Reflecting on the Home Envelope Challenge

Part of the process of moving towards net zero is thinking divergently and creatively about how this can be attained. We have done a great deal of work securing quotes, which we will use to apply for an interest free loan from the federal government. 

We either have determined a course of action or are in the process of getting quotes for the following: 

• Energy efficient triple pane windows for the front of our house, and energy efficient double pane windows for the back of the house. The rest of the windows are newer and should be all right.
• Insulation, including for an uninsulated crawlspace.
• An even more efficient heat pump now that our existing one is getting older.
• Two energy efficient doors, one for the entry to the house from the garage and one separating the cold cellar from the main basement.
• Solar panels that can power our house directly, as opposed to only feeding the grid. 

We have already had the exterior of the house professionally caulked. We are in the process of  adding foam insulation to exterior light switches and sockets, adding weather stripping, and switching out pot lights so we can add insulation. 

An important part of this process is to communicate with other people what we are doing, to share resources and ideas, to organize in our communities. Lots of people are very worried and anxious about climate change. Creating a community around our transition to net zero has been a powerful way to generate hope, as we are researching, implementing, and sharing the solutions.

Such a quintessential scene of this Dundas valley, and with a particularly beautiful time here in southern Ontario around the corner. It also speaks to the optimism and joy that can be created when working with others in our community.