Some of Squamish’s most eco-friendly homes will be on display during Squamish’s second annual Eco Home Hop.
Organized by the Squamish Climate Action Network (CAN), the event on Sunday, Nov. 1 aims to give homeowners ideas of how they can reduce their impact on the environment, said the tour’s coordinator, Lauren Baldwin.
In 2013 and 2014, Baldwin and partner Kevin Henshaw built a 1,100-square-foot house on Hospital Hill. Before they laid a shovel in the ground, the couple travelled throughout B.C. and into Alberta gathering information on energy-efficient, eco-friendly components. They examined all kinds of heating options, including geothermal and solar technology. In the end, the couple opted for a passive solar design and an air-to-water heat pump. This year their house was awarded the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification – Platinum.
“Our architect James Tuer designed a home that truly reflects us,” Baldwin said. “Natural light and wood surround us inside, and we’re able to grow so much of our own food on our little 33-ft. wide lot.”
Like other homeowners featured in this year’s tour, Baldwin and Henshaw have done the heavy lifting when it comes to researching environmental options. She says the goal of the tour is to provide others with that information and open them up to possible renovation ideas available to them when it comes to their own houses.
“We wanted to have a mix of houses this tour,” said Baldwin.
Five homes and the Cedar Valley Waldorf School are taking part in this year’s event. The school’s solar hot water system will be on display. The project was installed in 2010 with a Solar BC grant obtained through Squamish CAN.
The tour also includes the 1970s-built, renovated home of Squamish resident Jamie Bond. The house was the first Built Green Renovation to reach Platinum in Canada.
“Not everyone is in a position to build their own home. So it is good to see what you can do with what you have,” Baldwin said.
Last year, approximately 150 people walked through the homes in the inaugural Eco Home Hop. Baldwin is anticipating a similar turnout on Sunday, when the tour runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
This free event is open to the public and aims to build local knowledge and interest in sustainable building practices. Details are available at squamishcan.net and through the Squamish CAN Facebook page.
