Built green homes save energy and money

Environmental sustainability may not be the first thing on new-home prospects' minds when they tour a show home. But perhaps it should be, because almost one-fifth of all the energy consumed in Canada is used in our homes.

"Most houses built to standard construction practices in British Columbia rate between 68 and 70 on the EnerGuide scale," said David Kelly, a consultant to the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA).

Many readers will recognize EnerGuide as a energy-rating scale that measures energy efficiency in values from one to 100 -- one being very inefficient and 100 being a house that does not use any outside source of fossil energy fuel.

Less well known is an emerging initiative called by those involved Built Green B.C. The scheme encourages builders to offer buyers more energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive homes.

A Built Green house is not just an energy-efficient house. To qualify for a Built Green designation, a house has to meet enhanced environmental construction standards in the areas of energy-efficiency, indoor air quality, use of resources and impact on the environment.

Frank D'Ambrosio, a Victoria architect with more than 30 years experience in urban planning and green initiatives, had not heard of the program until informed by a reporter but suggested the principles are likely similar to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) practices. D'Ambrosio is on the board of directors of LEED.

"The green movement is finally hitting the mainstream," said D'Ambrosio, but warned "consumers must be careful to determine that the approach is legitimate."

The promise of energy savings is the most compelling reason to consider a house constructed to Built Green standards. In the case of a house heated by natural gas, the anticipated savings would total $597 per year, a payback on the investment in just over eight years based on the estimated $4,836 average additional cost to build a house to the higher standard, according to figures from the CHBA.

(prepared special to the Vancouver Sun/Pedro Arrais)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OWNING IN A NEW HOME PROJECT THAT IS TAKING ON THE "GREEN CONCEPT"....contact JUNE CONWAY 604.657.7123 or june@juneconway.com MY PLEASURE TO ASSIST.