True Stories in Sustainable Housing at the EQuilibrium(TM) Housing Forum

EDMONTON , Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Today marks the first day of "True Stories - Sustainability in Action" 2009 EQuilibrium(TM) Housing Forum and 3rd Annual Research Conference, a three-day event on sustainable housing hosted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

EQuilibrium(TM) is a national sustainable housing initiative created and led by CMHC that strives to balance the demands of our housing within the capacity of our natural environment. The EQuilibrium(TM) initiative brings the private and public sectors together to develop and showcase homes that address occupant health and comfort, energy efficiency, renewable energy production, resource conservation, reduced environmental impact and affordability.

The EQuilibrium(TM) Housing Forum, which is expected to attract more than 100 builders, developers, architects, engineers, planners and researchers from across Alberta and beyond, presents a unique opportunity to hear from three teams of builders responsible for developing sustainable homes in Alberta. The event features presentations from the builders of the Riverdale and Mill Creek NetZero Homes in Edmonton , and the Avalon Discovery 3 Home and the Laebon CHESS Project, both in Red Deer. Builder teams discuss the challenges they faced and opportunities they realized in designing and delivering their EQuilibrium(TM) sustainable housing projects.

"The market for building sustainable homes is growing in size and importance," said Thomas Green , Project Manager for EQuilibrium(TM) Housing at CMHC. "CMHC will continue to partner with private sector builders to develop practical solutions to building sustainable housing in Canada ."

Those interested in learning more about additional EQuilibrium(TM) housing projects are encouraged to attend a free public information session on the Alstonvale NetZero House under construction in Hudson, QC, by architect Sevag Pogharian. The presentation will take place at 7:00pm (refreshments at 6:30pm ) on November 4 at Grant McEwan University, CN Theatre Room 5-142, 10700-104 Ave, Edmonton , AB.

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

For more information, visit www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642.

For further information: Media inquiries: Stephanie Barkley, Marketing Consultant, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]