When it comes to environmental responsibility, we’re proud that eight of our Home Builders are members of Built Green® Canada, a national third-party certification program intended to make your new home more eco-friendly and cost-effective. For more information about each Home Builder or their partnership with Built Green Canada, click on their name below:
- Art Homes
- City Homes
- Cranston Master Builder
- Homes by Avi
- Jayman BUILT
- Landmark Homes
- Sterling Homes
- Victory Homes
WHAT IS BUILT GREEN CANADA?
Founded in 2003, Built GreenCanada is a national non-profit organization that promotes, encourages, and supports the construction of environmentally responsible homes. It’s a voluntary program for residential builders interested in enhancing their sustainability practices.
Built Green Canada’s initiatives address 7 key areas of the home building process: energy and envelope, materials and methods, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste management, water conservation, and building practices. Depending on the extent of the eco-friendly elements within a home, there are five Built Green Canada certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Net Zero+.
As a trusted third-party certification program, Built Green Canada provides credibility to Home Builders and peace of mind to home buyers.
WHAT MAKES A BUILT GREEN HOME MORE ECO-FRIENDLY?
Here are some examples of environmentally friendly features that can be installed as your new home is built:
- Triple-pane windows. These windows reduce heat loss by combining three panes of glass, argon filling, and a low-emissivity coating. This means lower energy loss, less fading of furniture and artwork, and reduced outdoor noise compared to double-pane windows.
- High velocity heating system. In contrast to a traditional forced-air furnace, this energy-efficient system quietly provides balanced climate control throughout your home.
- Heat recovery ventilator. Consistently exchanges the stale air from inside with fresh, outdoor air.
- Air purification system. Cleans the air by removing odours, pollutants and pathogens.
- Solar panels. Low-maintenance rooftop panels harness the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity to help power your home.
- High efficiency appliances and fixtures. Energy Star appliances, low-flow toilets and eco-friendly light bulbs will all assist in lowering your utility costs.
- Tankless water heater. This on-demand system heats the water as you need it — no storage tank required.
- Vehicle charging outlet. Plug in to a 220-volt outlet with 30-amp breaker that is compatible with all electric vehicle models.
5 BENEFITS OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME
Let’s not forget the big picture — we only have one planet and we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. However, there are also personal benefits that come from choosing a Home Builder who will install eco-friendly features in your home from the start. For example:
1. Mortgage Insurance Rebate
Single-family new homes earning a Gold, Platinum or Net Zero+ rating from Built Green Canada are eligible for a partial mortgage loan insurance premium refund of 25%. You can read more about the mortgage rebate parameters here.
2. Saving Money Annually
Increased energy efficiency in your home means long-term cost savings, especially with utilities like water, electricity, and gas. For example, energy efficient windows keep the warm air inside during the winter, so your furnace doesn’t have to work overtime. You can even set a “smart” thermostat to make adjustments for you. Plus, today’s energy-efficient appliances save you money by only heating and using the amount of water required for a task. Many appliances are now wifi-enabled and can be controlled remotely from your phone.
3. Increased Resale Value
A new, energy efficient home is more appealing to home buyers than an older, less efficient one. So, if you choose to sell your home in the future, the energy-conserving HVAC system, windows, doors, and appliances will all be valuable selling points.
4. A Healthier Home
An energy efficient heating and cooling system provides optimal air temperature throughout the house year-round. Meanwhile, a built-in purification system improves indoor air quality, protecting your family from dust, dirt, mould, and other allergens.
5. Increased Durability
Today’s homes are built with sustainable materials such as engineered lumber that resists warping and high-grade shingles that will last 30 years. The installation of certified energy efficient appliances means a longer lifespan with less wear and tear.
Overall, you can rest assured that your eco-friendly home is third-party approved, built to last, and protects our planet’s resources in the process. For more information, contact one of our Built Green partner Home Builders below: