Episode 4 – Construction Matters: No more Disposable Homes

Over the years, several reports and studies focused on problems with deteriorating and inadequate housing in First Nations communities. Much of this deterioration is the result of many factors, such as the houses that are too small and therefore overcrowded, with inadequate and dilapidated kitchens and washrooms or homes are not built to building codes.

Research provided by the First Nations National Building Officers Association found that the average home only lasts eight to 10 year in First Nations communities. Because homes only last several years, they have been referred the construction of houses as “disposable homes”.

One way to fix this issue is to include building materials that will last longer. Another words it is to build homes that include the life cycle. That is to design and build homes that use better construction materials which takes into consider when building the walls, roof or installing cabinets doors or windows or purchasing appliances.

This podcast focuses on what has been one of the challenges of construction in Indigenous communities: how to make our homes last longer.

We interview Mr. Bruno Di Lenardo is an Evaluation Officer for National Research Council Canada. NRC is responsible for the development of the National Building Code and evaluating some construction materials. We are also talking with Mr. Tex McLeod who has been working for over 30 years on energy efficiencies and the construction of homes. Both have experience in working with our communities.

Interviews:

• Mr. Bruno Di Lenardo, Evaluation Officer, Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) , National Research Council Canada

• Mr. Tex McLeod, Consultant on Energy, Housing and Indoor Air Quality.