Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1518745
SPRING 2024 • THE ASSINIBOIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 17 · Open Year Round · 140 VLTs Daily 10 am - 1 am · Live Racing May to September · Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner · Holiday Parties, Socials, Weddings · Facility Rentals, Corporate Events 3975 Portage Ave & Perimeter Hwy 204-885-3330 · ASDowns.com 2024-chamber-west-winnipeg-review March 20, 2024 9:45:13 AM Josh Friesen and his family. A dining room table made of reclaimed wood from the home site. (Submitted Photos) "Since our inception, our focus has been on more en- ergy-efficient, sustainable homes that work better for the occupants, the neighbourhood, and the environment. Since residential energy use accounts for roughly 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, we feel there is room for substan- tial improvements," he says. "Choosing smarter building options and materials can reduce that number drastically." As examples, Friesen points to environmentally friendly products such as Lafarge Canada's EcoPact low-carbon con- crete, the Swiss Eco Tap sustainable faucet, and Mitsubishi Electric's Zuba cold-climate heat pumps. "We believe in using recycled and local material when we can," he adds. "Our home details are specifically designed to reduce air infiltration and increase thermal efficiency. All our homes perform 50 percent better than a code-built home, which means code-built homes cost twice as much to heat and cool." Friesen says customers benefit from living in less expen- sive, healthier and more comfortable homes. "They pay half as much for the utilities in their homes and there's less load on their systems, allowing for less main- tenance and replacement costs over the ownership of the home," he says. "The attention to detail with the air barrier means they have more control over the air inside their home. We reduce radon concerns and leave you breathing healthier air. Our construction details reduce mould and rot concerns and leave a longer-lasting, healthier environment for your family." With new builds, the company focuses on energy-saving steps, including reducing thermal bridging. Friesen also offers advice for those tackling their home reno projects. "When you're doing renovations and additions, that's usually a really good time to think about how to make your carbon footprint smaller or reduce your energy use. If you're replacing siding, you can add two inches of insulation to the outside of the wall to keep heat from leaving the house through the studs," he says.