New homes in Vaughan earn LEED Platinum status
By on Jun 12, 2010
A joint effort by the Building Industry and Land Development Associate (BILD) and Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) has earned the designation of Platinum in the Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Canada for Homes program by the Canada Green Building Council. Platinum is the highest possible rating and there are only 20 LEED Platinum certified homes in the country, with 15 of those in the province of Ontario.
The Archetype Sustainable House, consisting of two semi-detached units, is located at The Living City Campus at Kortright in Vaughan and was created in an effort to promote sustainable building practices and impress upon Ontarians that conservation begins at home. In addition to BILD and TRCA, who spearheaded the project, a number of other sponsors and thousands of volunteers helped make this new home a reality.
"The Archetype Sustainable House is part or our sustainability education program that has industry focused workshops for trades, builders, students and the public," said Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation. "Annually, more than 150,000 visitors walk through the doors of the house and we hope it inspires us all to have more green homes in the GTA."
The two units showcase the most cutting edge building practices that are currently available as well as new technologies that may be available in the future. Achieving LEED Platinum certification is the culmination of a rigourous process of tests and inspections that include an Energuide (ERS) or home energy (HERS) rating and a pre-drywall inspection. The Archetype Sustainable House earned an astounding 94 out of a possible 100 points.
LEED certification offers homebuyers third-party assurance that their home complies with rigourous technical requirements for indoor air quality, non-toxic materials, environmental performance and energy and water efficiency. LEED certified homes may be eligible for lower insurance rates, advantageous financing, excellent resale value and other government incentives.
