Insulating Concrete Forms: Economical and Eco-Friendly
Habitat Design + Consulting Ltd.
Chris Mattock, Green Consultant
Project Manager, Harmony House, Burnaby, BC
Upcoming BC Building codes are looking to the housing industry to be a leader in tackling climate change by producing homes to a Net Zero ready standard. Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) will play a big role in helping builders meet those goals as economically as possible, while minimizing construction environmental impacts and maintaining high indoor air quality.
In the Harmony House project, the only EQuilibrium home to be constructed on the west coast, and the first zero carbon building in BC, we will also incorporate a wide range of other green features such as low toxicity interior finishes, materials with recycled content, water conservation and rain water harvesting.
2011: A Good Year for Builders and First-time Buyers
Genworth Financial, Inc.
Peter Vukanovich, President & COO
We are not economists at Genworth, and we don’t make projections on a numbers basis. Having said that, as specialists in mortgage finance, we do closely track housing starts and inventory levels in each market across the country; these are the key factors in determining market direction.
The consensus for 2011 seems to be that starts will be marginally lower; this seems logical given the pull forward of demand into the first half of 2010 due to the threat of rising interest rates and government policy changes. I do believe a clear strength of the Canadian market is based on builders’ ability to forecast local supply/demand and strict discipline to building homes that meet home buyers’ needs. As a result, 2011 will be a good year for builders and first-time home buyers across the country.
Understanding the Under-40
Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association
Peter Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer
In order to attract and retain talented individuals, the residential construction industry must acknowledge and respond to the needs of the younger generations (Gen-X and Gen-Y). This year, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association formed a U-40 Committee, comprised of industry men and women — some experienced, some rookies — under the age of 40.
We wanted to learn how our association can remain relevant to the younger members and increase their level of participation in association activities. Topics of discussion at U-40 meetings include social media, mentoring, service on committees and councils (including the Board), specially tailored education and training programs, and networking opportunities.
The response has been phenomenal. More than 80 U-40 members attended a recent networking evening. In attendance were young developers, builders, renovators, designers, suppliers and skilled tradespeople.
U-40 members are eager to invest considerable time and energy in the association, as long as its goals continue to be in tune with the changing times. Judging by the enthusiastic response from these leaders of tomorrow, the residential construction industry has a very bright future indeed.
WRHBA: Partnering with Conestoga College & Home Hardware
Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association
Home Hardware Building Centre
Conestoga College School of Trades and Apprenticeship
Marie Schroeder, Executive Officer, WRHBA
Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association (WRHBA) has been working with Conestoga College School of Trades and Apprenticeships on three new initiatives to educate students and homeowners about the building process, renovations, professionalism and the residential construction industry:
1. WRHBA is currently building its first Education House. The project is a “living classroom” for Conestoga College School of Trades and Apprenticeships students. Scheduled tours throughout the building process provide students exposure to the fundamentals for best building practices and innovative products, providing an understanding of how their education will translate to the work site. The home will be sold and portion of the proceeds will help establish an awards program for the students.
2. WRHBA and Conestoga College introduced a Student Ambassador Program for second year carpentry students. Established to educate students on what it means to be part of a professional Association, the program gives students networking opportunities with industry professionals, and the latest news in the residential construction industry. Students are required to attend a WRHBA meeting during the school year and write a report which will go towards their final credit.
3. WRHBA, in partnership with Home Hardware Building Centre and Conestoga College School of Trades and Apprenticeship, invited the public to attend the Go with a Pro Renovation Seminar on Saturday, October 30, 2010 for a free renovation seminar to help home-owners renovate with confidence.
Destination: 2012
EnerQuality Corporation
Corey McBurney, President
Ontario builders take note: January 2012 is a mere 14 months away. On this milestone date, ENERGY STAR levels of energy efficiency will be in the Ontario building code. For this reason, the theme dominating green building over the next year or so is transition.
Energy efficiency has increasingly become a mainstream feature of new housing in Ontario. In 2009, 21 per cent of Ontario’s new housing starts were ENERGY STAR labelled; one per cent was labelled under the premier programs of GreenHouse and R-2000. That said, transitioning 100 per cent of Ontario’s new housing starts to EnerGuide 80 equivalent performance levels, starting January 1, 2012, will be no small undertaking.
Many builders are not prepared for the task at hand. At a minimum, you will have to come to terms with the new requirements and costs to be code-compliant. If you’re an ENERGY STAR (or better) builder and want to maintain your leadership position, you will be moving from ENERGY STAR version 4 to version 5 — earmarked at an EnerGuide 83 (25 per cent better than code).
So, while the visionaries are driving towards net zero, and the broader sustainability conversation includes issues of land use, water and waste, most builders are just starting to grapple with the more immediate reality: 2012.
Staying Ahead of the Industry Curve
Mibroc Group of Companies
Darryl Caunt, President of CHBA Central Interior
CEO, Mibroc Group of Companies
Gone are the days when a junior tradesperson works under a builder for a few years and automatically becomes qualified to build an award winning home. I know a number of excellent builders who have 30 years of experience building the same style of homes and they are now being asked to build cutting-edge homes using the latest green products, released at a home show or editorialized in a magazine. The comfort zone of all builders continues to be pushed. As a result, successful building leaders have to adapt their businesses to embrace this evolving technology and consumer demand. It’s not easy; building a successful business is very different from simply building a home.
To these builders I suggest taking relevant and appropriate courses to stay ahead of the industry curve. In the end, this knowledge is tangible and can be used to promote your businesses, provide greater value for your clients, and position your companies strategically for growth. I can speak firsthand as to how my simple decision to take courses and engage building consultants has enabled me to maximize my company’s growth while minimizing my potential for mistakes along the way.
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