Working together for healthier homes and sustainable communities
reep Green Solutions
Green Features of REEP House for Sustainable Living Come and visit REEP House for Sustainable Living in the heart of downtown Kitchener, your one-stop shop for green home options.
This century-old brick home has been renovated far beyond building code standards to showcase energy and water innovations that any home can adopt. It has achieved a 91% energy reduction, and is now a “near net zero� building. You will see home improvement options side by side, and are invited to log in to the REEP Green Home Planner to compare costs and payback. REEP will help you connect with the local suppliers and contractors who can make your own home more comfortable and affordable to heat and cool. Find out about the grants and incentives that can shorten your payback even further. REEP Green Solutions offers free tours of the REEP House every week and workshops throughout the year on various energy and water topics. To register, contact us at 519-744-9799 or info@reepgreen.ca.
Water Management Front landscaping donated by Quiet Nature; Rear landscaping and rain garden donated by Wildlife Gardening REEP House has several unique features addressing water management and sustainable landscaping. Drought Tolerant Native Plants The gardens at REEP House are xeriscaped so that no municipally supplied water is needed for watering or maintenance. This means that plants in the front and back yard gardens have been specifically chosen for their low maintenance and drought tolerance. They require no pesticide, fertilizer or city water to thrive. Most are native to this area, restoring wildlife habitat to the city.
20 Mill Street Kitchener
Permeable Paving Manufacturer: Aqua Pave
The driveway and parking area feature permeable unit pavers. They are linked to a drainage and filtration system with a bio filter layer which deals with potentially harmful runoff, thus protecting a nearby surface drainage creek. We like to say that not one drop of rain water escapes REEP House into the stormwater system. Our paving stones are nine times more water-permeable than standard
interlocking brick, and the secret is in the gravel layers underneath. Rain Garden In the backyard, our rain garden allows water from the sump pump to be quickly absorbed into the ground, preventing unwanted runoff. The structure consists of a trench filled with layers of smooth stones, embellished with native plants and some tulips for colour. It demonstrates a simple, low impact way to wisely steward the water that falls on your property and to promote luscious plant growth. The entire rainwater load on site is either directly infiltrated back into ground water through the rain garden or captured and reused for house related functions.
Wise Water Use
Water Heating
Rain Water Harvesting Manufacturer: Bushman; System design by Geoff Jones - ECOShift; Supplied by Ben Polley - Evolve Builders Group
Tankless Water Heater Manufacturer: Navien
Unlimited hot water from a small, efficient unit - tankless technology has arrived in Canada. A real retrofit space-saver in your basement.
All roof drainage is captured in two large above-grade rain cisterns and used both for toilet flushing in the house as well as garden and landscape watering, if required. A single aesthetically pleasing cistern replaces four small barrels.
Drain Water Heat Recovery Manufacturer: RenewABILITY Energy Inc; Donated by Drain Power
High Efficiency Toilet Manufacturer: Hennessy & Hinchcliffe; Donated by Water Matrix Water Conditioner Manufacturer: HydroFlow; Donated by HydroFlow Canada
This product induces AM radio waves into the plumbing system. The goal is to force suspended material to join and stay in suspension, preventing adherence or accumulation in pipes or appliances without the use of any chemicals, backwashes or maintenance. Grey Water System Manufacturer: BRAC; System design by Geoff Jones ECOShift; Supplied by Ben Polley – Evolve Builders Group
Why use six litre per flush when this ultraefficient toilet can do it with three? The toilet uses air pressure to achieve superior performance and features a compact and stylish design. Toilet consumption can account for 30% of the total household water consumption and this unit will achieve a significant reduction.
A grey water system captures, filters, treats and re-uses drain water from hand-washing sinks and showers. The water is then recycled for toilet flushing, saving 30,000 litres of water per year for the average family and about $150 in water bills. If grey water systems were in every Canadian home, we could save billions of litres of water!
Much of the energy you consume in your home is used to heat water for everyday household tasks, mostly showers, and you can recover and re-use some of that energy before it is lost. Preheat your incoming water with your outgoing drain water with this innovative made-in-Kitchener technology. The Power-Pipe consists of multiple coils of copper tube wrapped together around a copper central drain pipe and can be used in combination with virtually any water heating system to increase energy savings. Hot water going down the drain transfers its heat to incoming cold water moving up the coils.
