The concept has a name: "passive house," which essentially refers to a building that is maximally efficient, low-cost, environmentally friendly – and comfortable. The passive house is based on five principles:Optimal insulationThis means the structure has an uninterrupted layer of insulation from beneath the foundation to the top of the roof. But it's possible to make meaningful changes in an existing home, said Rob Bernhardt, CEO of Passive House Canada. Bernhardt said that most of the materials used in buildings nowadays are suitable for a passive house, which means that even if you can't do a wholesale retrofit at once, developing a plan will ensure anything you do will bring your home closer to the passive house ideal. Owing to its geography, natural resources and smart planning, the country recently went 299 days in which it was powered solely by green energy (mainly wind, hydro and geothermal).

Source: CBC News March 22, 2019 07:52 UTC