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Housing Experts Take Action on Environmental Concerns

Housing Experts Take Action on Environmental Concerns

Protecting the future of our environment - this was the topic of discussion for housing experts who joined forces today in Calgary. The 2007 Research Conference, hosted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), offered a unique opportunity for industry professionals to collaborate and share their visions. Experts showed how they turn ideas into action - from the design of a house to the planning of entire communities.

"It's time to bring the industry together and set the foundations for sustainable growth for the years to come," said CMHC's Anand Mishra. "Canadians are one of the largest consumers of energy and resources per capita in the world, and our housing and lifestyle plays a major role in this substantial environmental burden."

Speakers at the event presented revolutionary endeavours being put into effect in Canada's own towns and cities. Participants heard about homes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources and produce as much energy as they use. They learned of whole communities built to be sustainable, with their own agriculture, rainwater management and energy systems.

"At home and internationally, evidence suggests that as a society we need to seriously adjust our lifestyles to a more sustainable model, "said Mishra. "As a Federal Crown Corporation it's our goal at CMHC to encourage neighbourhood design and land use planning approaches that reduce costs and environmental impacts, while maintaining a vibrant community."

The conference, tagged "True Balance: Sustainability in Action," featured a roster of notable speakers. Presenters included: Lisa Prime, Director of Sustainability for Waterfront Toronto; Fanis Grammenos, CMHC Senior Researcher; Anand Mishra, CMHC Research Advisor; Vinay Bhardwaj, CMHC Manager of Market Analysis and Research Information Transfer; and Roger Bayley, Principal for Merrick Architecture and involved in Vancouver's Olympic Village.

This was CMHC's first annual Research Conference. The event attracted more than 120 builders, developers, architects, engineers, planners and researchers from throughout the Prairie Provinces.

As Canada's national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) draws on over 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes--homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

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Québec Landlords Association (1)

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