If you are looking to build or renovate a home and you live in a cold climate, this book was written specifically for you! The simplified techniques in this book are the best steps you as a home owner can take to combat climate change while saving money. Professionally accredited author Shane Wolffe will show you how to cost-effectively build your home to be as much as 85 percent more energy efficient than conventional construction, even in extreme climates such as the Canadian Territories and Prairie Provinces. Written for the average person, this book simplifies building principles that formed the foundation of the Passivhaus (Passive House) standard, a building standard that produces ultra-low energy buildings. These are principles pioneered and perfected in Saskatchewan, Canada - a province with one of the most extreme climates in the world, having temperatures ranging from -40 C (-40F) to 35 C (95F). If energy efficiency can be economically implemented in such a harsh climate, it can be done anywhere.You will learn how our society has created fossil fuel addicted buildings, why it's a massive problem, and what can be done about it. By exposing out-dated construction attitudes and revealing the powerful principles of energy efficient building in a simplified manner, the book illustrates and explains how the pioneers in the field have been building homes to save energy and construction costs for 40 years. This information will empower you to build, or hire a contractor to build, energy efficiency into your new home, or even implement it into your existing home.If you would like to own a more comfortable, healthy, environmentally responsible and energy efficient home without having to change your lifestyle, then this book was written for you. As the climate warms, weather patterns become more erratic, and fuel prices rise, you will have the peace of mind knowing your home is truly Future Proof(TM).
Born and raised in Prince Albert, SK, Canada, Shane received his bachelor's degree from the University of Regina, specializing in Electronic Systems Engineering. As a registered Professional Engineer (Saskatchewan), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, Certified Energy Auditor and Certified Level One Thermographer, Shane uses his skills to advance the practice of commissioning in both buildings and industrial processes. Shane founded Future Proof Commissioning Solutions Inc./ Future Proof Software Solutions Ltd. with the objective of helping society by promoting the practice of commissioning, educating the public about energy saving/renewable technologies and preparing society for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Shane's career began as a Programmer Analyst for Saskatchewan Government Insurance. Driven by his passion for the environment, Shane found a job with Honeywell Building Solutions where he worked as an Automation Technician, performing preventative maintenance and service work in over 50 buildings spanning multiple facility types, including hospitals, schools, office buildings, care homes, post-secondary institutions, malls, recreation facilities, pools and even a science center with a live butterfly hatchery. This led to a project management position at Integrated Designs Inc. where Shane learned how to assist owners and project teams to ensure project success through the implementation of the commissioning process. It was here that Shane project managed and performed the commissioning of several large construction projects, including the Dube Center for Mental Health, Humboldt Hospital, Credit Union Center (re-commissioning), and several LEED projects including Meadow Lake Provincial Court House, Red Deer Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment the Moose Jaw Multiplex, among several others. This experience has also reached into the industrial realm with the commissioning of the Raw Water pumping station for the City of Saskatoon and the commissioning of the Buffalo Pound Water Pumping Station North project. By combining his knowledge of energy efficiency and the commissioning process, Shane is set to demonstrate that highly efficient housing can be constructed in a cost-effective manner if the proper mindset is implemented.
