The benefits of making environmentally conscious decisions when it comes to real estate can far outweigh the cost.
In addition to benefiting the well-being of our planet, there are a number of other advantages to be gained by making environmentally conscious decisions for your home and/or business.
Reducing consumption in all aspects of our lives is the most effective way to live green and realize its many benefits. From choosing Energy Star rated appliances, to upgrades like new windows or a new roof, these are just some of the choices you can make to greatly improve energy efficiency.
In addition to talking to your realtor about your greening options, below are excellent sources for information on grants and greening programs to energy efficiency tips.
Read the JKT's green articles - New Year’s Resolution: A Greener Lifestyle, Recycle In Toronto, and our Going Green in Toronto category for much more!
Canadian Green Resources
- Green Ontario Fund - Programs & Rebates
- Natural Resources Canada - an excellent source for information on government grants and energy efficiency tips for personal and business use
- Energy Advisor Listings - the source for locating a certified energy advisor in your area to perform an energy audit
- Ontario Power Authority - information on provincial government incentives for energy efficiency
- Live Green Toronto - information on the City of Toronto’s Live Green Toronto program including green events in the city, energy efficiency tips and government grants
- Canada Green Building Council - providing information on obtaining LEED® certification and accreditation
- CMHC - information on CMHC mortgage insurance and refinancing programs to boost a home’s energy efficiency
- Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure - information on green innovation, energy conservation and the Green Energy Act
- Mississauga Hydro - outlining simple steps towards greater energy efficiency
- Walk Score - identifying and ranking walk-able places to live by calculating a neighbourhood’s Walk Score, which can be added to listings
- City of Toronto, The Toronto Atmospheric Fund - information on the Toronto Solar Neighbourhood initiative, offering financial incentives for solar hot water system installations in homes and assistance with identifying other energy saving opportunities; a part of the City of Toronto’s Live Green Toronto program
- Our Power - information for Ontario homeowners on switching to a solar power system
- Ontario Power Authority microFIT Program - a program that offers guidance and compensation to homeowners, farmers and small business owners who develop a micro renewable electricity generation project on their properties
- Canadian Solar Industries Association - representing Canada’s largest community of solar companies and promoting the professional use of solar technologies
- Kortright Centre for Conservation - information on a wide offering of renewable energy workshops available at Kortright throughout 2010
- LEAF, Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests - LEAF is an incorporated, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest. Our subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program is an ideal gift for home buyers. Visit our website for complete program details
- Fatal Light Awareness Program - information on how to help prevent the collision of birds into office buildings while reducing energy consumption
- TEA - The Toronto Environmental Alliance's mission is to promote a greener Toronto. We work with concerned individuals, community groups, professionals and workers, encouraging the participation of local people on local issues
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore - ReStores accept a wide range of new and gently used items. Commonly donated items include windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, lighting fixtures, furniture and appliances. Contact your nearest ReStore to determine if what you have can be donated to your local store
- Toronto Hydro - Find all the information you need on conservation programs, energy savings tips, time of use monitoring and just about anything else you need to know as a Toronto Hydro customer
- The Furniture Bank - Downsizing? Don’t throw away your gently used furniture. The Furniture Bank accepts a wide variety of furnishings that are suitable for helping women escaping violence, refugees and the homeless as they struggle to rebuild their lives, Furniture Bank is there to help them furnish their new homes
- Adopt a Stream - Established in 1995, Ontario Streams is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of streams and wetlands, through education and community involvement. Since our inception we have worked closely with numerous communities, landowners, and school groups to develop lasting partnerships in education and environmental stewardship
This article was originally posted at www.trebhome.com
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