Project Profile: CHESS - Red Deer, Alberta
Several technologies and techniques have been employed to control erosion of the site during construction and over the long term including silt fences, sediment traps around catch basins, snow fences, spring run-off diversion channels, street sweeping and inlet protection measures. Once the foundation is laid, the site will be rough graded to ensure water is directed away from the building towards the storm sewer system. To lessen the amount of storm water flowing into the system, rain barrels will be placed beneath eave troughs and downspouts.
To reduce the amount of waste water produced in the home, dual-flush toilets and low-flow fixtures and appliances dishwasher, clothes washer) will be used throughout.
Solid waste will be reused or recycled on-site whenever possible. Excess lumber will be mulched for use in gardens, or if pieces are large enough, reused to create landscape features for the yard. All trades will be expected to haul away their own waste or use bins provided by the contractor. This follows a comprehensive recycling program that aims to recycle as much as 60 to 70 per cent of the waste produced on-site.
All materials used in the CHESS home are free of ozone-depleting substances
and are not used in materials during the manufacturing processes. Psouring the foundation in the spring will reduce/eliminate the need to use heaters
to thaw the ground and cure concrete. To further reduce the use of fossil
fuels, local construction crews will be employed to reduce energy requirements for transportation.