Carriage Lane Homes is a unique, award winning, custom home builder in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. They focus on creating beautiful houses using the latest green technologies. Their work has been recognized by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC Lifetime Award for Energy Efficient and Healthy Building) and the Ministry of Energy. They exceed the building code standards in ways that improve the longevity and aesthetic appeal of their homes.

Green building does not need to be mysterious. The most important decision when contemplating house construction is the lot as the property location will dictate the design and orientation of the structure relative to the sun. The next important item is the placement and size of the windows in order to maximize passive solar heating. Following that one needs to focus on the actual structure or envelope. It needs to be well insulated but of equal importance is the minimization of air infiltration. Adequate attention to the prevention of air leakage will go a long way in reducing energy usage, not to mention reducing the discomfort of living in a drafty home. Interior air quality can be controlled through proper ventilation, the use of low VOC paints and the avoidance of synthetic flooring materials like carpet and vinyl. Greener choices would include organic substances like natural wood and tile. There are many technological advances that can be incorporated into house construction to minimize energy usage however sticking to the aforementioned basics is a cost effective beginning to any Green Building project.