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Hawthorne Housing Co-operative: A More Sustainable Future
What is Hawthorne Housing Co-operative thinking? Many co-ops would view its healthy condition with envy and look for no further improvement. Yet, with the end of its extended operating agreement in view, Hawthorne (Surrey, BC) is preparing itself for a sustainable future.
On the whole, the 59-unit
Eileen Tallman’s New Adventure in Sustainability
Eileen Tallman Co-operative Homes is a stable housing community in Ottawa’s mid-western suburbs. Moderate and mid-range in many ways, this co-op was part of the dramatic expansion that took place in co-operative housing between 1979 and 1984. Like many co-ops of that period, it has 60 units of
Savings through Sustainable Changes
Co-ops have many reasons for wanting to be more sustainable. Some members like the idea of helping to combat global warming by wasting fewer resources. Others take pride in knowing that their co-operative is a good corporate citizen and a credit to the movement. Still others just want to lead a
Our Trending Rental Markets
Each year Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) produces rental-market reports for many parts of Canada. These reports are an in-depth look at the trends Canadians can expect to see in rental housing. Because CMHC’s rental-market reports for January 2020 covered only major cities, we asked
How can an energy retrofit help my co-op do more with less?
Maybe you’re looking to lower your co-op’s energy bills by installing a new high-efficiency boiler or replacing those drafty old windows. The question becomes “Is this the best investment for our co-op?”
Co-ops take different approaches to energy retrofits. Some do one project at a time, perhaps by
FCM: Sustainable Affordable Housing Fund
On May 15, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) launched a $300 million fund to support sustainable affordable housing. This fund will help pay for the planning and delivery of retrofits and new construction for higher energy performance.
Here’s what we know so far from FCM….
The Green
Use Less Energy
Are outdoor lights on sensors or timers? Has your co-op switched to LED lighting in your common spaces? Good investment! Not only will it use 75 to 90 % less electricity than incandescent, but the bulbs will last much longer.
Encourage your members to cut energy use too. They can turn down the
Tip of the Month
Good Vacancy Loss
Some vacancy loss is by choice, because units are being refreshed for new members. So not a loss but an investment.