During the past decade there has been an exponential increase in number of green buildings, but the training of new builders is not keeping pace with the quick developing concepts of designing, contracting, and construction of green homes. Recently, Peterborough’s Endeavour Centre proposed a project that would build Canada’s greenest home on James St in East City with the help of 20 students.
The main objective of Endeavour Centre is to build a two story building with 2000 square foot area. 20 local students will work on the construction of the sustainable house. The full time certificate program will allow them to know the standards and procedures, which are followed for the construction of green buildings. They will work with specialists, who have proficient knowledge about the natural building materials, water treatment and all aspects of creating a green building. During classes they will also learn about energy efficient foundations, grid tied photovoltaics, rainwater collection, composting toilets and natural paints and finishes.
The project is also aiming for the Living Building Challenge standard, which is an international certification that promotes the most advanced building techniques across the world. If accomplished, the James St. home will be the first of its kind in Canada to fully meet the Living Building Challenge standard. The project will start in May and Endeavour Centre is hoping to get in partnership with the Ryerson University and Queen University by then for co credits.
There are many misconceptions about the set up cost of green buildings, but this building will be reasonably priced. Also they will make sure that it is sustainable and provides all the desired comforts at the same time. As the project is privately funded with no government grants, the director of the project hopes that the sale of the house will be an indicator of the rising demand for green homes.
