New Homes
New Homes
Manitoba home builders get top marks for energy efficiency
The rest of Canada is realizing what Manitobans have known all along --energy efficiency is important in the selection of a new home.
The 16th annual RBC home ownership study found that 95 per cent of respondents felt that energy efficiency was just as important as the look and appearance of the home. As well, J. D. Power and Associates recently completed a study in Ontario and found that 87 per cent of their respondents valued energy efficiency when purchasing a new home. Of that, 92 per cent cited cost savings, 68 per cent said healthier indoor air and 68 per cent commented on protecting the environment.
These findings are not news to the savvy Manitoba new home buyer. Once again, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance has given top marks to Manitoba new home builders as the best in the country and an example for other jurisdictions to follow.
Manitoba new home builders have established a standard for themselves that is unparalleled throughout the country. Not only does this result in savings to the consumer in terms of energy bills, but through the use of the best products and technology, today's new homes ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for families.
Even though the number of households in Manitoba increased by 13.2 per cent since 1990 and the average floor area in new homes has increased by 15.9 per cent, the total amount of energy consumed by Manitoba households was 11.2 per cent less in 2005 than in 1990.
The energy intensity per household decreased by 21.6 per cent during that same period. Manitoba homes built since 2001 require less than half the space heating energy of older homes in Manitoba in spite of the fact that the new homes are larger in size on average.
Energy efficiency, savings and sound construction are important to the consumer throughout Canada. Nowhere is this demonstrated better than here in Manitoba, the best place to build a new home.
For a list of MHBA builder members, visit our website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca
This column prepared by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
