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What is a Green Building ?
Green buildings can reduce utility costs, cut maintenance costs, improve occupant well being and enhance safety and productivity.
You will find in this edition tools that will give you a better understanding of what is a green building and what are the different standards and tools available for your community.
Green Buildings Standards
In Canada, there are many standards for green buildings. The LEED certification is well known, but other standards exist.
Canada Green Building Council: LEED standard
LEED is a market-based rating system that facilitates and certifies higher energy and environmental performance of buildings and communities. The rating system is adapted to the Canadian market through an inclusive process that engages stakeholders and experts representing the various sectors of the Canadian industry. A rapidly-growing number of governments and private sector organizations are adopting LEED certification in their policies, programming and operations, aimed at achieving and demonstrating sustainability.
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Natural Resources Canada: EnerGuide Rating
An EnerGuide rating is a standard measure of a home's energy performance. It shows exactly how energy efficient a home is. A home's energy efficiency level is rated on a scale of 0 to 100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption. A rating of 100 represents a house that is airtight, well insulated and sufficiently ventilated and requires no purchased energy.
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Natural Resources Canada: EnergyStar for new homes
The ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative promotes energy efficiency guidelines that enable new homes to be approximately 30 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. ENERGY STAR for New Homes is currently available only in Ontario and Saskatchewan and is managed for Natural Resources Canada by regional service organizations.
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Natural Resources Canada: R-2000
R-2000 is operated by Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) Office of Energy Efficiency. It promotes the use of cost-effective, energy codes require. R-2000 houses are also healthier
houses – they incorporate a whole-house ventilation system and low-emissions building materials and finishes to ensure superior indoor air quality.
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Some other rating system that might interest you:
Green Globes – The Practical Building Rating System
Go Green – Environmental certification for Commercial Buildings
The BREEAM Green Leaf Environmental Assessment Protocol for Multi-Residential Building
Additional resources on green buildings
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