Monte Paulsen
Monte Paulsen is a certified energy advisor. He helps homeowners and homebuilders save money and cut carbon emissions. He works in collaboration with City Green Solutions.
Monte wrote for The Tyee between 2005 and 2010. While at The Tyee he reported on affordable housing and green building. Links to his work can be found below.
He has also written for numerous newspapers and magazines including Canadian Geographic, Vancouver Magazine and The Walrus.
And he is a co-author of Beyond the Deep: The Deadly Descent into the World's Most Treacherous Cave (Warner Books, 2002).
Stories by Monte Paulsen
Low-Energy Homes Mean Thousands of New Jobs
In Europe, that is, where Passivhaus principles are going into building codes. Could B.C. do it?
In Snowy Whistler, a House with No Furnace
Canada's first Passivhaus points to the future of green building with wood. Second of three parts.
Step Inside the Real Home of the Future: Passivhaus
Canadians helped invent a house so efficient you could heat it with a hair dryer. Then we forgot about it. First of three parts.
How Do They Decide a Building Is 'Green'?
The Tyee Guide to green building certification systems in Canada. Third in a series.
Green Homes For Less
Three affordable homes that could change that way you think about green building. Second in a series.
Five Myths About Green Building
Green doesn't have to mean expensive, exotic or uncomfortable. First in a series.
Idea #9: Nanocellulose, the Next Big Wood Product
Will invisible fibers help rescue BC's disappearing mill towns?
Get Rolling on Streetcars, Say Gathered Experts
They reduce carbon, promote healthy development, and tourists love them, Translink is told.
A Daring Détente in the Boreal Forest
In Canada's vast north woods, a cease-fire in the war over certified timber.
How to Revive Co-ops? Band Them Together
If each co-operative housing project was part of a larger whole, their residents, and finances, would be more secure. Last of four.
Government Money Is There to Revive Co-op Housing
But the province has diverted a key pool of federal funds away from building family housing. Third of four.
How about Owning Just Part of Your Home?
Shared equity co-ops could give ordinary earners a stake in Vancouver's crazy housing market. Second of four.
Affordable Homes: Is a Co-op in Your Future?
Housing co-operatives used to fill a gap between ownership and rental, but few are built today. How to fix that. First in a series of four.
Mental Illness Leads to Homelessness in BC
Research finds high percentage of long-term homeless suffer schizophrenia, were abused as children.
Designers Challenged to Get Creative About Housing Homeless
This Thursday, take part in Architecture For Humanity's 'superchallenge' to find quick, affordable and green housing solutions for the city's growing homeless population.
Homeless Housing For Less
Proposals to build free or low-cost homeless housing said to be 'stalled' by the province. Last of three parts.
Is this Canada's Most Affordable Green Home?
How Victoria designer Keith Dewey transformed eight used shipping containers into an airy residence. Second of three parts.
Green and Affordable Homes, Out of the Box
Shipping containers hold the potential to revolutionize urban housing. First of three parts.
Will Green Building Council Kill Green Forestry?
Some critics say LEED's pending new rules could do just that. As the decision nears, the debate between competing eco-certifiers is nervous and angry. Last of five this week.
LEED Accused of 'Conspiracy to Monopolize'
Corporate group says US Green Building Council and eco-certifier FSC keep too much North American timber out of green market. Fourth in a series of five this week.
Wood War Sprawls to IRS, Fortune 500
Can an industry-created nonprofit meet test for a public-interest charity?
Eco Group's Trade Complaint Targets US Wood Certifier
ForestEthics charges that SFI's 'vague' standards mislead consumers. Second of five parts this week.
Future of 'Green' Wood Hangs on US Decision
New LEED rules poised to remake market for environmental forest products, Canadian timber. First of five parts this week.
What's Driving Olympics Homeless Protesters
As housing prices soared, social housing went unbuilt for years. As a result, shelter is hot politics in Vancouver.
'We're Just Getting Started': Facebook Activist
Christopher White, founder of Facebook group that sparked weekend rallies, on his cyber-allies, his politics, Michael Ignatieff, and more. A Tyee interview.
$50 Million Private Plan to Help Homeless Unveiled
Street to Home's funds should be added to existing government commitments: NDP.
The Trouble with Tracey
One year ago she burned to death in her shopping cart. What's been done to save the next Tracey from a similar fate?
'Let Donolo Let Iggy Be Iggy!'
Listening in on BC's Grits this weekend, as they gathered in Whistler to drink and argue about how to revive their falling party.
Welcome to the 'Burbs, Meet the New Homeless
Their ranks are growing in cities like Surrey, as the working poor slip their grip.
