Introduction to Built Green BC
Built Green™ promotes construction of buildings that are healthier for the occupants and healthier for the environment. Sustainable or “green” building practices can reduce the tremendous impact that building has on both people and nature.
Informing and educating the home-buying public on the value of a home that meets Built Green™ standards are one of the primary undertakings of the program. An informed buyer will recognize the value of greater energy efficiency, healthier indoor air, reduced water usage, and improved comfort. Sustainable building practices go beyond energy and water conservation, resource efficient building materials and superior indoor environmental quality. Some of the key benefits are: ▪ Lower electric and water utility costs ▪ Environmentally effective use of building materials ▪ Enhanced health and productivity ▪ Long-term economic returns ▪ Reduced environmental impact
The homebuyer will know that their Built Green™ home represents their commitment to the environment, future generations and improving the way we live. Resource and environment-conscious homebuyers will look for Built Green™ certification when choosing their home. A Built Green™ home certification offers participating builders an excellent way to distinguish themselves in the marketplace. Market research shows that consumers take environmental concerns and long-term energy costs into consideration when making purchasing decisions. Builders can demonstrate their environmental leadership by participating in Built Green™ and produce a great home.
How the program works
Membership in Built Green™ is open to all members of participating Home Builders’ Associations (HBA’s) including builders, renovators, product suppliers or manufacturers, service providers, community developers and municipalities. Builders and Renovators can demonstrate to consumers the environmental stewardship of the building industry by building more energy efficient homes that have a reduced impact on the environment. For product suppliers/manufacturers or service providers, it opens up a new marketplace To join Built Green™ visit, www.builtgreencanada.ca
The program concentrates on four separate and distinct target areas: ▪ Energy efficiency ▪ Indoor air quality ▪ Resource use (including waste management) ▪ Overall environmental impact
Builders and consumers can choose from three “built green” achievement levels; Bronze represents the minimum level, Silver the intermediate level, and Gold is the maximum achievement level of the three “green” target areas. Builders and consumers have the flexibility to choose which package and point level works for them. Because of the range and number of options available under the Built Green™ Checklist, each builder can choose to “build green” somewhat differently.
In order to complete the EnerGuide rating for the home, a mandatory blower door test must be done on each home prior to occupancy. The actual results of the test will determine the final EnerGuide rating and the subsequent level of achievement in Built Green™. The home will receive an EnerGuide for New Houses rating label and the official Built Green™ seal for the Built Green™ home.
Builder Training
Training required to become a certified Built Green™ Builder. Built Green™ initiation Builder Membership includes this training for 1 company representative for each course: ▪ Half-day orientation program for 1 company representative. Additional company members may attend for $20.00 per person. ▪ 2-day Built Green™ training will be available and administered through EnerVision. ▪ Plan Evaluation Training – Optional. ▪ Custom company training is available for additional company representatives. Please ask for pricing.
Easy Steps to be Built Green™
1. Become a member of Built Green™. 2. Successfully complete the Built Green™ Training (included in the program registration). 3. Develop the option package(s) for your Built Green™ Certified Home utilizing the Built Green™ Checklist. 4. Evaluate plan(s) you will want to enroll in the program. You can either take the training (included in program registration but optional) or hire a licensed plan evaluator to do this. 5. Register the new home plan with Built Green™. 6. Build the new home. 7. Arrange a “blower door test” prior to homeowner possession. 8. Receive the EnerGuide for New Houses rating label and official Built Green™ seal. How soon can I start building a Built Green™ registered house? You can start building under the program as soon as you become a member of Built Green™. Hire a licensed plan evaluator to conduct a plan evaluation. Register the home. Take the Built Green™ training while you are building and complete the training by possession.