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Sunny
Days for Sterling Homes
Demand is heating up for Sterling
Homes in Drake Landing Solar Community, Okotoks. A master planned
subdivision by United Communities, Drake Landing has successfully
integrated energy efficiency technology with a renewable energy source
solution - the sun.
The
first of its kind in North America, 52 – solar
heated homes are being built by Sterling Homes of the Sterling
Group of Companies. Seasonal solar storage technology
captures sunlight using solar panels mounted on the rear
garage/breezeways. The thermal energy is stored in a borehole field
under the neighborhood park, and then delivered back to the homes via
hot water through underground, insulated pipes.
Space heating in each home is from
hot water delivered from a cental source. Using conventional forced air
ducts, warm air regulated by a standard thermostat is distributed
throughout each home.
Sterling ’s solar homes are
enhanced with stringent energy requirements. Each of the 52
homes will be certified to Natural
Resources Canada’s R-2000 requirements for
energy efficiency and Built Green™ Alberta
“Gold” standards.
The goal is to provide Canadians with
housing “that not only shelters comfortably,
but does so responsibly”, says Bill Bobyk ,
Sterling Group’s General Manager.
Building
to R2000 specifications results in achieved energy
efficiencies. Homes built in Drake Landing Solar
community “will use 90 percent less natural gas
for space heating then conventionally built homes”, adds
Keith Paget , Manager of Special Projects for the Sterling Group.
On
average a typical Canadian home releases six tons of Green House Gas
per year whereas the energy efficient homes in Drake Landing Solar
Community will use four and a half tons less each year. Other benefits
of the Sterling solar homes include a healthier
environment inside the home, efficient
water usage, low impact landscaping and supporting the local economy
as materials are purchased from local manufacturers.
As
we depend on the natural resources that nature provides for us,
“choosing a greener future
ensures that there will be resources left for future
generations”, says Bobyk.
All
homes built in Drake Landing Solar Community, are finely crafted,
single family homes with rear garages attached together by breezeways
to incorporate the 800 solar collectors in the subdivision. Distinct
home designs are availalble to choose from.
FIND OUT MORE
You could be environmentally
friendly on many ways, even in the process of buying a new home.
Imagine living in the community specificaly created to preserve
precious natural resources and provide greater energy efficiency in
your home.
Homes
in Drake Landing Solar Community will be certified at the Built
Green™ Alberta "Gold" level. CLICK HERE
to find out more about this great community
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