  
vivo - values in, vision out.The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has launched a pilot study of its new residential rating system for green build-ing of new construction and major renovations projects, entitled LEED for Homes. Project vivo is one of 44 projects selected nationwide to participate in the case study; one of only 5 homes in BC. Project vivo is the only major renova-tion, and the only affordable home in the BC case study group. In order for green building to “shift into the mainstream” and for major market transformation of our built environment through the adoption of sustainable practices, affordability must be factored into the equation. If it’s not affordable (as compared to conventional means), if it’s not accessible (can’t find appropri-ate materials or knowledgeable trades), if it’s not applicable (doesn’t consider existing homes), if it doesn’t translate into attributable value (reflected in market price and enjoyment/productivity of occupants) then we can’t call it sustainable and we certainly can’t concede that it’s become mainstream. Project vivo is unique to the study because it’s desire to “go green” is restricted by the parameters of cost and of current existence, a reality for most of us when renovating older homes on limited budgets.vivo has joined the CaGBC in their pilot program of LEED for Homes because we want to see green building practices achieve ubiquity. From vivo’s trials, we’re striving for the com-mons tribulations through the sharing of best practices, the provision of an environment for testing and learning by product manufacturers, suppliers, trades and students, and heighten-ing the awareness and knowledge base of affordable green building practices for existing houses. It is vivo's intent that this project serve to demonstrate and trial the integration of “sustainnovative” products and technologies, but also to build capacity and assist partner suppliers with achieving commercialization and greater market adoption. Ask us what we’re doing to accomplish this for project partners. Highlights of Project Partial gut and green rebuild of existing affordable home in downtown Victoria
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