Monday, December 6, 2010

GreenWorks Toronto Career Fair Tomorrow December 7

GreenWorks Career Fair December 7, 2010 at Hart House, University of TorontoScreenshot: GreenWorksToronto Career Fair
Renew Your Skills, Renew Your Career
Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Toronto, ON
Credit: Connect Strategic Alliances

What: GreenWorks Career Fair

Are you unemployed? Looking for a new career?
Interested in working or training in the green energy sector?
Wondering what else is out here?

If so, join the career fair and explore the possibilities!

When: Tuesday December 7, 2010
Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Hart House, University of Toronto
7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3
The closest Subway Stop is Museum.

No Entry Fee! Absolutely Free!

If your company or organization works or trains workers in the Green Energy sector, take this opportunity to exhibit at GreenWorks, a series of Green Energy Career fairs being held across the province!

Hosted by CONNECT and funded by Employment Ontario, GreenWorks aims to introduce this exciting and expanding sector to jobseekers who may not have considered it before.

Take advantage of these events to exhibit at absolutely no cost to your organization, and find the right people for your workforce. Network with other providers who offer training and up-skilling in your sector. Make connections and highlight the good work you do, to draw career seekers to your company and to promote Green Energy.

Whether you chose to exhibit at one of the six fairs or all of them, at each event, you will be entitled to:

+ Free exhibit space, with skirted display table and power outlet
+ Free parking
+ Free nutritious breaks and lunch
+ Free networking opportunities to short list and/or recruit on the spot
+ Free company listing inside the GreenWorks colour brochure
+ Free company listing and web link from the CONNECT GreenWorks website

http://collegeconnect.on.ca/events/

[this is a public event, all are welcome]

For more information:

Contact Name: NICOLE RYAN
Website: http://collegeconnect.on.ca/events/
Phone: 416-351-0330 EXT 2290
E-mail: RYAN (at) COLLEGECONNECT.ON.CA

We saw this info at Planetfriendly.net

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Solar Energy: An Alternative Energy Source

Solar Energy: An Alternative Energy Source, by wobuiltCollage: Solar Energy Is An Alternative Energy Source
Credits: MS Office ClipArt - mh900437932

In keeping with our commitment to "green" building and design we are always looking to expand our knowledge of environmental issues such as energy efficiency. Here is an article about one alternative energy source.
What is solar energy? Solar energy is the light produced by the sun. Once the sunlight ray traveling from the sun hits an object on the earth it produces heat or energy. A very interesting fact that has come to light (no pun intended!) is that in just one hour, enough sunlight reaches the Earth to provide our energy needs for almost an entire year! This is especially important because the sun can provide us with an infinite supply of energy for a long, long, long time to come.

Up until now most of our energy has been derived from fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas. Where it is becoming problematic is that the majority of fossil fuels have already been extracted from the earth. This means that as time goes by, our present resources will be depleted and we will have to look for new sources of energy. This in turn will drive up the cost of energy, making it much more expensive for consumers. And there is also the environmental damage caused when burning the fossil fuels to consider. Greenhouse gasses are released into the atmosphere which then leads to global warming. Therefore it is in everyone's best interest to start looking at other sources of energy.

Although residential solar systems are still quite costly, the possibilities for solar energy are incredible. Solar electricity, solar heating and solar lighting are all possibilities. At present, there are 3 kinds of solar energy. Passive solar energy requires no mechanical devices to create energy, active solar energy uses mechanical devices to create energy and thermal solar energy is created by converting solar energy into heat. Solar energy is becoming more important at this time because it can provide energy for us in the future as our supply of fossil fuels start to dwindle; it can save consumers money in the long term by reducing or eliminating your electrical bill altogether; and it can also have a positive effect on the planet by saving irreplaceable resources and reducing greenhouse gases.

As a "green" builder, we at Wo-Built are always interested in new ideas and other alternatives that helps us all to be more eco-friendly as well as saving the earth's resources.

Lonya Miller,
Writer
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

New Ideas and Practical Solutions for Green Building: National GreenBuilding Conference

Green Building Conference, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, December 1-3, 2010, by wobuilt
Screenshot: National GreenBuilding Conference
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, December 1-3, 2010
Credit: nationalgreenbuildingexpo.com

As we brought out in our article about the upcoming HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo 2010, the National Green Building Conference is one of the magnetic poles which attracts our attention with new cost saving ideas for green building and practical green residential building solutions.

