There are a number of third-party green rating systems suitable for houses in Canada and abroad. The following programs below have been selected for use in Larch Park:
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Energuide
Energuide is a Natural Resources Canada initiative that rates the energy performance of homes, equipment and appliances in Canada. A higher number indicates better performance or lower energy bills.
| 0 to 50 | Older house not upgraded |
| 51 to 65 | Upgraded older house |
| 66 to 74 | Energy-efficient upgraded older house |
| 66 to 74 | Typical new house |
| 75 to 79 | Energy-efficient new house |
| *80 | Target minimum for all homes in Larch Park |
| 80 to 90 | Highly efficient new house |
| 91 to 100 | An advanced or “near zero” house that uses little or no purchased energy. Likely generates its own energy |
In order to obtain an Energuide rating a builder must model the home with the Hot 2000 modeling software which will predict the energy performance of the home. By reviewing the Hot2000 data the builder can then make additional improvements as desired. Once construction is complete, the house is tested for air tightness and a final rating label is issued.
An Energuide Rating is a stand-alone rating, but it is also a requirement of the three rating systems below. It is a requirement of all homes in Larch Park.
BuiltGreen
BuiltGreen is a broad-based flexible program that offers certification for new single family homes and row homes. The primary purpose of Built Green is to encourage homebuilders to use technologies, products and practices that will:
- Provide greater energy efficiency and reduce pollution
- Provide healthier indoor air
- Reduce water usage
- Preserve natural resources
- Improve durability and reduce maintenance
The program concentrates on four areas of environmental concern:
- Energy Efficiency
- Indoor Air Quality
- Resource Use (including Waste Management)
- Overall Environmental Impact
The overall rating (Bronze Silver, Gold or Platinum) is determined by a combination of Energuide rating and total points in the above categories.
LEED Canada for Homes v1.0
The Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) (link) released LEED Canada for Homes Rating System (LEED-H) version 1.0 in March 2009.
It is also a broad based, flexible rating system, offering points or credits available in eight categories:
- Innovation & Design Process
- Location and Linkages
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Awareness & Education
There are minimum prerequisites in each category with additional points earned by exceeding the minimum standards. The overall rating (Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum) is determined by the total number of points earned.
R2000
R2000 is a program created in the early 1980’s by the Canadian Home Builders' Association and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It is primarily focused on energy efficiency, though recently it has been updated to include requirements for indoor air quality and resource efficiency.
It has the most stringent quality assurance requirements of all the programs listed here due to a number of required tests and inspections during construction.
A builder choosing to follow an R2000 path shall be an R2000 Certified builder, achieve a minimum Energuide rating of 80 and provide evidence of certification from NRCan.
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