Layton and Donnelly Woo the HST Haters
New Dems' by-election strategy is to pin the much maligned tax on Harper.
The Curious Case of the Missing Tory
We tried to interview Diana Dilworth, who wants to win the New West-Coquitlam by-election. We really did try.
A Beacon for Ending Homelessness
How the province transformed a Hastings Street hotel from hell to haven. Second in our Homeless Report Card 2010 series.
A Homeless Report Card for British Columbia
The Tyee asked experts to assess progress on the issue, and assign some grades.
Milltown Tax Mutiny
As pulp mills withhold taxes from tiny communities, BC's municipal officials brace for legal ruling.
BC Preparing New Law to Apprehend Homeless
Act would violate Charter warn civil liberties advocates.
BC Key to Harper's Dream of Majority
Five tight battleground ridings are poised to tip towards Tories.
Why I'm Moving to British Columbia: Green Leader
Elizabeth May admits her party lacked an election strategy last time, vows a new approach.
Rail Fix: Two Tracks to Langley
If BC is to join the new era of train travel, it must plan for passenger rail on a regional basis, and protect potential new rail corridors. Last of four.
Ottawa Halts Vancouver Train
As if ignoring high-speed and discouraging US rail investment were not enough, the Harper government now blocks even slow-speed rail. Third of four.
Obama's Billions Bypass BC
A decade of disinterest has cost Vancouver passengers the benefit of U.S. billions targeted for track improvements north of Seattle. Second of four.
The Myth of High-Speed Rail for BC
No key player -- not Obama, Harper, Campbell or Washington State -- is on board with high-speed rail to Vancouver. Part one of four.
Follow Election Results on Tyee's Twitter and The Hook
Breaking news and analysis, up to the minute.
Who Is Gordon Campbell 3.0?
Chatting with the polished puzzle who seeks a third term as BC's premier.
Six Seats the BC Liberals Will Fight Hard to Keep
Boundary-Similkameen, Kootenay East, and ones in Surrey, Coquitlam and Vancouver.
To Win, New Dems Must Pry Loose These Six Seats
Comox Valley, Saanich South, Stikine, North Van-Lonsdale and two in Burnaby.
Why the NDP Has a Shot
BC Liberals hold more safe seats, but 'green suburban swingers' could lift New Dems into power.
Do It Yourself Home Lauded by Housing Minister Coleman
He also sees 'shared equity' as a way to make houses more affordable.
Rennie's Remedy: Taller, Cheaper
Condo king says cut unit costs by adding floors, capping developer profits.
Basement Suites in the Sky
Lock-off suites could help young families own condos and create rental housing for singles.
'We Need Rental, Today': Toderian
Vancouver's planning boss on the downturn, fixing the rental unit shortage, and a key charter change.
No Money Down Mortgages Still a Good Idea? This One Works
Helping renters buy homes, leave social housing, makes space for others.
Homes that Cost Less than Rental
How a Toronto developer creates 'cost-effective' condos sold to families making as low as $32,000.
Affordable Housing: Five Myths
Betting on 'market correction'? Home prices would have to plunge 55 per cent to fit average family income.
Fixing the Crazy Cost of Housing
Ordinary people in BC can no longer afford ordinary homes. First in a series searching for solutions.
'Stop Gap Housing' Idea Could Make Big Dent in Homelessness
Vancouver mayor 'definitely interested' in temporary villages for hundreds.
50 Ways to Help the Homeless
A practical guide to what the experts say can, and must, be done. Second of two.
How to End Homelessness
Can Vancouver's new mayor deliver on his promise to house everyone? Yes we can. First of two.
'No Risk to Taxpayer' Vows Olympic Village Builder
City claims taxpayers' interests trump public's right to know about $100 million loan.
Progress Housing Homeless? Ladner, Activists Wildly Disagree
Crunching the numbers behind the claims in Vancouver.
RCMP Quietly Funded Study Critical of Insite Effort
Tory minister cited report in effort to close safe injection clinic.
Turning Down Dion
NDP candidate Michael Byers on why he chose a tough riding, and declined to run elsewhere for the Liberals.
Canada's First 'Community Court': Can It Help Addicts?
Goal is fast justice, better options for offenders.
Michael Geller, New Blood for NPA
Vancouver's reigning party stumbled, says developer who seeks one of its council slots.
Dhaliwal's Bid for Vision Slot Marks Political Shift
Indo-Canadian wants 'to bridge communities' in Vancouver.
Hanging Out in Beijing
BC activist Nicole Rycroft on why she dangled a 'Free Tibet' banner -- and herself -- from atop a Beijing billboard.
