Building Green
Green building in residential construction, also known as green construction or sustainable building, is the practice of constructing houses that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient from siting to design to construction to operation and maintenance. Green building expands and complements the traditional home building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.
Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener houses, the common objective is that green houses are designed to reduce the overall impact on human health and the natural environment by:
- Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
- Protecting health
- Reducing waste, pollution and environmental decomposition
With ever more options for technological solutions both for the environment and/or for the individual there are many options available including:
Sustainable Power
- Solar energy
- Geothermal
Air Quality
- Low or Non-VOC products
- Water-based stains
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning)
Energy Efficiency
- High efficiency furnaces/air conditioners
- Spray foam insulation
- High performance windows
- Lighting
- Air tight construction and ducts
- Energy efficient appliances
- Drain Water Heat Recovery
Renewable products
- Cork
- Bamboo
- Wool
- Natural linoleum
- Recycled materials
Certifications
ENERGY STAR® for New Homes
ENERGY STAR® for New Homes promotes energy efficiency guidelines that enable new homes to be approximately 20 percent more energy efficient than those built to minimum provincial building codes. The increased efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners.
EnerGuide Rating System
The EnerGuide Rating System is Natural Resources Canada’s well-established rating tool, which is used for measuring energy efficiency in homes. An ENERGY STAR builder may utilize the EnerGuide Rating System to ensure your home meets an energy efficiency target
EnerGuide Rating System version 15
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system that is recognized as the international mark of excellence for green building in 150 countries. Since 2002, the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) and LEED Canada have been redefining the buildings and communities where Canadians live, work and learn.
R-2000
R-2000 is simply a better home. R-2000-certified new homes are best-in-class energy-efficient homes that include high levels of insulation, clean air features and measures to help protect the environment. This translates into energy savings, increased comfort, and a healthier environment for the homeowner.
Every R-2000 home is built to the stringent R-2000 Standard developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in coordination with key industry stakeholders.
R-2000: Environmentally Friendly Homes
We would be happy to pursue these and other green building options with you.
The ENERGY STAR® mark is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada. Used with permission.
EnerGuide and R-2000 are official marks of Natural Resources Canada