An EnerGuide rating shows a standard measure of your home’s energy performance. It shows you (and future buyers) exactly how energy efficient your home is.
The rating is calculated based on standard operation assumptions so that you can compare the energy performance of one house against another.
The home’s energy efficiency level is rated on a scale of 0 to 100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption.
A rating of 100 represents a house that is airtight, well insulated, sufficiently ventilated and requires no purchased energy on an annual basis (National Resource Canada)
Luckily this home at 1270 Oceanwood in Victoria BC is rated 85 and is a ‘built green platinum’ home – meaning it’s super efficient and available for sale for $895,000. More info here.
I recently moved into my first home which happens to be a very charming, but slightly dated 1990s condo in James Bay. The first thing I planned on renovating was kitchen, as I was just not a fan of the salmon colored counter tops.
As I started researching different eco renovation products I once again realized the huge amount of green-washing that is currently taking place. I visited a variety of home renovation stores and looked at ton of different eco options, but all the recycled countertop materials were made of 20, 30 or 40% recycled material which just didn’t sit right. I thought that there had to be a product that offered more.
After meeting Des Carpenter at a local green networking event I was totally excited. His company is called Environite and their mission is to “provides an attractive, sustainable building product using recycled waste materials typically destined for the landfill.” The best part about his product is that its made from approximately 90% recycled material and is produced locally in the Pacific Northwest. They offer a variety of different color options and the product is custom fit and designed.
After careful contemplation, and much indecision I selected a counter made from recycled beer bottles. So step one was to remove all the counters:
Step two was to install the new counters:
Final step was to reinstall the sink and get everything cleaned up:
I am totally pleased with the final product. For more information on Environite please visit http://www.environite.com/ and for more information about green real estate please keep visiting our site!
When it comes to renovations, green is the new fad! Start a green revolution in your own home by performing a renovation that respects the earth and reduces airborne toxins, too. Some of my favorite products include:
Made from renewable, natural ingredients, Marmoleum is a healthy choice for the environment and your environment. Marmoleum’s naturally inherent anti-static properties repel dust and dirt, making it easy to keep clean and allergen free.
Cork is environmentally-friendly, hypoallergenic and creates a natural and elegant look. Cork regenerates much faster than other wood products. Cork is completely renewable, carefully protected resource, and every bit that’s harvested gets used.
Made from recycled glass and cement slabs this counter top material is VOC-free, Cradle to Cradle Gold certified, and contain 100% recycled glass. If you are looking for a green alternative to marble or granite consider a recycled glass counter top may be a good option.
It is a beautiful, heavy-duty, composite known for its environmental sustainability, its contemporary appearance and its remarkable warmth to touch. It is an attractive new material that is produced in a socially responsible manner and can be used for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
NOW SOLD
Proudly Offered at $749,900
Go GREEN and purchase this HIGHLANDS hideaway. Looking for privacy and tranquility? Take comfort in knowing that your neighbor will never develop beside you. Imagine yourself coming home to practically 9 acres of pristine wilderness hearing only the sounds of trees gently rustling about and birds chirping. Just 30 minutes from downtown, this custom built full size Log home is perfectly situated on this extremely private property. Nestled quietly among the rolling hills of the Highlands this home has been designed for those that appreciate privacy and untouched nature. Discover some of the most spectacular sunsets this Island has to offer minutes from your front door. Feel the warmth radiate from a custom masonry fireplace and hear the crackle of the fire as you relax in paradise. Too many custom details to mention as this home exudes pride of ownership.
The owners of this extreme home spent years planning and researching before embarking on building this masterpiece. Careful consideration was paid to all materials that were used. This home was built for healthy living. Green features include: low VOC paints, water based stains for interior and exterior, no glue, no material board, on-demand water heater, beetle-killed pine in master, and hard wood throughout. These features in addition to its unique protected location make this property unbelievably special. For additional information and resources on the home please visit www.VictoriaLogCabin.com
Click here to view additional photos and floorplan
The number of property sales in the Greater Victoria area slowed during August but sales were again significantly higher than a year ago. Prices, meantime, remained stable with some increase for single family homes. A total of 764 homes and other properties sold in August through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from the 933 sales in July but up 48 per cent compared to the 517 sales in August of last year.
Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says it is usual for sales to slow in August, “Many people take holidays in August so it is not surprising to see sales soften somewhat. We are very pleased, however, to note the significant increase in sales last month compared to August of a year ago which gives further evidence
of the strengthening of the market.”
There were 3,509 properties available for sale at the end of August, down 25 per cent from the 4,657 properties available in the same month a year ago. “The decline in the number of properties available for sale will continue to place some upward pressure on prices,” said Markham. Sales so far this year are running over six per cent higher than in the first eight months of last year.
The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $596,498, up from $565,469 in July. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 17 sales of over $1 million. “These included two sales of over $4 million, one in Saanich East and one in Central Saanich, and these had a significant impact on the overall average price,” he stated. The median price increased $20,000 to $540,000. The six-month average was $569,546. The overall average price for condominiums was $317,312 last month, down from $328,441 in July. The average for the last six months was $307,347. The median price for condominiums in August remained unchanged at $290,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $455,430 up from $443,109 in July. The median price dropped slightly to $419,000. The six month average was $421,565.
MLS® sales last month included 403 single family homes, 218 condominiums, 91 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.
(courtesy of VREB)
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