Working together for healthier homes and sustainable communities
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Installation of HVAC system donated by Reitzel Heating and Air Conditioning
REEP House demonstrates a variety of solutions for each retrofit challenge. It has two parallel heating systems: a wall hung boiler with hydronic distribution and a ground source heat pump with forced air distribution. With both demonstrated, the public can compare them side-by-side and make informed decisions of their own, based on their own needs. High Efficiency Boiler and Radiant Heat Manufactured and donated by Viessmann
Hot water heating can be added fairly easily to homes and is more efficient, comfortable, and blows less dust than forced air heating. The 95% efficient wall hung boiler provides in-floor heating on the ground floor and basement and heats the upper level through modern wall radia-
tors. Water distribution through PEX piping with a pump uses one-sixth of the energy consumed by the fan in typical forced air systems and can be easily zoned. Radiant heat conducts directly into the body and “feels” warmer, thus enabling lower thermostat settings. Check out our bathroom radiator that doubles as a towel rack! Ground Source Heat Pump Manufacturer, NextEnergy / Climate Master; Donated by Earth FX Energy and Bostech Mechanical
The ground source heat pump extracts heat from the earth via two vertical wells behind REEP House. This system not only provides heat through our superquiet forced air system in the winter, but can cool in the summer. Geothermal heating and cooling is especially attractive for homes without access to a gas line. Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) Manufacturer: Carrier
At REEP House, our ERV system is connected to the forced-air ductwork system
and the bathroom fan. An ERV is a relatively inexpensive and energy efficient way to bring in lots of clean, fresh air. This technology regulates humidity to prevent mould and window condensation – a necessity in well-sealed homes such as REEP House. Programmable Thermostats Products: Various units installed at REEP House for demonstration A programmable thermostat wakes you up warm and saves money while you are sleeping. Don't leave home without it! This is Energy Savings 101.
Ceiling Fans Manufacturer: Hampton Bay; Supplied by Urban Lights Ceiling fans are an elegant solution for the summer. Canadian summers are not consistently hot, and ceiling fans will keep you cool for a fraction of the cost and energy footprint of air conditioning. Quality fans are silent on low speeds.
Insulation, Draft Proofing, Windows and Doors Two ingredients are essential to any energy retrofit: insulate to a very high level (beyond building code) and seal the house well. If you achieve these two goals, you can turn nearly any home into a “near net zero” energy home. The insulation display at REEP House demonstrates options including blown-in cellulose, rock wool, and polyurethane foam. The online REEP Green Home Planner helps you compare their costs and payback. Super-Insulated Walls Product: 6” (R38) Lapolla Foam-Lok
Our walls are insulated with six inches of polyurethane foam, installed and donated by Reitzel Insulation, giving us an insulation value of R38 – nearly double the building code requirement. Polyurethane foam has a high insulation value per inch and locks out moisture and air movement with ease. Basement Insulation System Product: 6” (R38) Lapolla Foam-Lok
The warm basement at REEP House demonstrates that a stone foundation can be safely and efficiently insulated. A layer of dimple board along the foundation wall and a drainage system along the indoor perimeter manage any incoming water leaks, while six inches of polyurethane spray foam controls moisture and transforms the basement into a cozy living space. To top it off, we used paperless dry-
wall throughout REEP House which reduces the risk of mould. Warm Attic Products: 4.5” (R28) Lapolla Foam-Lok (interior) and 4” (R22.3) Atlas Roofing ACFoam Nail base
REEP House demonstrates what is called a “warm attic”. A combination polyurethane spray foam on the inside slopes of the roof and polyiso board on the outside of the roof gives us a perfect air seal and a great insulation level. Our attic provides warm storage space above the master bedroom and gorgeous height in the bathroom and second bedroom. Windows Manufacturers: Inline Windows and Golden Windows with Cardinal Glass
An array of window options adorn REEP House, including foam core windows with fibreglass frames and wood veneer as well as solid wood windows filled with both krypton and argon gas. If you are buying windows, always chose high performance windows. Find a supplier who can match the correct low E coating to the window location in your house.
Doors Manufacturers: Madawaska Door, Dorplex Our solid fir front door and frame includes stained glass inserted into custom double-glazed glass. Our back door demonstrates another high-quality option, a fibreglass foam core door that is stable and durable.
Lighting and Appliances Lighting fixtures and energy saving dimmers and sensors supplied by Urban Lights Remote Vacancy Sensors and Dimmer Switches - Manufacturer: Lutron
Vacancy dimmers are a triple threat, saving energy by turning lights off when you leave the room, allowing dimming, and extending bulb life. One switch does it all! Energy Efficient Light Bulbs REEP House demonstrates a variety of LED bulbs which contain no mercury, are more durable and efficient, and provide better quality light than most CFL bulbs. For directed task lighting, LEDs outperform CFLs hands down, and prices are dropping rapidly. Whole Home Switch Products: Standard electrical pony panel houses a relay which acts as a whole home switch
Hitting the switch on your way out the door is very satisfying! This is the ultimate power bar - not bad for enforcing bedtime too. It turns off every appliance plugged into upper sockets and every light in the house with one switch at the front door, or even beside your bed! Refrigerator Manufacturer: Sun Frost
This cutting-edge refrigerator is super-insulated and is built with the compressor on top. It can also be hooked up to the great-outdoors, using the Canadian winter air to keep cool. These and other energysaving features mean that it costs less than $5 a year to operate.
