*Content courtesy of BCSEA – British Columbia Sustainable Energy
Energy efficiency and conservation (sometimes referred to as EEC) describe how people use energy, not where the sources of energy come from as with energy generation. Efficiency is the use of energy in a more effective way, so using less energy to achieve the same desired function. Conservation is behavior or practice that results in the use of less energy.
The built environment represents a significant amount of overall greenhouse gas emissions due to the amount of energy used and historical poor efficiency. Energy efficiency and conservation practices, policies, and technologies are being used in commercial settings, industry operations, and housing. These include everything from the types of lighting, insulation and windows to heat sources and construction methods.
In order to improve the EEC of new buildings, governments are using certification requirements in the building codes, and developers are pushing standards even further . These certifications and standards include LEED, Passive House, Net Zero and the Living Building Challenge.
Products and technologies are also meeting efficiency standards, making it easier to make the right choice for your home or office. Did you know the Energy Star label program has been around since 1992?! It is still consider the most successful voluntary energy conservation movement in history. A number of behavior change programs also exist, providing information, motivation and incentives to decrease energy consumption. BC Hydro’s Power Smart efforts are one of these programs.
Existing buildings are also undergoing retrofits in order to improve efficiency and conservation. Many of these start by undergoing an energy audit which assess through inspections and test the energy needs and efficiency level of the building. Professional audits are conducted through organisations such as City Green, but the City of Vancouver has also produced this do it yourself home energy audit guidebook. After a professional audit, the building is given an EnerGuide rating, and the owner is provided a list of ways to improve the building’s EEC.
Regardless of whether you are building a new home or want to improve the energy use in your office, there are number of actions that can be taken on any budget.
Westeck introduces the Wood Passive House Institute Certified Outswing Window
Efficiency without Compromise. The brand-new Wood Outswing Window from Westeck features a sleek low-profile frame design, with the added benefit of extreme efficiency thanks to Thermacork™ technology. Available in standard Hemlock/Fir, or with the optional benefits of ACCOYA™ high technology wood.
Passive House buildings are praised for their efficiency due to their high level of insulation and their airtight design. While windows and doors are typically the weak link in a buildings envelope, they no longer need to be when using Westeck’s Wood Passive House certified window. Experience improved comfort and quality while reducing your carbon emissions.
About Westeck Windows and Doors
Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors. All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Seattle, Washington and our NEW showroom in Bellingham, Washington! As each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal. Enjoy our latest line of doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.