Part 2: Trouble with Water Conservation

Future Friendly Houses Are Worth More, Today and Tomorrow
Part 2: Trouble with Water Conservation
A Five Part Series: Climate Change Begins at Home

Consumers are demanding more information about the environmental friendliness of houses and condos. The market is moving to understand that energy is the second price tag of any house. This series will show you how to improve your property value while saving the environment at home.

Within the home there are five categories of energy consumption and loss; The Building Envelope, Lighting, Home Heating Systems, Hot Water, and Electric Appliances. The trick with keeping your house up to date is, not missing opportunities.

What’s in a Drop of Water?
Water is responsible for a significant portion of the operating budget in every jurisdiction in Ontario.The City of Toronto spends an estimated 18% of its total operating budget on sewage treatment and drinking water quality. This expense is also a carbon intensive process, energy is consumed at every level of water treatment from pumping to filtration and cleaning.

In addition to the costs of managing water, there are also environmental impacts from sewage overflows during heavy rain fall. As a result of increased intensity of weather events, rain water capture and water saving bathroom and kitchen fixtures and appliances are of growing interest to municipalities. Federal and Provincial governments have followed Toronto’s lead in offering rebates on water-saving toilets. Learn more at http://www.Toronto.ca/Water and Riversides.ca .

What you can do
Home owners can make a lot of small adjustments to behaviour and renovation modifications to reduce their water use, save money and save the environment. Rain Barrels allow you to harvest rain water from your roof, to water your garden. This water is free, and it is actually better for your lawn than the treated water that comes from your tap. Low Flow shower heads and toilets deliver a similar experience to heavy usage alternatives, and there are rebates available. Why not save a few dollars on your next bathroom or kitchen renovation. Behavior Matters – running the water while brushing your teeth, washing vegetables without plugging the drain, and taking long showers are choices that affect us all. Consider the possibility that choosing to conserve water is convenient, and allows you to sleep with the knowledge that you are part of the solution.

Chris Chopik is a Toronto based Realtor, Marketing Consultant and founder of EvolutionGreen.Com. Chris can be reached at chris@evolutiongreen.com or at 416 993 4870. 

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