Working together for healthier homes and sustainable communities
Green Materials and Heritage Features Reused and Reclaimed materials Products: doors, stairs, banister, newel, flooring, trim, and collar ties
At REEP House, many of the original features of the home are integrated into the renovation design. The beautiful stairway and newel are a case in point. REEP House also features 100-year-old fir flooring from a London, Ontario distillery, hand-stripped original white ash baseboards and trim (mixed with new replicated trim), and collar ties made from 100-year-old barn beams. Stained Glass A heritage high-performance window is possible. Original stained glass can be installed on the inside of a window with wood trim, and then protected by double glazing. Artist Lynn Chidwick designed three beautiful stained glass pieces for REEP House. Recycled Polymer Shingles Enviroshake shingles are made from 95% recycled material, a composite blend of post-industrial plastics, recycled rubber, elastomers and cellulosic fibre materials. When a typical 4,000 square feet roof is finished, 64 tires will have been diverted from landfills. These shingles come with a 50-year, transferrable warranty.
Overall Green Features 2011 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has recognized the REEP House for Sustainable Living by awarding REEP Green Solutions with the 2011 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the non-governmental organization category. The award “recognizes leadership and innovation in environmental protection and recognizes home-grown environmental achievement”. LEED Platinum-targeted Renovation Mindscape Innovations is a local consulting firm that is working with us in our goal to achieve LEED Platinum certification for REEP House. Mindscape has been awarded municipally, provincially, and federally for its work in the green building and green energy markets. It has helped develop building programs like LEED for Homes, Built Green, Solar Ready, and ENERGY STAR, and has played a key role in the creation of Ontario’s Green Energy Act. Whiting Design is a leader in the sustainable design field and the architectural designer of REEP House. Whiting Design works with clients who want to reduce their environmental impact and create spaces which are beautiful, functional, and economical, often incorporating existing and historic structures, to improve efficiency and re-invigorate space.
Energy Savings at REEP House
Energy savings modeled using Canada’s EnerGuide Rating System.
Thank you to the funders who built REEP House: Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Power Authority, Region of Waterloo, City of Kitchener’s Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), The Kresge Foundation, Waterloo North Hydro, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union. Thanks also to our many contractor partners for their generous contributions of time and materials!
Get a third-party perspective. Contact REEP Green Solutions • info@reepgreen.ca • www.reepgreen.ca • 519.744.9799
START SAVING MONEY NOW! REDUCE YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION PERMANENTLY AND INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
CALL EARTH FX ENERGY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ON HEATING AND COOLING YOUR HOME WITH GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY
519.570.1234
6-1373 Victoria Street, N., Kitchener www.urbanlights.com
519-648-9977 www.earthfxenergy.com
info@earthfxenergy.com 29 St Charles Street E., Maryhill ON N0B 2B0
Training builders to build green Certifying new and renovated homes with programs like LEED, ENERGY STAR, Built Green, or Solar Ready Solar and wind energy projects (FIT / microFIT)
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REITZEL SPRAY FOAM
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• Insulation Removal • Fireproofing • Soya Foam • Government Grants May Be Available • Attics • Ceilings • Walls • Basements & Crawl Spaces • Ask About Our Green Solutions!
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Get a third-party perspective. Contact REEP Green Solutions • info@reepgreen.ca • www.reepgreen.ca • 519.744.9799
The world’s most efficient toilet.
Get a third-party perspective. Contact REEP Green Solutions • info@reepgreen.ca • www.reepgreen.ca • 519.744.9799
Working together for healthier homes and sustainable communities
Permeable On-Site Stormwater Source Control System
• Lower Construction & Life Cycle Costs • Pedestrian Friendly • AquaPave® provides a flat smooth surface with narrow voids that is free of loose aggregates • Disability Friendly • Meets design guidelines recommended by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Eliminates Surface Runoff • Reduces Pollutants in the Environment • Water Harvesting • Traffic Calming • Geothermal Systems • Earn Up To 12 LEED Points
Quiet Nature Ltd. 1124 Nith Rd. Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 www.quietnature.ca
1-888-876-0110 t: 519-632-5218 f: 519-632-9058
519 740 6000 1081 Rife Road Cambridge hansonhardscapes.com
The Power-Pipe TM uses outgoing warm drain water to pre-heat your water heater's cold water supply. This approved heat exchanger safely saves you money that would otherwise simply go down the drain. Save upto 35% in water heating costs! Toll free Email
866-888-0883 info@drain-power.com www.drain-power.com
Proud supporter of REEP House Certified dealer/installer of Power-Pipe Drain water heat recovery specialists ecoEnergy Retrofit program recognizes the Power-Pipe
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