6.2 Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose is a highly cost-efficient insulation material made with 85% post-consumer recycled newspaper. It will help conserve energy while promoting environmental responsibility. Cellulose insulation remains fire-resistant and acts as an effective noise barrier.
2.6.3 Cotton Insulation
Cotton insulation is made from high-quality natural fibres and recycled denim fibres. These fibres contain great thermal and sound absorption qualities. Cotton insulation contains no fibreglass and is easy to install. This insulation contains no chemical irritants and there are no VOC concerns when using cotton insulation, as it is safe for human handling and the environment.
2.6.4 Ecovative Insulation: Structural Insulating Pane
From stir-fry to home building and renovation the mushroom has come a long way. Ecovative insulation is actually grown from agricultural by-products and mycelium, a fungal formation of threadlike cells (like the roots of a mushroom). The result from the manufacturing process is Ecovative insulation sandwiched between engineered wood panels to create the eco-friendly, energy-efficient insulation that is highly insulating and also structurally sound for roofs in the home or at the cottage.
Information on this alternative insulation
2.7 Flooring
2.7.1 Reclaimed Lumber
Hardwood and softwood plank flooring, harvested from reclaimed timber, barn boards and old beams is a sustainable and beautiful flooring choice.
2.8 Lighting
2.8.1 Solatube Lighting
Solatube provides a unique lighting option for the home, capturing daylight though the rooftop dome and directing it through a reflective tube and into the interior of the home, providing daylight inside from sunrise to sunset.
2.9 Interior
2.9.1 Purepanel- Shelving, tables, bookcases and cabinetry
Purepanel Plus is a lightweight, structural panel. Its engineered honeycomb core is VOC-free and comprised of 100% post-consumer recycled paper waste. The result is an environmentally friendly, lightweight but structurally sound composite panel.
Images and information on the uses of Purepanel
2.10 Windows
2.10.1 Why use Energy Star windows?
Energy Star windows are single, double or triple-glazed, referring to the thickness or panes of glass. The benefit of multiple panes of glass is the insulating layer of air trapped and sealed between each pane. You can also look for windows with a low-e or low emissivity coating. A thin invisible metallic layer is directly applied to the glass surface. This low-e coating allows heat energy from the sun to enter the home while reflecting existing heat in the home. In summer months the coating prevents heat that emanates from pavement or buildings from escaping to help keep the home cooler.
Energy Star rating and products
Energy Star labels and zoning maps
Energy Star rated manufacturers
2.10.2 Argon Gas Windows
Dual pane glass windows with Argon Gas in between are an excellent option for extra energy efficiency. Argon gas is inexpensive, non-toxic, non-reactive, clear and odourless. Argon gas windows have a lower tendency to collect frost in those cold winter months.
2.11 Doors
Exterior doors are often a point source where energy efficiency is lost from the home, installing a more efficient door will reduce the amount of energy escaping the home.
2.12 Damp Proofing
When it comes to damp-proofing your foundation or even your kitchen floor, plastic membrane made from 60% post consumer material, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a great option for your home.
Information on damp proofing and Delta products
2.13 Weather Proofing and Protection
Exterior weatherproofing acts as a barrier to exterior water and air, preventing it from entering the home while allowing moisture vapour from inside the home to escape, overall improving the energy efficiency of the home.