King’s Den – a Greener, More Environmentally Friendly Community Offering Upgraded Energy-Efficient Features
SigNature Communities is wholly committed to reducing its carbon footprint by creating greener, more energy-efficient communities. This commitment requires a deliberate, continuous and stringent process of designing homes and implementing designs and initiatives that will do just that, create more sustainable and economically sustainable homes.
Once completed, King’s Den Estates of King City will be SigNature Communities’ most sustainable community to–date and built with a HERS rating and compliance. It will exceed the Ontario Building Code energy-efficiency standards by 27 – 28 per cent. This percentage has been confirmed through computer modeling that predicts energy consumption.
But just how are we going to achieve this? By significantly reducing the energy and water consumption used for insulating, heating, cooling, and lighting the homes as a result of implementing the following measures:
By Installing a More Efficient Insulation Barrier
Installing Owens Corning Pink Codebord as exterior wall sheathing will significantly contribute to the homes’ improved energy-efficiency. This exterior insulation will keep the heat inside the homes leaving no opportunity of air filtration, and it will also keep the cavity and studs warmer, reducing the potential for condensation. When condensation occurs the structural elements are put at risk and indoor air quality is jeopardized. This highly-moisture resistant material will keep walls dry, eliminate the risk of mold growth and maintain a healthy and comfortable living space.
By Installing Upgraded Windows
Windows account for about 15-20% of heat loss in a home. At King’s Den, to achieve minimum heat loss and superior thermal performance, we are installing certified to CSA standards and Energy-Star upgraded windows in stunning designs that offer optimized energy savings, enhanced environmental comfort, and which are virtually maintenance free.
By Installing High-Efficiency Furnaces with ECM Motor
There are many high-efficiency furnaces in the market, yet a furnace with an Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) consumes less energy resulting in a decreased environmental impact through reduction of greenhouse gases. By Installing High-Efficiency Furnaces with ECM Motor, residents at King’s Den will experience increased air quality, a home that is consistently warm and energy savings of up to 60-80% versus installing a furnace that uses a standard motor.
Furnaces with ECM motors have a quieter running system and they operate steadily at a low level resulting in even distribution of fresh air and heat for increased comfort and health so that temperatures can be evenly maintained throughout the home. When compared to units that utilize a conventional furnace fan, furnaces with ECM motors outperform them as electrical consumption is significantly reduced. Running at a consistently low fixed speed, these furnaces can operate with as little as 80 watts of electricity. Only when temperature drops does the furnace turn on higher production.
By Installing Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)
Seventy-five per cent of lighting installed at King`s Den will be Compact fluorescent Lighting (CFL). CFLs are the most prevalent energy-efficient bulb currently available consuming an average of 70 per cent less electricity than conventional incandescent lights. Installing CFLs will reduce the overall demand for electricity and ultimately result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel power plants.
By Installing High-Efficiency Water Heaters
According to Natural Resources Canada www.nrcan.gc.ca, on average the energy consumed by water heaters account for 17 of the total energy consumption for a single household. This can vary from 15 to 25 percent depending on the house type, number of inhabitants and their lifestyle habits.
For King’s Den, we have contracted high-efficiency domestic water heaters which are deemed to consume up to 8 per cent less energy.
By Installing Eco-Vent Exhaust Fans in the Bathrooms
Lastly, installing Eco-Vent fans will increase and improve indoor air quality and energy savings.
