The Green, Green Building of a Home

By Barbara Lawlor

There's a green revolution going on the new home building industry, and it is great news for both purchasers and the environment. A few years ago, we started to hear about environmentally responsible building practices and energy-efficient features being introduced into homes and condominiums here and there. As time went on and we became more aware of the energy crisis and the various other problems the earth is facing, the industry as a whole became proactive about implementing change. Today, sustainability is the inspiration for all builders, who are paying a great deal of attention to green elements as they design and create new communities.

We can applaud them as well as the Ontario Building Code, which has been changed to include more stringent standards in terms of energy efficiency. There are also third-party verification organizations through which builders can apply voluntarily for certification. Each demands that specific criteria are met to achieve varying levels. For example, many of today's condominiums are being constructed to the standards set by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This system provides guidelines for architects, engineers and construction professionals in how to increase the efficiency in buildings and how to measure sustainability. For LEED, residential buildings have to be built and occupied before they can receive certification.

Another example is Green Globes, which requires standards that include items such as individual suite metering of electricity and water and a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) to outperform conventional condominiums in sustainability and energy efficiency. And of course, it's common today for condominiums to offer Energy Star appliances for added efficiency.

On top of all of this, developers are thinking outside the box to find new and creative ways to adopt and expand on what is required of them when it comes to design. And that starts from the ground up? and down. Condo builders are taking steps to minimize construction waste by reusing and recycling materials possible, and they are leaving less of a carbon footprint by sourcing materials locally whenever possible.

The variety of green elements being incorporated in condominium design is remarkable, including green roofs. These raised natural areas add a wonderful outdoor component to a building's amenities. The green roof is a spot where residents can barbecue, relax and enjoy city and/or lake views. Many of these roofs even have a facility for collecting rainwater to be reused for the building's landscaping. They are also eco-friendly, in the sense that they help to improve air quality and reduce direct energy use, among many other benefits. And of course, they are naturally beautiful.

Another practice I notice more these days is the provision of auto-share and bike storage facilities in condominiums. What better way to help the environment than to lessen greenhouse gas emissions?

What fascinates me is the fact that green elements are being added in the spectrum of condominiums across the GTA, from those with suites affordable for first-time buyers such as OneCole Condominiums in Regent Park, which is being constructed to the LEED Gold standard, to The Residences at The RitzCarlton, Toronto, which will be cooled through an innovative system developed by Enwave Energy Corporation and the City of Toronto that taps into the deep waters of Lake Ontario.

Our industry is engaging in environmental responsibility on a major scale, and in fact, in 2007, we saw the first Green Builder of the Year distinction presented at BILD's Home Builder Awards. Green categories have also been added to the awards for the Ontario and Canadian Home Builders' Associations as well. Plus, each year EnerQuality presents awards for efforts in advancing energy-efficient, green and sustainable homes and communities.

Condominium suite owners benefit with cost savings and healthier surroundings. What we all need to remember is that each of us can help the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling ourselves on a daily basis. It's up to all of us to build a better future.

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas.