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ACORN is deeply committed to sustainable building practices. We are proud to have created a green community with home features that are healthy, safe, comfortable and durable. Your home includes many features that are Eco-friendly and help you save money.

eco-friendly floor finishes

Hardwood floors are made from durable, eco-friendly materials that are low maintenance.
  • Eco-friendly materials contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which leads to better indoor air quality.
  • Ideal for sustainability and contributes to low environmental impact. Consider upgrading your floors to hardwood where possible.
  • Tips on maintenance:
    • Remove dirt and other particles with simple brush and water.
    • Does not require any additional treatment beyond normal cleaning.
    • Source: Vintage Hardwood Flooring (vintageflooring.com)
Ceramic floor tiles are versatile and help beautify your home while being low maintenance.
  • Made from non-toxic plentiful, natural materials low VOCs emissions, and contributes to better indoor air quality.
  • Easy to clean and does not require harsh, chemical based solutions for maintenance.
  • Tips on maintenance:
    • Regularly sweep, vacuum, and clean your ceramic tile floors with a damp mop.
    • Remove dirt and debris before it becomes embedded in the tile or grout.
    • Mop with warm water that is mixed with cup of white vinegar for an effective, odor-eliminating cleaner.
    • Use only eco-friendly cleaners to minimize your tiles’ and homes’ carbon-footprint.
    • Source: Ceramic Tile Institute of America (ctioa.org)
Carpet flooring is versatile and comfortable. It’s easy maintenance, value and high performance makes carpet a convenience choice for most home interiors.
  • Carpet materials are made with low VOCs to reduce environmental impact and contribute to better indoor air quality.
  • Carpets are tested and passed by the Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Program. Green Label/Green Label Plus ensure that customers are receiving the lowest emitting carpet, adhesive and cushion on the market.
  • Tips on maintenance:
    • Regular thorough vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning is recommended.
    • In the event of stain, stain removers can be used; however, it is recommended that a discrete area be tested first. Avoid perfluorochemical (PFC) cleaners.
    • Source: Carpet and Rug Institute (carpet-rug.org), Carpet Institute of Canada (canandiancarpet.org), Carpet Cushion Council (carpetcushion.org)

Low VOC Paint

Paint provides beautification and protection to the interior of a home. Advancement in technology have introduced paint that have low chemical emissions, reduced odor and that is safer to use indoors. Your home features:

Hardwood floors in your home are made from durable, eco-friendly materials that are low maintenance.
  • Low VOC paints that contribute to a comfortable and healthier indoor air quality.
  • Tips on maintenance:
    • Minor markings can be easily taken care of with mild soap and warm water.

Energy Star Appliances

It is recommended that only Energy Star qualified and approved appliances be installed in your new home. These appliances help to save on energy to save you money but they are also better for the environment. Look for the Energy Star label.

Your home is energy star qualified meaning that it is built to meet rigorous energy star performance requirements. You will save energy and money without any sacrifices in performance.

Low VOC Paint

Paint provides beautification and protection to the interior of a home. Advancement in technology have introduced paint that have low chemical emissions, reduced odor and that is safer to use indoors. Your home features:

Hardwood floors in your home are made from durable, eco-friendly materials that are low maintenance.
  • Low VOC paints that contribute to a comfortable and healthier indoor air quality.
  • Tips on maintenance:
    • Minor markings can be easily taken care of with mild soap and warm water.

High Efficiency Plumbing

Water conservation is the driving force in selecting the most eco-friendly plumbing fixtures and features in your home. Innovative efficient plumbing layouts, hot water recirculation and water safeguard fixtures have been installed in your home to adhere to ACORN’s high standards and sustainability program. Your home features:

WaterSense® labeled lavatory/shower faucets and toilets that have been independently tested for water efficiency and performance.
  • EPA’s WaterSense® certified fixtures help homeowners conserve water and save money without sacrificing product performance.
  • WaterSense® certified toilets on average use 20-35% less water per flush. This equates to water saving of approximately 15,000 litres of water a year, per person.
The ON COMMAND hot water recirculation provides hot water at your command at the same time it saves water, energy and money.
  • A small silent pump is installed to the hot and cold water lines inside the master-ensuite vanity cabinet.
  • When activated, the cool water that normally runs down the drain is recirculated back to the water heater through the cold water line.
  • The pump circulates the hot water from the water heater and returns the cooled water back through the cold water line.
  • When the hot water arrives at the fixture, the pump’s heat sensor and control board shut off the pump to prevent pumping excess hot water into the cold water line.
Energy efficient hot water tank.

Advanced Mechanical Systems

A healthy home is dependent on its operation system(s). The mechanical systems in your home are equipped with advance energy saving features. Your home features:

Energy saving forced-air high efficiency gas furnace with electronically commutated motor (ECM).
  • ECM Motors actually save you money on your electricity bill. They consume less energy than a standard motor. The ECM operating constantly and ramping up occasionally is equal to an 80% reduction of electricity usage.
  • Warm air is circulated through your home constantly, reducing the need for the furnace to cycle up for heat.
Energy saving programmable thermostat.
  • Designed to adjust the temperature according to a series of programmed settings that take effect at different times of the day.
  • Programmable thermostats make it easier to control your heating system and your energy bills.
  • According to the EPA, every degree you lower your thermostat can result in 4% savings on your heating bill.
Whole-home water efficient humidifier (furnace mounted).
  • Delivers the perfect amount of moisture to your home, minimizing the ill effects of dry air and making you more comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
  • By allowing a higher average temperature on the evaporator pad, the unit’s performance is improved to save on energy costs.
  • This environmentally friendly unit reduces water consumption by up to 80%.
Energy Recovery Ventilation System (ERV) partially-ducted system.
  • ERV systems include both heat recovery and energy recovery ventilators.
  • Benefits include improved indoor air quality, better indoor moisture control, and increased energy savings.
Rough-in conduit to enable retrofit to solar energy.
  • This is one of best ways to ensure that your new home is prepared for a future solar panel installation.
  • A conduit from roof to mechanical room (in basement) will be provided along with increased structural capacity of the roof system.
  • Solar energy provides a financial savings and provides clean energy from the sun that helps eliminate carbon dioxide in the air.
  • The Federal and Provincial Ontario Government provides an energy savings rebate for homes equipped with solar energy. For more information, please visit SaveONenergy (saveonenergy.ca), Natural Resources Canada (nrcan.gc.ca) or Ministry of Energy (energy.gov.on.ca).

GO GREEN, GO FURTHER HOMEOWNER TIP

Consider using a outdoor clothing line or an indoor clothing rack to dry your clothes instead of using your dryer. This is good for the enviroment and can help you save on energy costs!

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