National Green Building Conference: New and Green Products & Services Recognition, a conference dedicated to the whole building process from a green perspective.

Here is detailed information for some seminars focusing on design, economies, technologies, project delivery models, and products that lead to energy efficient, green houses that minimize their impact on the environment.

Date: Dec 1, 2010
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Lessons Learned in Green Residential Building & Renovation
W123
Speakers: Shervin Akhavi, Senior Program Manager, GreenSaver
John Godden, President, Clearsphere Inc.
Jamie Shipley, Senior Research Consultant, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation

Description: The speakers will discuss the lessons learned from two alternative building philosophies, CMHC EQuilibrium sustainable housing demonstration and the Passive House.
The CMHC EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration initiative is a national showcase for sustainable housing design and building solutions across Canada. Talented and visionary teams selected through a national competition are literally opening the doors to the next generation of clean and green Canadian housing – healthy, super energy efficient, very low environmental impact, with integrated on-site renewable energy systems to achieve net-zero energy use on an annual basis.
A Passive House is a building in which a comfortable interior climate is maintained without a conventional heating system. The house heats and cools itself for most of the year, hence "passive". The cost savings from eliminating a full-fledged heating and distribution system is used to fund the supper-insulation of the building envelope. Any remaining heat demand during extreme cold and cloudy days (~20 to 30 days/year) is provided by an extremely small source comparable to a hairdryer. The result is a house that saves up to 90% of space heating and cooling costs. There are over 10,000 Passive Houses built in Europe and North America.


Date: Dec 1, 2010
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Renovation Options for Energy Efficient Housing Projects
W124
Speakers: Christopher Timusk, Professor, Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies, George Brown College

Description: Existing buildings are responsible for over 40% of the world’s total primary energy consumption, and much of the housing stock of our larger cities consists of old buildings and are our least energy efficient buildings.
The retrofit of these vintage homes is not altogether straight forward if we wish to make them energy efficient, comfortable and have them last for another 100 years.
Before tackling the retrofit of an older house, you should have an understanding of the building's structure, materials, and the governing building science principles, as well as some patience, which will be discussed in this presentation.

Date: Dec 2, 2010
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
New & Green Product for Residential Construction
T120
Speakers: Paul Caverly, Principal, Myhaven GreenVision Homes Ltd.
John Godden, President, Clearsphere Inc.

Description: Existing economic climate and increasing focus on efficiency and sustainability has forced the construction industry and materials manufacturers to develop products and systems that respond to expectations and requirements.
Learn about the latest innovations, trends, systems, and techniques that can make your projects more appealing to your customers, and affect your bottom line. A virtual house tour reviewing new products for the building envelope, HVAC systems, water efficiency, materials for finishes and renewable techniques.

Date: Dec 2, 2010
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
An Energy Retrofit of Your Building Is Your Best Investment: The ROI Beats the Stock Market
T300
Speakers: Kevin Day, Project Manager, Business Development, Halsall Associates Limited
Rob Detta Colli, TowerWise Conservation Incentives Advisor, Greater Toronto Apartment Association
Tim Stoate, Associate Director of Mandate Related Finance, Toronto Atmospheric Fund

Description: There are not many investments that you can make that give you the returns. That can come from an energy retrofit of your buildings.
Let Kevin Day from Halsall, and Tim Stoate from Toronto Atmospheric Fund and Rob Detta Colli from Tower Wise walk you through the process step by step to maximize your return.
Kevin will discuss building renewal options, Rob will present an overview of various incentives and rebate opportunities, and Tim will describe the financial benefits.
All three presenters have long-standing experience helping building owners and managers achieve returns on their building renewal investments.

