HOME TOUR
Green
evolution
Albertans are
saving energy and
money by adding
solar panels and
other eco-friendly
upgrades to their
homes
By Janet Gyenes
photogrAphy
by cooper & o’hArA
How Does it Rate?
EnERGUidE: developed
by natural resources
Canada (nrCan) to rate a
dwelling’s energy efficiency
with a score from 0-100.
new homes usually get
between 65-72; houses that
use little or no energy will
score 91 or higher.
R-valUE: ranking used
by nrCan to evaluate
the energy efficiency of
features like windows and
insulation. Higher numbers
mean greater efficiency.
54
FALL 2016
AMA InsIder
the de Waals’ net-zero home in edmonton’s Windsor park
energy costs is appealing
to most Albertans, who are increasingly finding
ways to incorporate solar panels, energy-efficient
appliances and other sustainable solutions
in their homes. Events such as Edmonton’s
Eco-Solar Home Tour, now in its 17th year
(next year’s event takes place June 3-4, 2017),
showcase ways to maximize energy efficiency
at home.
Here, we take a peek at the inner workings
of three of the tour’s “net zero” homes—houses
that generate as much energy they use, creating
a net-zero outcome. These eco abodes show
how adding green features can save you serious
dollars in the long run—whether you’re renting,
renovating or rebuilding.
the idea of shrinkinG