Sterling Homes and BUILT GREEN® Canada: a Perfect Partnership

At Sterling Homes, we strongly believe in building homes that are not only beautiful and comfortable but are also environmentally friendly and sustainable. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we’re now a member of BUILT GREEN® Canada! Our partnership with BUILT GREEN® Canada allows us to offer our customers the best of both worlds: high-quality, energy-efficient homes that are also highly affordable.

What is BUILT GREEN® Canada?

BUILT GREEN® Canada is a national non-profit industry-driven organization which promotes, encourages, and supports the construction of environmentally responsible (or even net-zero) homes.

The programs “address seven key areas of sustainable building: energy & envelope, materials & methods, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste management, water conservation, and building practices.”

The BUILT GREEN® program is completely voluntary, and uses a holistic approach to improve both energy efficiency (through its EnerGuide label) and the use of sustainable materials (through the BUILT GREEN® label.) Home builders working with this program want to build durable, healthier, and affordable homes, which is a perfect fit for us here at Sterling.

For those who are a part of the program, training is absolutely essential. Any member must be trained in BUILT GREEN® practices, policies, and procedures prior to building their projects.

These third-party certification programs for builders and developers allow them to assess the environmental performance of the homes they build. It also ensures the authentication of a high-performance home, giving both credibility to the home builder and peace of mind for the home buyer.

What’s Covered in the BUILT GREEN® Canada Checklist?

Each of these areas is broken down into a number of specific elements, which are then given a point value. From there, the property is awarded either a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum rating according to their scores. The higher the total points achieved, the higher the level of BUILT GREEN® Certification awarded to the home.

The checklist used by BUILT GREEN® Canada covers the following key areas:

Building Envelope and Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a vital part of the home build. From the layout of the floor plan to the selection of windows and doors, BUILT GREEN® Canada takes into account how to minimize wasted energy and how the home will perform over time.

They also work with Canada’s leading manufacturers of Energy Star® products to ensure that home builders use the most efficient products available on the market. As a result, these homes are built to be more comfortable and easier on the environment.

Resource Conservation via Sustainable Materials and Methods

BUILT GREEN® Canada helps individuals and businesses who are building new construction homes or renovating existing ones to do so in an ecologically responsible way. This includes using recycled materials, renewable energy, and water-efficient fixtures. 

Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation

The air inside our homes is sometimes more polluted than the air outside, and poor indoor air quality can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue and other health problems. The good news is there are things we can do to improve the air quality in our homes. One of the best ways to do this is to use building materials that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solid or liquid materials, and they can contribute to poor air quality.

Fortunately, there are a number of building materials that are low in VOCs, and many of them are available through BUILT GREEN® Canada. By ensuring materials are low in VOCs, we can help to improve the air quality in BUILT GREEN® homes and create a healthier indoor environment.

Waste Management

One of the most effective ways to reduce waste in newly-built homes is to choose building materials which are durable and long-lasting.

For example, BUILT GREEN® Canada certified homes must meet stringent requirements for energy efficiency and water conservation. This means that not only will these homes use fewer resources over time, but they’ll also generate less waste.

In addition, BUILT GREEN® Canada certified homes are built using sustainable practices, such as using local materials and renewable energy. As a result, these homes have a smaller ecological footprint and create less waste throughout their lifetime.

Water Conservation

As the population grows and the demand for water increases, it’s becoming more important than ever to conserve water in our homes. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to do this, both during the construction process and once the home is built.

In this case, BUILT GREEN® Canada recommends using native plants in landscaping, as they require less water than exotic species. In addition, they recommend installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, as well as rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater for watering plants.

By taking such measures, we can significantly reduce our water usage and help to preserve this vital resource.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A BUILT GREEN® Home?

When it comes to building a new home, more and more homeowners are choosing a greener way. And it’s not hard to see why. Green-built homes offer a number of benefits over traditional homes, from improved energy efficiency to enhanced indoor air quality.

Perhaps the most appealing benefit of all is the fact that a green building is often more affordable to operate and maintain over the long term. Here’s a closer look at some of the top benefits of having a BUILT GREEN® certified home:

Healthier Home With Reduced Environmental Impact

Because a green built home uses building materials that have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it helps to improve the air quality in your home. This is especially important for families with young children or those with allergies or respiratory conditions. In addition, green homes use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps fight climate change.

Cost Savings for the Home Owner

A green building is designed to be energy-efficient, which means they use less energy and water, resulting in lower monthly bills. Green homes are known for their energy efficiency, which can lead to some major savings. In fact, green homes can save homeowners an average of 30% on their monthly energy bills! That’s because green homes are built with insulation and construction techniques that keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Mortgage Rebate Information

As well as saving on bills, by buying a BUILT GREEN® Canada certified home, you’re eligible for mortgage rebates; more specifically for a partial mortgage loan insurance premium refund. Homes certified BUILT GREEN® Platinum, or BUILT GREEN® Gold, OR have under 11.4 tonnes/year of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) qualify for a partial refund of 25% if you’re CMHC insured. 

Learn more about these programs here:

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): Eco Plus Program
• Sagen™: Energy-Efficient Housing Program
•  Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company: Energy-Efficient Advantage Program

Take a look at the BUILT GREEN® Mortgage Insurance Rebate Calculator tool and see what you could be eligible for.

A More Durable Home

Green homes are built to last longer and stand up better to the elements. That means they typically have a smaller carbon footprint over their lifetime than conventional homes, which is good news for the planet.