Date: Dec 2, 2010
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
When Does a Green Roof Make Sense? What Have We Learned About Green, White, and High-Performance Roofs?
OAA Accredited Continuing Education Sessions
T115
Speakers: Peter Kalinger, Technical Director, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association

Description: The use of white roofs (also known as reflective roofs), green roofs (also known as garden roofs) and high performance roofs has increased significantly in Canada.
It has been extensively discussed due to marketing, governmental policies, and the presumed role of these types of roofs in providing energy savings and reducing the urban heat island effect. Many of these attributes are associated with the colour of the roof’s surface (e.g., white, green or black) and are all linked in some way to sustainability or sustainable development.
This presentation will cover the definition of sustainable roofing as we know it in today’s market (preserve the environment, conserve energy and extend the service life) and examine what we have learned over the past few years as an industry in terms of best practices with green, white, and high performance roofs.
This session has been approved for 1.25 CORE learning hours under OAA.

Date: Dec 2, 2010
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Future-Proofing Your Building
T305
Speakers: David House, Principal, earthdevelopment
David Jansen, Partner, Adamson Associates Architects
Mark Johnson, Principal, earthdevelopment
Alex Lukachko, General Manager, Building Science Corporation

Description: The myth of the green building premium is over. Sustainable buildings can now be delivered with less capital outlay and lower operating costs, resulting in lower gross rents and higher investment yields.
Gain an insider's perspective on how to make green buildings competitive and stand up to the demands of the institutional investors, tenants and market forces.
Join a world-class panel representing the architecture, development, and building technology communities and learn how to model a superior pro forma that captures the benefits of short and long-term financial results.
Topics will include the basic physics of building performance (The Perfect Wall), the future of gross leases, and the impact of energy costs on the real estate industry. Walk through a proven decision-making process that Old Money knows will mitigate risk and deliver results to all stakeholders.

links:
Going Green in the City: Building and Renovating with "Being Green" in Mind:
Part 1 - Eco-Friendly Home Improvements
Part 2 - Going Green Is Becoming Mainstream
Part 3 - Living Rooftops - An Environmental Alternative for "Green" Building
by Lonya Miller

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Got a ClimateSpark Green Business Idea? It Could Worth $10,000 Cash!

ClimateSpark.ca + Toronto Atmospheric Fund online challenge for climate change starts November 3, 2010, by wobuilteco
Screenshot: ClimateSpark.ca + City of Toronto Atmospheric Fund
Get started + Pitch your business + Comment & vote on pitches

"ClimateSpark is modeled partially on VenCorps, a form of community-powered venture capital that believes the crowd can both filter the global wealth of opportunities and channel more intellectual horsepower into making each investment successful."

We have great news! The ClimateSpark.ca Online Challenge for the best business idea to address climate change starts today, November 3rd, 2010.

What's it going to take to save our planet - and make profit?

Your answer could be worth $10,000!

Dozens of great prizes just for being part of the conversation!

Over $15 million in finansing available for eligible businesses.

The concept can be put into practice in Toronto.

The business should be headquartered in Canada.

Do you have a business-ready concept for a product, service or process that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions?


About Toronto Atmospheric Fund
The Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) is a leader in developing cutting-edge climate solutions.

About ClimateSpark.ca
ClimateSpark is an initiative of the Toronto Atmospheric Fund designed to advance solutions to climate change and build a green city.
Follow @tafclimatespark on Twitter

link:
twitter.com: "Weekly prizes for voting & commenting on ClimateSpark.ca. Join now to support innovative #green solutions. #cleanTech #ClimateSpark #Canada"

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Handy Green Tips

Screenshot: Planet Green: Sustainable Living,
Energy Conservation, Earth Day

Credit: planetgreen.com
With many of us becoming more environmentally conscientious, we are always looking for ways to be more "green" in our daily lives. The Internet is a wonderful source of information, one website Planet Green: Sustainable Living, Energy Conservation, Earth Day that we stumbled across appears to have a cornucopia of information and tips that can help us all incorporate more "green" into our daily lives without sacrificing convenience or effectiveness. Whether you're looking for ideas for "green" cleaning aids or information on "green" food and clothing there appears to be a comprehensive list of "green" ideas that can easily be introduced into our day-to-day routines. Every little bit counts. The Earth will feel better for it.


Lonya Miller,
Writer
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Lonya is right by saying that every little bit counts. Over the last couple of years many websites have sprung up which provide useful and interesting information about being green. This is not anymore just a bandwagon, it is a verifiable band train. But it still needs to gather more momentum and the green movement has to grow if we want to make a difference. We encourage everyone to check out as many sites as possible to be informed and to be able to take action.

