Sustainability

Together, we consider strategies that will minimize a building's environmental impact, ensure its resilience over time, and enhance the experience of its users. Our approach - integrated and multi-faceted - addresses factors such as socio-cultural implications, functional aspects, economic considerations, and procedural efficiencies.

We propose technologies that are durable rather than replaceable and that add value over time rather than realize only short-term economies. We carefully evaluate the use of technology and always consider its impact on operations and maintenance during the project's life cycle.

Artisan Construction Group is a member of the Canadian Passive House Institute. We are able to provide design-build services for clients who are interested in this type of cutting edge construction. With over 30,000 structures build worldwide, North America is finally catching on to the benefits. Quite simply Passive Homes are designed with the environment and family health as the primary considerations.

Originally a European system that incorporates many design factors to achieve super energy efficiency. This type of system is the way of the future and costs only pennies on the dollar to heat and cool compared to that of a conventionally built home.

The revolutionary energy performance of Passive House buildings demands a rigorous and scientific approach to design and construction. This is achieved through a radically improved building science that combines informed design, airtight construction, super insulation, and a heat recovery ventilation system to achieve the rigorous passive house energy threshold of annual heating and cooling requirements.

To put that into perspective, a passive home uses approximately 10% of the energy required for heating and cooling a conventionally built home.

For example, when an energy audit was recently performed on a duplex project in Whistler, it found that the costs were approximately $300 dollars to heat and cool 3000 sqft. for an entire year. See the video below as the building went up with the roof on in 5 days. All of these products are produced locally in BC with the residential panels produced in Pemberton.

The building must be airtight (less than 0.6 time the house volume per hour).

The building must be super insulated (R35+ / R55+) with special attention given to eliminating thermal bridging.

The building must use triple glazed windows with a U-value less than 0.8 and that through proper orientation of glazing, heat the building passively.

A high performance Heat Recovery Ventilation system (HRV) must be incorporated to introduce fresh tempered air.

A rainwater collection system can be included for irrigation for the exterior, and on in the interior, low-flow plumbing fixtures would be installed. Solar hot water panels and drain water heat recovery will also be utilized. A walled garden to provide a micro climate in which to grow food and native plants with low impact landscaping such as permeable driveway material.

Larger, more sophisticated systems can be incorporated into your home's plumbing system to provide water for a variety of household needs, from toilet flushing to laundry, and even drinking water (in these instances the rainwater will be treated prior to use).

Passive homes boast comfortable, consistent temperatures year-round, exceptional noise control, longevity and thanks to the constant introduction and cycling of fresh, filtered air, health benefits for those with allergies and asthma.

The superinsulation in Passive House walls, windows and doors provides excellent sound insulation, allowing you to shut the door on traffic, noisy neighbors or any other unwanted noise. The insulation also provides superior sound insulation for shared walls in multi-unit buildings.

This system would also be an excellent fit for a mixed-use multi-family development and possible low cost housing for incresed energy efficiency and reduced operating costs.

Cree's systematized construction method allows high-rise buildings with up to 30 storeys and up to 100 metres high to be completed in only six months. As well as revolutionising the concept of high-quality and cost effective building, the patented component technology also fundamentally changes the earlier image of a construction site thanks to factory production of prefabricated components.

As the homeowner of a BUILT GREEN home, you will enjoy a healthier, more durable home with a lower environmental impact, as well as the ability to choose which green features you want. Further, BUILD GREEN homes are affordable with a reduction in monthly operating costs, rebates, and more.

Preserving natural resources means leaving more for future generations to enjoy. BUILT GREEN homes reduce their environmental impact, both during the build and in the day-to-day operation of running the home.

Homebuyers have the freedom to choose the level of efficiency for their home, based on a variety of features. BUILT GREEN builders are passionate about the program and pleased to discuss options with the homebuyer. Improved efficiency means long-term cost savings; save on your water, electricity, and gas bills.

BUILT GREEN certified homes offer the benefit of longer-term durability through the efficient use of building materials and processes. This means a longer life for the home with lower maintenance costs.

Energy efficient homes have a significant reduction of drafts, cold spots, and temperature variance from room to room, due to the program's attention to the home's air tightness and ventilation.

Many BUILT GREEN builders use triple-paned windows, which, in addition to offering superior energy efficiency, offer substantial sound reduction from exterior sources.

BUILT GREEN homes offer a healthier place to live. A healthier home environment means improved health and comfort for your family, as there is less stress on the respitory and immune systems. For those with allergies, benefits can be significant.

Air Quality: Air quality and ventilation is a key area of the program. Homeowners can choose from low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds), low or formaldehyde-free building materials, and third-party certified floor coverings all contribute to healthier indoor air quality and fewer toxins in the air, common to modern homes.

BUILT GREEN homes are third-party certified, and should you choose to purchase one, you get a two-in-one--an EnerGuide label and a BUILT GREEN seal. This certification recognizes the authenticity of the home and offers credibility, as you're able to review a detailed report and a checklist, showing which products were used. Plus, as the homeowner, you have a term of reference for the maintenance of the home and can rely on home performance expectations associated with the certification.