by Brianna Crandall — August 22, 2016 — The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is lending support to the rebuilding efforts underway in Fort McMurray, Alberta, after the recent extensive wildfire destruction by providing free LEED registration and certification for residential, commercial and institutional projects. In addition, CaGBC says it will work with LEED Canada for Homes Providers EcoAmmo and 4 Elements Integrated Design, who will offer free LEED administration services to residents who would like to rebuild or renovate through the CaGBC program.
Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the CaGBC, commented:
Canadians across the country watched in horror as Fort McMurray’s homes, businesses and schools were threatened by a natural disaster that is becoming far too common in Canada due to our changing climate. The resilience of the citizens of Fort McMurray and the surrounding regions is inspiring, and the Council wanted to do its small part to help rebuild this wonderful community. Sustainable housing with durable, quality construction, improved energy and water efficiency and healthier indoor spaces will provide lasting benefits to residents.
CaGBC notes that the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system has projects in over 150 countries. LEED buildings are designed and constructed to be healthy, high-performance buildings, with benefits such as: better indoor air quality and more natural light; low or non-toxic products and finishes that are safer for occupants; greater durability against the elements; and reduced energy consumption leading to big annual savings for homeowners and businesses.
For the LEED Homes Providers based in Alberta who will be helping CaGBC in this rebuilding initiative, EcoAmmo Sustainable Consulting and 4 Elements Integrated Design, the disaster has hit close to home, with friends, families and colleagues impacted by the fires, and personal experience with floods. Both firms says this is a chance to help those affected build healthier and more efficient buildings and homes, and stronger and more resilient communities.
This is the third time CaGBC has offered free LEED registration and certification to Canadian communities hit by disaster. In Calgary, intense flooding in 2013 led to the damage of thousands of homes in the region. Also in 2013, CaGBC worked with Quebec home builder Écohabitation to help rebuild the town center of Lac-Mégantic, after a train derailment led to the destruction of roughly 40 buildings in the community. There are currently 50 condo units being built that are targeting LEED Silver, using sustainable design and construction to benefit residents.
For more information on the program being offered in Fort McMurray, CaGBC says to contact LEED Canada for Homes.
