LEED Canada for Homes is an environmental certification program for homes launched in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council, a non-governmental organization. The aim of the program is to transform the residential construction industry by recognizing the best environmental achievements.
Licensed by the Canada Green Building Council as a LEED for Homes Provider, ThermalWise offers LEED Canada for Homes services throughout Atlantic Canada. We currently have a team of four Green Raters who are servicing the Atlantic region.
LEED for Homes certifications are conducted by third parties not involved in the construction process. LEED-certified homes consume less energy, water and natural resources. They produce less waste and are more healthy and comfortable for their occupants. This results in lower energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the pollutants inside the house. The net cost to the owner of a LEED house will generally compare favourably to the cost of a conventional house.
LEED Canada for Homes is a system of 136 points with 8 major environmental themes (listed below). Houses accumulate points for the integration of practical and environmentally sound technologies that are beyond what is included in conventional constructions. A minimum score is required to achieve certification, and this threshold is determined by the size of the house and its number of bedrooms. Eighteen measures are mandatory and there are several areas where each project must have a minimum amount of points. These requirements ensure that LEED-certified homes are the greenest homes on the market. The more points accumulated, the more the project may exceed the level of “certified” and go on to get a higher level, either silver, gold or platinum.
Please contact us for more information or to speak about certifying your future home.
LEED Canada for Homes Point Categories
1. Innovation & Design Process (ID)
Special design methods, unique regional credits, measures not currently addressed in the Rating System, and exemplary performance levels.
2. Location & Linkages (LL)
The placement of homes in socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community.
3. Sustainable Sites (SS)
The use of the entire property so as to minimize the project’s impact on the site.
4. Water Efficiency (WE)
Water-efficient practices, both indoor and outdoor.
5. Energy & Atmosphere (EA)
Energy efficiency, particularly in the building envelope and heating and cooling design.
6. Materials & Resources (MR)
Efficient utilization of materials, selection of environmentally preferable materials, and minimization of waste during construction.
7. Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
Improvement of indoor air quality by reducing the creation of and exposure to pollutants.
8. Awareness & Education (AE)
The education of the homeowner, tenant, and/or building manager about the operation and maintenance of the green features of a LEED home.