Key topics in the podcast include carbon sink and low-carbon building materials, transition to electrification for home heating, progress in green cement technology, challenges of technological change for sustainability, incentives for green energy, natural gas bans in the U.S., and balancing energy efficiency, climate action, and affordability in housing development.
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Quick takeaways
Focus on using low-carbon building materials and electrification for future home heating.
Balance between financial implications of sustainability features and affordability in housing development.
Deep dives
Building for Sustainability Symposium Overview
The podcast episode features a live show recorded at the Building for Sustainability Symposium in Canmore, Alberta. The hosts delve into the topic of what matters and what doesn't when it comes to building for sustainability. They discuss the rise in building emissions since 2005, emphasizing the importance of focusing on energy and climate aspects in building sustainability.
David Keith's Sustainable House Design
David Keith, a co-host, shares insights into his sustainable house design choices, including opting for all-electric with no gas line, attention to insulation, use of geothermal system with cost-effective wells, and high-value windows despite the high initial cost. He highlights the importance of considering the cost of carbon abatement and the financial implications of different sustainability features.
Financial Considerations and Solar Implementation
The discussion touches on the financial aspects of sustainability choices, comparing the high cost of certain features like windows to installing solar systems. Ed's experience with solar panels generating surplus electricity and the impact of net billing in Alberta on electricity costs are highlighted, addressing the economic efficiency and challenges of residential solar installations.
Balancing Affordability and Sustainability in Housing
The episode concludes with a focus on balancing energy, climate concerns, and affordability in housing development. The hosts stress the need for advocacy efforts to implement building code changes that prioritize sustainability. They encourage finding a balance between delivering affordable housing and responsible, sustainable initiatives for a greener future.
What matters - and really doesn’t matter - when it comes to Building for Sustainability? David, Sara and Ed answer that question in a live episode of Energy vs Climate recorded on November 5, 2023 to kick off the Building for Sustainability symposium in Canmore, AB.