We want to make a difference with the Wo-Built Eco blog which, we hope, over time will bring together information about green building and green renovation and be a lively forum for discussion of new ideas.

Martina Ernst
CEO - Wo-Built Inc

links:
Wo-Built Inc: Design + Build Construction Company: Our Green and Eco Tweets to Follow
twitter.com: @wobuilt: Green material: Bamboo - http://bit.ly/ZJ2qH
6:12 PM Jul 29th, 2009 via web
planetgreen.com: Teaching Kids the Sustainable Lessons of Bamboo
Bamboo is great and kids like it too.
By Steve Thomas

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Community Power Conference for New Green Economy

Community Power Conference: Metro Toronto Convention Centre 2010Poster: 2nd Annual Community Power Conference:
Power to the People
November 14-17, 2010
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Credit: OSEA - Ontario Sustainable Energy Association

Being eco friendly and green we would like to inform you about upcoming Community Power Conference 2010 this November 15-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to celebrate Community Power and a prosperous sustainable future.

2nd Annual Community Power Conference 2010: Power to the People

When: November 15 - 16, 2010

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building,
Location: 222 Bremner Boulevard Toronto, ON M5V 3L9

Conference highlights:

• 2 engaging days of conferencing with Community Power experts, enablers, proponents and supporters from across Ontario and around the world

• 3-day Power Networking Centre trade show with 80 exhibitors, co-hosted with the Association of Power Producers of Ontario

• The Green Connection: Opening reception around local sustainable food and drink on November 14, co-organized with Green Enterprise Ontario (GEO)

• Community Power Banquet featuring the Community Power Awards on November 15

Participants will learn and discuss how to:

• become a renewable energy entrepreneur
• reap the benefits from natural resources
• form a Community Power group
• partner with communities, commercial developers, industry partners, and local distribution companies
• find financing for your project
• further develop the regulatory framework
• adapt the education system to better support a growing Green Economy in Ontario

Details: http://cpconference.ca/


Power Networking Trade Show Guide 2010 TorontoThe 2010 Power Networking Trade Show Guide
The most comprehensive trade show in the Canadian power generation business
PDF: 2010 PNC SHOW GUIDE (Warning: large file - 25MB)
Credit: OSEA - Ontario Sustainable Energy Association

link:
Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance: Community Power Conference 2010

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Thanksgiving Potluck and Imagine Party: Tonight

Collage: Imagine! Party in Celebration of John Lennon's 70th Saturday, October 9, 2010Collage-Screenshot: Imagine! Party in Celebration of John Lennon's 70th
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Credit: torontoclimatecampaign.org

Thanksgiving Potluck and Imagine Party

When: Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thanksgiving Potluck 6 pm
Open Stage 7 pm

Where: Friends Meeting House
Location: 60 Lowther Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C7
TTC: St. George (Bedford exit)
bike parking: left hand side of building, in the garden

PWYC

What inspires you to lower carbon footprint?
Come, sing, share, read a poem, be inspired.
Celebrate John Lennon's birthday and 350.org's global work party with an evening of info, action, food and fun!

links:

EEON: Environmental Education Ontario: Greening the Way Ontario Learns: You're invited to share in a First for Canada - A Provincial Environmental Literacy Plan
Post Carbon Toronto: A group of Toronto citizens working together to envision and transition Toronto and its bioregion into sustainable, low energy communities.
Earthroots: A grassroots environmental organization dedicated to protecting Ontario's wilderness, wildlife and watersheds through research, education and action.
Sierra Club Ontario: Mission is to protect and restore the health of the natural environment, including human communities in Ontario by empowering the membership and citizenry through education, advocacy, action and outdoor adventures.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Green Renovations & Green Renovators: Workshop

Screenshot: Introduction to Green Renovations Workshop, Toronto, by wobuilt.comScreenshot: Introduction to Green Renovations Workshop
Tuesday, October 5, 2010, Toronto BILD
Credit: events.constantcontact.com

In keeping with our "green" message we are informing you that the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) will be hosting an “Introduction to Green Renovations Workshop” on Oct. 5th from 7-9 p.m.

