Better building materials for better buildings
What can we help you find?
What’s new in green building materials
BEC Green is on a mission to help homeowners understand what green building materials are and where to get them. We also feature new green homes and speak with the wonderful builders, architects and designers who create them.
Featured Article:
Buying & Installing Energy-Efficient Windows: Your Ultimate Guide in 2023
Canadian homeowners, did you know that choosing the right windows and ensuring proper installation can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and comfort?
According to many replacement windows Vancouver experts, the overall heat loss through old inefficient windows can go as high as 30%,
Blue Roof – A Roof Made From Sewage Products
In Rotterdam, BlueCity is a Circular Economy incubator for companies developing technologies that create products from waste. So far they have about 12 companies that are working within their facilities - which are located in a defunct indoor tropical swimming centre...
SSi 0.8 No Clog Toilet
An efficient, low flow toilet (3 litres) that is virtually clog-free. Great for hotels and institutions due to its low maintenance.
Drawdown – A Playbook for the Climate Anxious
“No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.” ―Stanislaw Lec Like many others out there I am suffering from climate anxiety, and yes, it's a thing. In fact, there is even a 9 step program for it available in some cities. I sometimes feel like there is very...
Seven Things I Didn’t Know About Electric Cars
We are in the market for a new car and so we thought that maybe the time is right to look at electric vehicles. We've been thinking about them for a while and I admit that if I ever win Loto 649 the first thing I'll do is buy a Tesla model S. Up until this year, Tesla...
Shift Eco-Boutique sources local, ethical and eco fashion that won’t break the bank
Last summer, we spent our holiday on Cape Cod. The weather was spectacular and we spent a few days exploring the many beaches, bike trails and restaurants. One of the stores I found in Hyannis was a small, little boutique, called Shift Eco Boutique, which, naturally,...
The latest environment and green building news
Our Most Popular Posts
BEC Green posts about green building materials and homes our readers view the most.
Hemp Insulation
NatureFibres hemp insulation is available in batts. The hemp used is grown mostly in Quebec and Ontario. The batts are made in Asbestos, Quebec. They have a better R-value than fibreglass batts, are mould, mildew and pest resistant, and are hygroscopic (water-loving).
Linoleum Flooring Guide
Linoleum flooring was a popular choice in homes until the invention of petroleum-based vinyl flooring. Linoleum is an all-natural flooring available in sheet or tile forms. It is made primarily from flax, combined with lime and wood flour and natural pigments.
Ontario's First Rammed Earth House
Reclaimed wood is a beautiful option for many homes that are either being renovated or built from scratch. Fortunately, in Ontario, there are plenty of choices. Reclaimed wood is often available in wider planks due to its coming from first or old-growth forests.
IceStone Countertops
IceStone Countertops are made from recycled glass, Portland cement and a non-petroleum-based binder. The factory is located in Brooklyn, NY. The countertops come in a range of colours. Recently the company has upgraded the product so it is heat and stain resistant.
BEC Green Guides
Resource guides to help you navigate the complex world of better building materials, energy and water efficiency and more
Browse green building categories
Interior Finishes, Furniture & Lighting
- Paints and coatings
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Countertops
- Water fixtures
- Furniture
and more…
Building Envelope
This category is all about materials used in the construction of the building envelope including windows, doors, roofing, wrap, cladding and rainscreens.
Building Materials & HVAC
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Insulation
- Drywall, lumber, etc.
- Heating & Cooling
and more…
Architecture & Design
A variety of information on green design including interviews with architects and contractors who specialize in designing and building green.
Prefab and Modular Homes
Prefab and modular homes are not only faster to construct, they can usually be made to higher environment standards. Further, because they are made off-site, they generate less construction waste than a standard build.
Green Building Techniques
There are plenty of ways to build green. Methods such as straw bale, rammed earth, and cross-laminated timber had fallen out of favour as brick and lumber-built methods became quicker, but they are getting a revival because of their postivie attributes.
Energy Efficiency
- Energy efficiency guides
- Products to help your house become more energy efficient
and more…
Green Living
Tips, tricks and product reviews for living a lower impact life. Articles cover waste management, green cleaning and more.
Gardening and Landscaping
- Landscaping for maximum energy and water efficiency
- Environmentally-friendly path and mortar systems
- rain-barrels and cisterns
- solar panels and residential wind turbines
and more…
Green Building Stores & Services
Where to buy green building products, hire green architects and contractors and track down strawbale builders, rammed earth builders and more.
Subscribe to our blog
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news on green building materials and methods to help you build and renovate better.
You have Successfully Subscribed!
You may unsubscribe at any time.