Increased Energy Efficiency

As mentioned, green built homes are more energy efficient. They typically use less energy than traditional homes, thanks to features like Energy Star appliances and lighting. This means you’ll be doing your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and you may even be eligible for tax breaks or other incentives.

Greater Trust With Your Home Builder

When you choose a green-built home, you can be confident that the builder has taken into account the environment in every step of the construction process. BUILT GREEN® home builders are committed to creating homes that are healthy and sustainable. This peace of mind can be important when making one of the biggest decisions of your life.

A Healthier Environment

A green building helps to reduce the overall impact on the environment by using less energy and water, and by producing less waste. By its very nature, a green-built home has a smaller carbon footprint than a traditional home. They use less energy and water, and they generate less waste. In fact, the average green home has a carbon footprint that’s 20% to 30% smaller than a conventional home.

Higher Resale Value

Because green homes are in high demand, they often sell for more than traditional homes. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, “homes that are certified green can sell for 9% more than similar non-certified homes.” So, if you’re looking for a home that will appreciate in value, a green-built home is a great option and it gives you the opportunity to recoup your investment down the road.

If you’re looking for a new home that is both beautiful and sustainable, look no further than Sterling Homes. Our partnership with BUILT GREEN® Canada means that we can offer our customers the best of both worlds: high-quality, energy-efficient homes which are also affordable. 

Are Green Homes Affordable?

Yes! Green homes are often more affordable than traditional homes, due to the fact that they use less energy and water, and produce less waste. While the upfront cost of building a green home can be higher than with a conventional home, the long-term savings on energy bills can make green homes more affordable in the long run.

As we mentioned in the benefits, green homes often have a higher resale value than traditional homes, making them a smart investment for the future.

For all these reasons, green homes are becoming an increasingly popular option for eco-conscious homeowners.

The Details on Eco-Friendly Construction

When it comes to construction, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly options. There are a number of reasons for this shift, from concerns about the environment to the desire to save money on energy costs.

Eco friendly construction is a term used to describe building practices that are environmentally responsible. These practices can include using sustainable materials, incorporating green design features, and using energy-efficient construction methods.

What Makes a House Eco-Friendly?

There are many factors that can contribute to a home’s overall eco-friendliness. Sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled glass can be used in construction. Green design features like solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems can be incorporated. And energy-efficient construction methods like insulated concrete forms or passive solar design can be used to minimize the home’s impact on the environment.

How Do Eco-Friendly Houses Help the Environment?

By using sustainable materials, green design features, and energy-efficient construction methods, eco-friendly homes can help reduce the negative environmental impact of the construction industry. In addition, green homes can save homeowners money on their utility bills and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

What Can You Do in Your Own Home to Make it More Eco-Friendly?

You do have some options here! You can start by using sustainable materials whenever possible. If you’re doing a renovation, consider incorporating green design features like solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems.

If you’re building a new home, be sure to use energy-efficient construction methods like insulated concrete forms or passive solar design.

What Does It Mean To Have An Air-Tight Home?

Having an airtight home doesn’t mean you can’t have doors or windows open – in the context of a green home, it simply means that your home is designed to prevent air leakage from unwanted areas, such as the sealing around a window or door. 

This has the advantage of reducing bills (you’re not cooling or heating air which is then leaking out of your home), providing a safer environment (less chance of mold or rot) and of course, being better for the environment.

What Does It Mean To Have A Well-Ventilated Home?

On the other end of the scale, there are also benefits to keeping a home well-ventilated. You’ll want to let fresh air in occasionally, and it’s important to allow any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to escape the home. These are compounds that release from building materials and household objects over time such as lacquers, finishes and cleaning products. 

Having a well-ventilated home doesn’t conflict with having an air-tight home – it simply means that when all your doors and windows are closed, your home won’t leak air and waste energy.

Whatever the motivation, eco-friendly construction is important not just for the environment but for our future as well. By using sustainable materials and designing energy-efficient buildings, we can help to preserve resources and reduce our impact on the planet.

Sterling Homes is a proud member of BUILT GREEN® Canada, which means we’re committed to building homes that are eco-friendly and sustainable, and that meet all the criteria for BUILT GREEN® Certification. Our homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and we use sustainable materials throughout the construction process. We’re currently in the process of certifying many of our front-attached models with BUILT GREEN® Canada, with other models to follow shortly after.

If you’re looking for a home that will help reduce your environmental impact, Sterling Homes is definitely worth checking out. Give us a call today to learn more!

At Sterling Homes, our mission is to provide the opportunity for affordable homeownership without compromise. Over the last 70 years, Sterling Edmonton has quickly become one of Edmonton’s most popular builders. We bring more than seven decades worth of exceptional customer service, superior design and unparalleled craftsmanship to the greater Edmonton area. As a member of the Qualico Group, Sterling Homes focuses on greater Edmonton’s finest family communities, while being able to offer some of the region’s most family friendly prices thanks to volume purchasing power for materials, trades and land. This has not only made Sterling one of Edmonton’s bestselling, move-up builders, but also one of the industry’s most respected home providers. It is through our uncompromising commitment to our customers that we proudly deliver the Sterling Advantage – that’s why each and every home we build includes a 10-year home warranty, a completion guarantee and new home warranty excellence rating. Our Advantage is our pledge that, when you build your dream home with Sterling, we will deliver a timely, well-built home you’re sure to enjoy for years to come. Ready to get in touch? Call us at 780-800-7594 or book an appointment for a show home tour.

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