Energy Efficient Housing (R2000)

Energy efficient housing was introduced By Natural Resources Canada as a National Standard in the late 1980's with the R-2000 housing certification. The certification looked at three aspects, efficient use of energy, improved indoor air quality and environmentally responsible construction methods and operation of the house. This provided people with ways to decrease their energy bills and contribute to the well being of the environment!

There are certain requirements a house must fill before receiving the R-2000 certificate. These standards are periodically updated to reflect the highest the building standards available. If you choose R-2000 it will improve the quality of the building, improve the comfort of your home and health of the inhabitants using state of the art technology. You will also enjoy peace of mind knowing that you are lowering your energy costs and green house gas emissions saving you money and protecting the environment.

The R-2000 requirements of the building envelope include increased insulation values in, the attic, roof, basement (up to 33% of home heating costs) and walls, beyond national and provincial building codes. It is also mandatory to use Energy Star rated windows for the applicable geographical area to avoid excess heat loss. There is very stringent air tightness test the building envelope must pass. Mechanical ventilation, in the form of a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), is required to control the indoor air quality and decrease heat loss. With regards to the other mechanical systems a high efficiency condensing furnace is recommended. The hot water system should have an energy factor of 0.58 or higher and are available with 90% energy efficiency rating. Ventilation must all be Heating Ventilation Institute (HVI) certified and balanced by an Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) certified technician. Any Wood burning appliances must be certified by Canadian Standards Association (CSA-B415.1-M92). In accordance with the indoor air quality requirements, carbon monoxide detectors must installed when combustion devices are present. Water conservation is also considered, using low-flush toilets, faucets and shower heads is required and hot water heaters must be set at a lower temperature. All R-2000 standards go above and beyond National Building Code and are updated periodically to include the most efficient practices and products.

R-2000 homes are noted for their energy efficiency, quiet interiors & overall comfort levels. We at Grey-Bruce Coatings & Insulation Ltd. recommend and offer all R-2000 methods and standards in our renovation and new building projects.