Background
REEP Green Solutions is an environmental non-profit organization helping residents of Waterloo Region retrofit their homes to be healthier and more sustainable. Through innovative programs and services, public education, collaborative research and community partnerships, REEP provides the tools and knowledge people need to take positive environmental action right at home.
Founded in 1999, REEP Green Solutions has now evaluated over 14,000 homes in the Waterloo Region for energy efficiency. REEP’s most recent project is the REEP House for Sustainable Living, a century home retrofit demonstrating energy and water innovations that can be easily adopted by homeowners.
Taking action
Energy and water saving technologies installed at the REEP House include:
- Insulation, draft-proofing, and high-performance windows that dramatically reduce heat loss to the outdoors.
- Two heating systems for comparison purposes: a ground source heat pump and a high-efficiency boiler.
- An energy recovery ventilator that is an affordable and energy efficient way to bring in fresh air.
- A water system that recycles grey water and brings in rain water to flush the toilet.
- A permeable driveway and rain garden where rain water is quickly absorbed and run-off is eliminated.
The educational approach is based on hands-on learning, through installed examples and “truth windows” that show the inner workings of the home. Staff at REEP Green Solutions offer interactive tours, workshops, and events that demystify home retrofits and encourage visitors to make their own homes more comfortable, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
Achieving results
- 86 per cent reduction in energy consumption, leading to a 54 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reductions in water use and stormwater run-off.
- Public outreach, Open House Saturdays and educational workshops.
- Development of the Green Home Planner, a web-based, decision-making tool that assists homeowners in planning small or large residential renovations.
The REEP House motivates visitors to make sustainable changes in their own homes, leading to greener choices in other parts of their lives.
