News

Policy and Regulations

UK government unveils planning and infrastructure bill to fast-track development and boost economic growth

New legislation aims to cut red tape, accelerate housing projects, and enhance sustainable infrastructure across the UK. The UK Government has introduced the much-anticipated Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a groundbreaking legislative initiative designed to transform the country’s planning system. Announced by…

Real estate

UK Government expected to miss 1.5 million homes target, confirms Chancellor Reeves

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms the UK will fall short of its 1.5 million homes target by 2030, with new forecasts projecting 1.3 million homes. Planning reforms and investment in construction skills aim to boost delivery. UK Government expected to miss 1.5 Million homes target, confirms Chancellor Reeves…

Water

Showerhead saga: Trump repeals efficiency rules again, but at what cost?

The showerhead wars are back - and this time, they're not just about water pressure, but about policy whiplash, climate inaction, and wasted taxpayer dollars. In a now-familiar twist of regulatory déjà vu, the Trump administration - newly returned to the White House - has moved once again to roll back federal water…

Innovation

Using an electric car as a home battery: how to power your home with your EV

Home batteries for power storage from solar PV to during outages or to power a home during the nighttime makes homes more resilient, but are very expensive. The electric car in your laneway could potentially power your house as a backup, find out how. As we transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy…

Policy and Regulations

Canada’s housing plan - a step toward a smart, sustainable future

Canada's housing crisis and the path forward: how the Carney Liberal Government's push for affordable prefab homes could solve the shortage amidst construction challenges and rising tariffs. Canada has long struggled with a severe housing shortage, and the government has announced plans to address it with a major…

Energy efficiency

Canada and Manitoba add grants for heat pumps to transition Homes from oil heating

Government funding aims to help Manitobans lower heating costs and reduce carbon emissions with energy-efficient heat pumps. New grants for heat pumps in Manitoba Homeowners in Manitoba have a new opportunity to upgrade their heating systems while saving on energy costs, thanks to a joint investment from the federal…

Climate Change

Canadian Climate Institute releases report on how to build more housing in a changing climate

Explore the growing risks of building homes in flood and wildfire-prone areas in Canada. Learn how climate change is impacting housing development and the importance of sustainable, climate-aware construction practices to avoid future costs and damages. New report warns of rising risks for Canadian homes in…

Health

New radon map of US finds 25% of Americans are in high risk cancer-causing radon hotspots

Long term exposure to high levels of radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Find out if your home is in a high risk area and how to fix it. National radon gas maps and database of high risk areas Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have mapped out radon hotspots having…

Products and Materials

The impact of tariff changes on home building and renovation in the U.S. and Canada

Exploring the potential impact of proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian construction materials, how Canadian tariff retaliation could reshape the industry, and the potential shift towards alternative building methods. Recent statements by the newly inaugurated U.S. President, Donald Trump, propose a significant 25%…

Urban planning

Thinking of building a Vancouver prefab laneway home, Tiny House or ADU? Now might be the time to do it.

The Secondary Suite Incentive Program from Ottawa and the BC Government makes loans available for rentals with apartments, laneway houses and tiny houses. Vancouver has always been on the leading edge of energy efficiency, and all things about sustainable living. It was one of the first cities in Canada to really…

Real estate

Canada intends to build almost 4 million new homes in the next 7 years. Great, but how?

Canada announced it intends to build almost 4 million new homes by 2031. That’s welcome news as they are badly needed, but that's impossible at our current production rate and methods of construction. In April of 2024, the Trudeau government unveiled its housing strategy, which aims to build 3.87 million new homes…