Design of the ERE 132 Eco Home

OVERALL COST: A QUESTION OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Many factors influence the cost of a home’s construction or renovation: square footage, materials, insulation levels, mechanical systems, landscaping, etc. Beyond the cost of materials, take into account the recurrent costs - energy and maintenance - before making your choices. You will find that sustainable materials, and especially those that are energy efficient, are profitable! 

SURFACE AREA OF A HOME

Adequately assess your real needs for space. You will save a lot on the costs of construction and maintenance. It is important to note that a home that is well designed can be small in surface area, but can provide a spacious living area! In Canada, the average size of a new home is 2,450 ft2 (228 m2). The bigger it is, the more it will cost!

ERE 132: 1,867 ft2 (173 m2) of heated area

ABSENCE OF A BASEMENT

Opt for a home built on a slab-on-grade instead of a conventional basement foundation because basements in Quebec homes often pose problems. Basements cost as much to build as an additional floor and can lead to humidity problems (and can even lead to serious complications during water leakage). Basements also require a lot of concrete, a large emitter of greenhouse gases. 

OPENINGS, DOORS AND WINDOWS

Focus on the location of the doors and windows and on their quality and efficiency! South facing doors and windows allow you to maximize the heat input. Choose windows and doors that are ENERGY STAR® rated: their quality and efficiency are certified: it will pay off!

HIGH-QUALITY, DURABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY SURFACES

Opt for interior and exterior walls in wood, a roof with cedar shingles and wood and concrete floors. Your home will not have to be renovated in a long time. Imagine the savings… Moreover, your home will be green.

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Consider the options of solid wood, prefabricated factory panels, double-stud walls, concrete molding and straw-bale walls. These options are among the most environmental and economical.

ERE 132: cost overrun of $12,000 for the double-stud wall

HYPER-INSULATION OF THE HOME

Use insulation materials that are both healthy and affordable, such as cellulose, wood fiber, straw or hemp, in sufficient quantity. You'll save plenty on heating costs in the long term.

ERE 132: cost overrun of $11,600 for the hyper-insulation of the home (attic space, walls and slab-on-grade)

 

SAVINGS GENERATED BY THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY METHODS OF THE ERE 132 ECO HOME 

872 $ ANNUALLY

  
In terms of energy efficiency, the ERE 132 Eco Home is a low-energy building, as in the example below, with heating requirements estimated at 45 kWh/m2.

Reference: http://www.ecohome.net/guide/passive-solar-home-design