Going green

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By Barbara Lawlor
Just a few years ago in the new-home building industry, the word “green” referred to a colour. Today, that word also represents a trend toward environmental responsibility and has become a key design element in condominiums.
The Green trend is good for both the environment and condo purchasers. In addition to addressing, at least in part, the energy crisis and other problems the planet is facing, the implementation of energy-efficient and other sustainable features into condominiums saves suite owners money on utilities costs and creates healthier and more comfortable surroundings. We can applaud the builders for taking the environment to heart and paying a great deal of attention to Green elements as they design and create new communities.
In fact, we owe a debt of gratitude to the industry as a whole. Building codes, for example, have been changed to include more stringent standards in terms of energy efficiency. We have seen an increase in the number of third-party verification organizations through which builders can apply voluntarily for certification. These grading systems require builders to achieve specific criteria to earn certification.
One example is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which provides guidelines for architects, engineers and construction professionals in how to increase the efficiency in buildings and how to measure sustainability. In order to to receive LEED certification, residential buildings have to be built and occupied. Green Globes is another example. This program sets out standards to be met including items such as individual suite metering of electricity and water, and a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) to outperform conventional condominiums in sustainability and energy efficiency.
It is also common today for condominiums to offer Energy Star appliances for added efficiency. And our innovative builders and developers are also adopting new techniques during the construction process that minimize waste through the reuse and recycling of materials wherever possible.
In today’s condos, you will find a variety of Green elements, such as the green roof. These landscaped areas offer wonderful spots for residents to barbecue and dine outdoors amidst city and/or lake views. Some of these beautiful roof spaces contain receptacles for rainwater that is then reused for the building’s landscaping. On top of all of this, green roofs help to improve air quality and reduce direct energy use, among many other benefits. To reduce a condominium’s carbon footprint, builders are also including things like car share and bike storage facilities that help the environment by reducing the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Some are even including electrified parking spaces to anticipate future needs.
Yes, condominium developers are doing their part to help the environment. In addition, we all need to remember that each of us can help by reducing, reusing and recycling on a daily basis. Every step we take as individuals adds up toward building a better and more sustainable future.
Barbara Lawlor – president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc., and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, Barbara oversees the marketing and sale of condominium developments in Canada and overseas.
Original Source: NEW CONDO GUIDE August 21 – September 4, 2015
 
Just a few of the ways Boffo buildings are going green:
Firma – The rooftop of Firma has a beautifully designed community space for residents, featuring two large garden areas where residents can grow flowers, plants, and vegetables. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes and kale are currently sprouting up all throughout the garden beds.


Modello – The tower is designed to exceed LEED standards. One of the many energy efficient features of the building design is the implementation of a geothermal heating and cooling system.