BUILT GREEN® Homes

What is BUILT GREEN®?

In Alberta, the Built Green® certification stands out as a voluntary program aimed at promoting environmentally friendly home construction. This program sets a comprehensive range of building standards, focusing on creating homes that are not only sustainable but also provide healthier living environments for residents. The certification touches on various aspects of construction, from the choice of materials and methods to energy efficiency and resource conservation.

For builders, embracing Built Green® standards means committing to practices that go beyond the conventional building requirements, focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Homes certified under this program integrate features that are designed to reduce their environmental impact significantly. These include energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and materials that are sourced responsibly. Additionally, Built Green® homes incorporate the EnerGuide label through Natural Resources Canada, ensuring that they meet specific energy performance criteria.

The benefits of Built Green® certification are manifold, offering advantages not just for the environment but also for homeowners. These homes are designed to provide a healthier living space, potentially lower utility bills due to their energy efficiency, and even rebates that acknowledge their reduced environmental footprint. For those in Alberta looking to build or purchase a new home, considering a Built Green® certified property could mean investing in a future that values sustainability, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Why Build BUILT GREEN®?

Building Built Green is increasingly important for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it reassures homeowners and buyers about the quality and sustainability of their investment, highlighting a commitment to energy efficiency, healthier living environments, responsible building practices, and more. Built Green Canada offers practical and affordable methods for builders, renovators, restorers, and developers to achieve continuous improvements in their projects, fostering a culture of sustainability within the construction industry .

Moreover, homeowners are becoming more environmentally conscious, prioritizing green initiatives in their renovations and new builds to reduce water consumption, annual heating costs, and their overall carbon footprint . Built Green Canada is a national, non-profit organization driven by the industry to support builders interested in responsible sustainability practices, ensuring that green building becomes a standard rather than an exception.

The program is voluntary, setting building standards to create environmentally friendly homes that offer long-term benefits to both the environment and the homeowners through energy savings and improved indoor air quality . It also promotes a network of home builders committed to producing smarter, more responsible, and healthier homes for future generations.

BUILT GREEN® Rebates

Built Green Canada offers enticing rebates and financial incentives to promote sustainable housing. For homeowners and buyers interested in environmentally responsible living, these rebates can make a significant difference. Single-family new homes that achieve BUILT GREEN® certification at the Gold, Platinum, and Net Zero+ levels are eligible for a partial mortgage loan insurance premium refund of 25% . This initiative is available in select markets across the country and underscores the financial benefits of investing in energy-efficient, sustainable homes .

Moreover, specific communities and local governments have recognized the value of sustainable building practices by offering additional rebates. For example, the City of Lethbridge offers a rebate of $2,500 for purchasing a BUILT GREEN® Silver certified home and $3,500 for a Gold certified home . These incentives not only lower the initial financial barriers for homeowners but also encourage builders and developers to adopt sustainable practices.

In addition to these rebates, the Canada Greener Homes Grant provides access to rebates for a wide range of equipment and retrofitting measures aimed at improving home energy efficiency . These programs collectively aim to foster a more sustainable building sector, reduce environmental impacts, and offer financial benefits to homeowners who prioritize green building standards.

Requirements for BUILT GREEN®

The requirements for achieving Built Green® certification focus on various sustainable building practices and are categorized into different tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Specifically, for reaching the Gold tier, a project must accumulate a minimum of 35 points. These points can be earned through a variety of measures that contribute to the sustainability and energy efficiency of the home. Areas where points can be earned include energy efficiency, materials and methods used in construction, indoor air quality, and the overall environmental impact of the build. The program emphasizes the importance of reducing a home’s energy consumption, using sustainable building materials, and minimizing the environmental footprint of construction activities.

Built Green® also acknowledges projects that achieve net-zero energy status (where the home produces as much energy as it consumes) by offering recognition for this significant achievement, particularly for projects at the Gold or Platinum levels . This certification is not only a testament to the home’s sustainable design and construction but also offers proven savings in resources, water, energy, and money over time.

The movement towards built green homes represents a significant and essential step towards sustainable living and environmental responsibility. As demonstrated by various studies and initiatives, the advantages of green building extend far beyond energy savings and reduced environmental impact. Green homes contribute to more sustainable economies by lowering energy consumption, reducing costs, and even creating jobs in green construction fields . They embody a long-term dedication to the principles of natural and sustainable living, offering countless benefits that include but are not limited to health, environmental, and financial advantages.

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