LEED for Homes in Canada case study

The building industry has a remarkable opportunity to make a significant impact on climate change in this country, and take leadership among all of Canada's business sectors.

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has a goal of seeing carbon-neutral buildings and communities by 2030. Coupled with this, efforts are being made by the USGBC and other organizations across North America that will help to meet this 2030 challenge. Progress towards the CaGBC goal involves working with industry and partners to improve the performance of 100,000 buildings and one million homes through a 50 percent reduction in energy and water use in by 2015. This translates into a 50 megatonne potential reduction in GHG emissions.

Momentum continues to build for the LEED^® Canada rating system. With several LEED Canada rating systems already available for commercial, institutional and government buildings and large residential developments, interest is growing among homeowners for more efficient homes that are healthier places to live, and that have a lower environmental impact and lasting market value.

At the same time, builders of residential properties are seeing an opportunity to provide high performance homes to home buyers, while municipalities are looking at ways to embrace smart growth and sustainability principles in revitalized urban and new neighbourhood developments that contribute to overall greenhouse gas emission reduction and reduced demand on infrastructure.

To encourage greater adoption of green home developments, the CaGBC is working with the USGBC, and undertaking a LEED for Homes case study program for Canadian builders. More than 45 builders, representing close to 500 homes, are taking part in the case study. The input received from these case study participants will help CaGBC to adapt the US tool and introduce LEED Canada for Homes in the Spring of 2009.

By participating in the LEED for Homes case study program, residential home builders have access to ongoing support and troubleshooting from both the CaGBC and the USGBC, while being among the first group of building professionals in Canada to be exposed to developing expertise on this rigorous and highly-respected green building rating system. At the same time, case study participants are also providing valuable input on how the tool might be adapted to meet the needs of the Canadian market, with its diverse geographies and climate variations.

Once introduced next year, LEED Canada for Homes will give builders a key differentiator with the ability to offer a product that is becoming increasingly in demand. Homeowners will benefit from a home that uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste, and is healthier and more comfortable to live in.