It's Gregor Robertson's Vision
He leads fired up party into Vancouver civic race. Can he mend COPE rift?
De Genova to Boost Louie?
Al De Genova to throw second-ballot support to another Vision Vancouver candidate. 'No deals' all say.
Ladner Seizes NPA Crown
After 15 years on council, Mayor Sullivan turns out fewer than a thousand supporters.
Watch the Debate Online
VIDEO: De Genova, Louie, and Robertson spar at May 21 debate hosted by The Tyee and 24 Hours.
Hot Button Bill: Libs Rush to Change Election Laws
Diverse foes say Bill 42 would crimp free speech, hurt poor voters.
A Welfare 'Savings' Boomerang
Campbell's cuts ended up costing BC taxpayers billions, studies suggest.
BC's Homeless Death Toll: 56 or More in Two Years
Tally of homeless deaths released to Tyee by chief coroner.
Vision's Three Would-Be Kings
Vying to run for mayor are a mixed bunch with diverse slices of Vancouver.
Minister Nixes Probe into Mayor's Non-Profit
Nanitch Society made $5,136 donation to Vancouver's NPA.
BC's Worst Drug Hotel Is About to Empty Out
The violent hell of Backpackers Inn. Where does it move next?
Homeless Hell Hole Below Science World
'Worst' of many 'really rough spots' says city's outreach worker.
Idea #12: Zone for Affordable Housing
BC has far too few affordable homes. Whistler has none. Councillor Tim Wake warns: "Plan early, or react later."
Province to Look at Sullivan Donation
Mayor evades media as BC registrar investigates Nanitch Policy Society.
Sullivan's Society Hides NPA Donors
Nanitch's other directors claim no knowledge of $5,136 gift to Non-Partisan Association.
Vision Discloses Interim Fundraising
Developers made largest donations, unions gave less than three per cent.
Coleman 'Committed' to 12 Towers
Housing minister pledges that if Vancouver fast tracks permits, province will provide money to build more than 1,100 new homes.
Vision Pushes Ban on Big Campaign Cash Sources
Council to debate ban on corporate and union donations.
Vancouver Election Spending Out of Control
Prone to fraud, few limits, and a whopping $30 spent per vote. A Tyee special report.
Panel Rejects BC Mine Project Worth $8 Billion
Northgate's Kemess North mine would turn lake into toxic dump.
Vancouver Drops Olympics Housing Pledge
Promise was 'non-binding' NPA votes.
Olympic Partners Said to 'Fudge' Housing Claims
Critics, and a Tyee review, cast doubt on figure of 1,109 'new units.'
Homeless to Housed in One Day
BC's new way of finding people shelter will fail if new housing isn't built.
Squinting to Confirm a New 'Earth'
Does exoplanet Gliese 581 c exist? Could it support life? UBC team key to finding out.
Province Snaps Up Poverty Hotels
Plan to protect housing catches insiders off guard.
Poverty Hotel Buying Binge
Fast turnover of SRA hotels has Vancouver housing activists 'on red alert.' A Tyee special report.
Activists Plan 'Safe Site' for Drug Smokers
Billed as way to get addicts 'off streets, out of view.'
Study Finds 30,000 Vancouver Students in Overcrowded Classes
'Worst in province' for secondary schools, says union.
Globe Defends Polling Techniques
Number, content of questions without bias says paper's managing editor.
Globe and Mail Poll Called 'Unethical' by Expert
Portrayed as authoritative, the sensitively timed survey said to be highly biased in approach.
No Shows Common for BC Liberal Candidates
Halfway through the election, BC Liberal candidates have ducked debates in about half of BC’s ridings.
Company Grabs Mining Rights to Premier’s Land
Campbell’s waterfront home swept up in rush to exploit the Libs’ loosened mining laws.
Tahltan Resistance to Mining, Drilling Grows
Iskut band joins Telegraph Creek protest and rebuffs Shell execs.
'We Can't Eat Oil, Gas and Minerals'
A TYEE SPECIAL REPORT: PART II Revolt against pro-business Tahltan chief shines light on ambitious development plans in B.C.'s north.
The Seizure at Telegraph Creek
TYEE SPECIAL REPORT: PART 1 Tahltan elders decry ‘sell out’, oppose successful chief, call for slower development.
Just Seeing Neighbourly
Residents of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside took cameras into their own hands to challenge perceptions.
Martin, Man of Mystery
Paul Martin has had his eye on the Prime Minister's Office for decades. Yet no one seems to know what he'll do with it.
