It’s not easy being green, let Bousada help you.

It's hard to pick up a newspaper today without reading another alarming headline about the impact global warming is having on our planet. This growing concern has caused a number of our clients to ask how they might be more environmentally-conscious in their home designs and renovations. In keeping with this principle, Bousada strives to develop responsible solutions by researching suppliers and to utilize products that improve the health and comfort of your home. We work with suppliers that are committed to the planet and that work on finding new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Here are a few facts about some of the products we offer:

• Woven carpets and rugs last twice as long as those that are tufted. Increasing longevity by 200%, reduces energy consumption by 50%.
  
  
• Cork has one of the lowest impacts on the environment. Cork oak trees reach maturity in 9 to 14 years and they are never cut. You can use cork flooring in a basement, bedroom or office as it is warm underfoot, comfortable to stand on and easy to maintain.
  
  
• Naturally self-generating, bamboo grows to maturity within five years and is regarded as the strongest wood (it’s actually grass) on planet earth.
  
  
• The solid wood that we utilize is supplied by companies that only use traceable wood from well managed forests, since hardwood is a pure natural product; it is the most ecological choice. It produces little or no emissions of greenhouse gases and allergens and has the longest service life. These companies also perform beyond the LEED norms, by using varnish that contains no formaldehyde emissions or volatile organic components (VOC) and have been doing so since before it was cool to be green.
  
  
• Ceramic, glass and porcelain tiles are also following the trend. Manufacturers are demonstrating their commitment to the environment and sustainable manufacturing processes. You can find up to 100% recycled material in today’s tile allowing these companies to proudly display their membership in LEED.
  
  
• Manufacturers of resilient flooring, also known as vinyl flooring, not wanting to get left out of the green movement, are adopting and conforming 100% to LEED standards.
  

Bousada is also involved in projects which follow the guidelines set by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These projects are rated by certified evaluators through a pre-determined scale of points, which takes into consideration every material that is put into the building. The more environmentally friendly the product, the more points are allocated to the project. Essentially, the total amount of points attributed to a building, determines whether or not it will be certified by LEED. These projects entail a lot of research and evaluation on our behalf, as it is our duty to find the most environmentally friendly products for our customers in order to help them achieve their goals of becoming certified by LEED. Bousada completed its first LEED project with Square Benny, a condominium complex located in Montreal. We have since then also completed CHC des Patriotes, a retirement home located in Beloeil as well as the general quarters of the Quebec Provincial Police in Mascouche.