GOING GREEN is SUITE!
Most of us are at level one in the Green movement. We're starting to get into the gadgets and habits that we truly believe are our way of contributing to the desperately needed regreening of the planet. But according to experts, when it comes to our homes, true Green is about the building itself. The way of measuring this includes:
- building on a sustainable site
- water efficiency
- energy prudence and atmosphere control
- materials and resources
- the individual environmental quality
Since 2004, every house in Vancouver may include a suite. This is a positive environmental solution because it means less driving due to more housing within the city. It also makes detached-home ownership more affordable, when the owner has a "mortgage payer" suite; in addition, it helps to make urban rentals more affordable when there are enough to go around!
As a wise owner, make an up-front GREEN investment in your rental suite!
Many suites are in the basement or on the ground floor. They therefore have limited natural light, are prone to ventilation challenges, and can be damp with the resulting problems of mould and dust-mite growth.
By investing on no-VOC paint, such as provided by Canvas Home Basics, there will be a reduction of indoor air pollution. Installing hard flooring such as wood or laminate, and getting rid of the carpets, harbingers of dust-mites and mould, is also an attractive improvement. You can add insulation between the suite and the owners' upstairs, which will reduce noise pollution and save on heating energy. Hot air rises! To reduce energy and water consumption there are Energy Star appliances, low-flow showers and toilets, and faucets with aerators.
A wise owner will want to attract good tenants who will stay a long time and play an important role in the Going Green Movement.
