One of the GTA's greenest homes is awarded LEED Platinum certification

- Ontario 'LEEDS' the way for green homes in Canada -

TORONTO, April 6 /CNW/ - The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), and Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) are proud to announce that the Archetype Sustainable House, at The Living City Campus at Kortright, in Vaughan, 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 rating under the LEED certification program. LEED Canada for Homes is a national third-party certification system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. To date only 20 Canadian homes have been certified as LEED Platinum, 15 of which are located in Ontario. The Archetype Sustainable House rating reflects 94 documented and approved points.

BILD and TRCA designed and built the Archetype Sustainable House in 2009 to promote sustainable building practices and to help Ontarians understand that conservation starts at home. The home was built thanks to BILD, sponsors and thousands of volunteers.

"These homes now have more labels than a racing car but labels aside, the homes are serving a key role in the education and inspiration of the builders as well as the buyers, which was always the main goal" said BILD President and CEO Stephen Dupuis.

The two semi-detached units showcases the best cutting-edge green building practices currently available, as well as showcasing potential new technologies that would be available in the future. Energy and water conservation technologies, as well as material sourcing and construction processes will be addressed. Each home is rated under a variety of new home labeling systems including EnergyStar, GreenHouse and now LEED Canada for Homes, to the Platinum level.

"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."

LEED certification provides third-party assurance to homebuyers that their home complies with rigorous technical requirements for energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, non-toxic materials and environmental performance. Homes that are certified through LEED complete a technically rigorous verification process that includes an Energuide (ERS) or home energy (HERS) rating, a pre drywall inspection, and other onsite inspections. Lower insurance rates, advantageous financing, quicker sales, and government incentives may be available for LEED-certified homes.

About the CaGBC

The Canada Green Building Council is the leading national industry organization advancing green building practices for livable communities. It represents more than 2,000 member organizations involved in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. For more information, visit www.cagbc.org.

About LEED(R) Canada for Homes

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Canada for Homes is a national, third-party certification system for high performance green homes. Among other features, LEED-certified homes use energy and water more efficiently, are built with sustainable and more durable materials, and provide increased comfort and improved health for occupants. For a new home to gain LEED certification, it must achieve performance measures in eight categories: Innovation & Design Process; Location & Linkages; Sustainable Sites; Water Efficiency; Energy & Atmosphere; Materials & Resources; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Awareness and Education. LEED is viewed across North America as one of the most rigorous third-party certifications for green buildings. www.cagbc.org/leed/homes/

About BILD: Established in 1921, the Building Industry and Land Development Association serves more than 1,400 member companies engaged in residential land development, home building, professional renovation and all related supply, service and professional industry segments. More information is at www.bildgta.ca.

About TRCA: With over 50 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City(R) - a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, for you today and for your children tomorrow. For more information, tours or programs go to www.sustainablehouse.ca

For further information: Media contact: Rowena Calpito, Supervisor, Media Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, Tel: [phone] ext 5632, Mobile: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]