Built Green™ to benefit construction across Canada

When Construction Digital speaks with homebuilders in British Columbia and Alberta, the voluntary Built Green™ Program in place in the two provinces for a number of years is often a topic of discussion.

The non-profit Built Green Canada, which has enrolled 13,465 homes in those two provinces in its program since 2004, will soon be helping builders across Canada construct homes with a lighter environmental footprint.

“The Built Green™ Program was created by builders so there is a lot less cost and complexity involved to deliver a home with superb environmental performance,” David Bengert, President of Built Green Canada, said. “We have been encouraged to expand so builders and homeowners in other provinces can share the benefits.”

Built Green offers building standards, mandatory builder training and third-party testing, inspections and audits. It encourages use of technologies, products and practices that provide greater energy efficiency and healthier air; reduce pollution and water usage; preserve natural resources; and improve durability and reduce maintenance.

Certified builders select items from a checklist of green criteria posted on the Built Green Canada website to meet Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum achievement levels. Natural Resources Canada’s  EnerGuide for New Homes is the mandatory energy efficiency component of the Built Green™ certification.

The Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels are based on eight checklist categories: operational systems, building materials, exterior and interior finishes, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste management, water conservation and business practices. In 2005, Built Green™ used its successful program for single-family homes to create a process to certify mid- to high-rise residential structures such as condominiums and apartments.

Source: PR-Inside