BSG Articles

Governor of California Commits to 100% Clean Energy by 2045
Published on September 19, 2018

The Governor of California, Jerry Brown, has signed a bill that requires the state of California to have all electricity be powered from carbon-free sources by 2045. This bill marks California as the largest global economy committing to 100% clean energy so far, and sends a clear message that the state supports the Paris agreement to combat climate change. This bill is in opposition to President Donald Trump’s decision last year to withdraw from the agreement, due to concerns that it would hurt the economy.

Toronto and 18 Other Cities Worldwide Commit to Making New Buildings Net Zero Carbon by 2030
Published on September 18, 2018

According to the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), a building nets zero carbon if it is, “highly energy efficient and fully powered by on-site and/or off site renewable energy sources.” With global temperature increasing worldwide, 19 different cities and their leaders have agreed to work together in an attempt to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5℃. This commitment was formulated out of the notion that over half of a city’s greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings in urban areas. As a result, looking to eliminate some of those emissions becomes crucial in order to preserve the integrity of our environment in the future.

Cannabis Smells
Published on September 17, 2018

Cannabis will soon be legalized in Ontario, but what does this mean for condo owners and people renting apartments? There is already some concern over cannabis odour bothering neighbours. Finding the causes for this can put hep put an end to the concern.

Canadian Communities Receive $12.1M of Funding for Green Initiatives Across Canada
Published on September 14, 2018

Over $12.1 Million has been earmarked for use by three different government programs, with the intention of: improving communities, strengthening the middle class, and providing a clean growth economy.

A Review of Government Spending in Ontario
Published on September 12, 2018

This is your opportunity to have your voice heard regarding the province’s public spending. Available now but ending September 21st, the Planning for Prosperity online consultation is a survey that is currently being conducted on the Government of Ontario website.

Ontario Cuts Natural Gas Prices
Published on September 10, 2018

As of October 1st, the Ontario Energy Board will be reducing the price of natural gas by 3.3 cents per cubic metre.

New Residential Construction and Airtightness Testing
Published on August 28, 2018

Proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code and SB-12 regarding mandatory airtightness testing for new residential construction are slated for 2020 and 2022. It is really no longer a question of “if” but more of a “when”. There will be two phases that home builders will need to be aware of – and ready for.

Energy Ratings for Realtors & Real Estate Agents
Published on July 31, 2018

Today, most homes (both old and new) consume less energy than even a decade ago. Whether it’s through improved insulation or the desire to weatherproof against the heat of Ontario summers or the frigidness of our winters, homeowners are focused on improving their home’s energy rating. This occurs either as a by-product of their upgrades, or intentionally, depending on their level of knowledge of energy ratings. As a real estate agent, you are in the position to help buyers – and owners – better understand the homes they are buying and selling. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of 8 reasons why energy ratings are beneficial for real estate agents and the people they serve.

Large Building Air Tightness Testing
Published on June 24, 2018

Over the years, the need for higher performance buildings has helped to develop design changes that include a more efficient use of energy and resources. More and more, designers and builders are showing an increased interest in knowing the actual air tightness of the projects they are involved in constructing as a way of better calculating the building’s energy performance. This allows for more accurate expectations of how the building will make use of its energy inputs and will also allow for more accurate design engineering of the building’s mechanical systems.

Home Renovation Upgrades/Rebates
Published on June 13, 2018

Written By: Rick Miller, Service Organization Manager

Type this term into any search engine and you will notice that there are several different rebate programs available to homeowners wishing to improve their home’s energy efficiencies. Your next step is to figure out which upgrades you yourself will be eligible for, and how much rebate money you will get back on your upgrades. Depending on the program, you will then need to find a qualified contractor, or in some cases, a Registered Energy Advisor. Let’s follow Pete, a friend of mine, and see how he navigates this renovation ordeal for his own home.