Workshop: Introduction to Green Renovations
Instructor: John Godden
Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: Toronto BILD, Awards Hall
Google Map: 20 Upjohn Road, North York ON M3B 2V9
What Are Green Renovations? What Does "Green" Mean?

With the pressing need to increase energy and resource conservation, green remodeling is quickly gaining in popularity.

In this seminar you will learn:
  • The importance of green remodeling in reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
  • About the current labels in the marketplace, ratings and definitions around sustainability including ECOenergy, Greenhouse and LEED;
  • How being a green renovator can differentiate your company in a growing market.
Who should attend: Contractors and renovators who want to serve sustainability-minded clients.

Instructor: John Godden
John Godden has over 20 years of experience as a home and heating-system designer and hands-on builder with projects that include the Clearsphere, a CHBC EnviroHome. John is a leading rater and consultant for the R-2000, ENERGY STAR for New Homes, EnerGuide Rating Service and LEED for Homes programs. He was the LEED consultant for Rodeo Fine Homes, a project in partnership with the Town of Newmarket, consisting of 34 LEED platinum homes.

About BILD:
The Building Industry and Land Development Association was formed through the merger of the Greater Toronto Home Builders' association (GTHBA) and the Urban Development Institute/Ontario. BILD is the voice of the land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the Greater GTA. BILD represents more than 1,300 member companies.

If you are interested in the trades, or just interested in doing renovations in an environmentally conscious way this is a course you can't afford to miss. For more details, please visit www.enerquality.ca

links:
greenbuildinginstitute.org: Green Building Institute Courses: Introduction to Green Home Renovations
wildsight.ca: Building Sustainability: A Green Homes and Renovations Conference: Workshop Descriptions
canadagreenhomeguide.ca: LEED Canada for Homes
ecologyaction.ca: Green Renovation Toolkit [PDF]
cdacommunication.ca: Green renovation 101: Choosing green building materials to limit the ecological impact of your home renovations [PDF]
V1.0 2008 © Cheryl Ambrose

wobuilteco: Eco Green Building: Green Renovations & Green Renovators: Workshop
http://tinyurl.com/wobuilteco2

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Being Fashionably Green

Screenshot: Welcome to Eco Fashion Week, Vancouver, September 27 - 30, 2010, by wobuiltecoScreenshot: Welcome to Eco Fashion Week,
Vancouver, September 27 - 30, 2010
Credit: ecofashion-week.com


Being "green" and environmentally conscientious has become in and now being "green" seems to be hitting the fashion scene as well. Along with the many runway fashion shows debuting their latest collections this fall, it appears that now we will also be having an Eco Fashion Week which will be happening in Vancouver sometime later this month.

So alongside with recycling and using incandescent bulbs, it will now be possible to be an environmentally friendly fashionista. Good news for the ladies that are environmentally conscious but don't want to sacrifice being stylish. Many well-known designers believe in the cause and will be showcasing some of their work at this event.

So if you are "green" as well as style conscious this is a great opportunity for you to integrate the two.

For more information on this event as well as more tips on how to be an eco fashionista follow the link to the article below:

Toronto Sun: Life Green Planet
Vancouver gets eco chic
By SUZANNE ELSTON, Special to QMI Agency
http://www.torontosun.com/life/greenplanet/2010/09/17/15390121.html


Lonya Miller,
Writer
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
artisanworldmarket.com: Be an Environmentally Friendly Fashionista
ecofashionworld.com: efw blogs: Eco, Ethical, and Green Fashion Blogs
acaramiamagazine.com:
Generation Green: Fashionably Green by Jennifer Flaten

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Our mission statement did not specifically mention "Green Construction", however we want to be known for our innovative design and construction. This includes of course looking at sustainability of buildings, their environmental footprints and their energy effectiveness. Green design can take many forms and there is no fixed template. Every situation is different, but we look in our designs for green possibilities.

It starts with design and it requires a commitment from all parties to the idea of providing a green design. There might be cost implications, or spatial compromises or long term break even points. But it all starts with an idea.

This forum will showcase designs, innovative ideas, opinions, green construction and eco-friendly information.

Enjoy!

Martina Ernst
CEO - Wo-Built Inc