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High Park Gardens Bedroom

The homeowner of this third floor renovation in Roncesvalles wanted to make more efficient use of the space and tackle drafts through insulation, air sealing, and balanced ventilation.

The project saved an estimated 6,597 KG of C02 compared to a typical renovation of the same size. That’s equal to the carbon that 171 trees remove from the air we breathe during their lifetime!*

While insulation and high efficiency windows reduce energy (i.e. natural gas) needed to heat and cool the home, other measures such as waste diversion and non-toxic building materials are also critical in reducing environmental impact and safeguarding occupant health.

For this project, like others, we developed a number of plans, including waste diversion, materials, resources and transportation.

Waste Diversion

The project began with the preparation of a project-specific waste minimization plan to ensure all reusable and recyclable materials were diverted from landfill. This plan is typical in all our projects, which consistently exceed LEED for Homes Canada waste management requirements.

  • We diverted 70 percent of project waste from the landfill.
  • This translates into 10.2 tonnes of diverted project waste.
  • We helped the homeowners save $480 from disposal fees.

Materials and Resources Report

The first step at High Park Gardens was to assess and safely remove asbestos duct wrap and tiles by through a professional company. For other measures to safeguard indoor air quality, see Indoor Air Quality Report below.

To improve energy efficiency, we installed solar powered blackout blinds, Pella wood windows, and Rockwool products for all insulation.

ROCKWOOL is made out of rock, the world’s most abundant material, and upcycled material. It is extremely durable and handles moisture well. We used Rockwool for the roof rafters, stud cavities and against masonry walls.

We also installed ROCKWOOL SAFE’n’SOUND® in floor and partisan walls to dampen sound between floors.

We also installed the following:

  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified framing material was used whenever possible.
  • FSC wide plank White Oak floors with a Protego natural oil finish applied after installation.
  • Reclaimed barn board collar ties installed from Rebarn.
  • Reclaimed cast iron radiator – rather than electric baseboard – installed in the rear bedroom.
  • Leftover flooring material used for textured bedroom nook.
  • Continental Liftlite® Drywall, which is EcoLogo certified and made of 99 percent recycled content.

In addition to insulation and energy efficient windows, the project features smart fixtures that consume less and are more efficient with their use of electricity, gas and water than standard fixtures.

This translates into:

  • $570 in estimated annual electricity cost savings.
  • $5,700 total estimated savings over 10 years.

Indoor Air Quality Report

As renovations are dusty affairs, we used a HEPA air scrubber during the project to clean the air for our team and clients. To ensure fresh air ventilation for the homeowners, we installed a Vanee Energy Recovery Ventilator and ducting, and Velux venting skylights made with EnergyPlus glass.

We also ensured that all adhesives and caulking were nontoxic, and guarded against moisture, which usually leads to mold. Products included:

  • 98 percent of all sealants and adhesives EcoLogo certified or Red List Free, including Bostik Greenforce™, a zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) glue for hardwood installation.
  • No added urea formaldehyde in all products, including glues and binders.
  • Benjamin Moore zero-VOC paints and primers used for walls and ceilings. Zero-VOC glues used for flooring installed.
  • Prosoco’s Joint & Seam Filler and Fast Flash for air tightness around the windows.
  • Intello humidity-variable vapour retarder installed everywhere with Tescon® Vana tape & Pro Clima

As a result of these combined products and application in the renovated areas, the home saw a 73 percent improvement in Indoor Air Quality.

Transportation Report

Our team’s most common method of transportation is TTC and bicycle followed by electric Smart Car. In addition to the environmental benefits, the reduced number of vehicles minimizes pressure on neighbourhood parking.

  • 1 electric car. Project Manager commuted to and from site with an Electric Smart Car.
  • Three site team members commuted to site by bicycle.
  • Minus 133 – number of reduced combustible engine car trips to and from site by commuting by Electric Car, bicycle and TTC.

This translates into 42 percent of C02 savings (measured in kilograms) comparing our Smart Transportation measures vs. typical industry vehicle use and efficiency.

* Carbon reduction calculations are based on the comparative assumption of a typical project using non-carbon reducing materials, spray foam, concrete, etc. Specifically, we base it on carbon data retrieved from product LCA’s and ICE data sheets, and emission equivalency data retrieved from the EPA’s Equivalencies Calculator.