Green Savvy – The environment, energy efficiency, solar power, & green living

Nov 15 2007

The time has come for ‘green’ buildings

Published by Jennifer at 3:25 pm under Green News

(NC)-Concern for the environment is changing the building industry.

Architects, interior designers, builders and industry leaders have come together to support an initiative that certifies and recognizes green building projects. Environmentally beneficial building materials and practices are increasing due to an industry-endorsed program called LEED Canada.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a Green Building design guide and rating system created specifically for new construction and major renovations to commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings. The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is the implementing body for LEED Canada which has been adapted from a successful original program developed in the United States.

LEED Canada is a certification program. Improved building performance is certified with ratings – Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum – based on the total points earned. Points are awarded to buildings for using materials and practices that promote healthy living and have reduced environmental impacts.

Building occupants, purchasers and tenants can now inquire about a building’s environmental status by requesting information on its LEED rating.

Innovative manufacturers and suppliers understand the importance of LEED and have embraced the new system. In Canada, TORLYS Floors is one such company. TORLYS has published a guidebook (see http://LEED.torlys.com) to help the building and design community understand how flooring can contribute to LEED certification.

“LEED certification is rapidly becoming more than an environmental initiative,” said Tino Couto, senior product manager at TORLYS.

“LEED is setting a higher standard for building quality that progressive companies want to be a part of. It’s a whole-building, whole-life perspective recognized by consumers and builders alike.”

Green buildings are definitely here to stay. Environmentally responsible building materials and practices are becoming the new standard for construction and renovation.

Credit: www.newscanada.com