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| Canada's greenest housing development A ceremony in Newmarket, Ontario marked the start of construction on Canada's greenest low-rise development. The 34-unit development by Rodeo Fine Homes is one of only a few developments in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum specifications, which is now a world-wide sustainable building rating system. "We designed these homes for the green consumer, and we believe there is a strong market for homes that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, " said Vince Naccarato of Rodeo Fine Homes. Each of the 34 Eco Logic homes will significantly reduce the environment impact or "footprint" of the homes, compared with conventional development. For example, the primary heating source will be renewable solar energy, with a small high efficiency tankless gas boiler serving as the secondary heating source. This is possible because the homes will be super insulated, with increased basement, wall, underslab and attic insulation. Heat recovery systems will be installed to reclaim heat from drain water and ventilation exhaust. Rain water will be collected in an underground cistern and used to flush the ultra low flow toilets and irrigate the drought resistant landscaping. The homes will maximize the use of daylight, and have either compact florescent lighting that is 75% more efficient or LED lights that are 95% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. In addition to this environmentally sensitive design, Rodeo Fine Homes has put in place new building and material sourcing practices that will reduce construction waste by 65%, prevent soil erosion, leave about 25% of the lots untouched and naturally green, source local materials, use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, and maximize the recycled content in all of the materials used. Additionally, the homes are designed to have superior indoor air quality using advanced air filtration, mechanical ventilation, and source reduction design. The project is a unique collaboration with the Town of Newmarket and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Originally, the Town made it a condition of sale that these lots have homes that use at least 25% less fresh water, have 60% less discharge into the storm and sanitary sewers, produce 60% less greenhouse gas emissions, and use 60% less energy compared to conventional homes. Rodeo Fine Homes won the bid and will exceed all of these targets, as much as doubling the water conservation target. The Rodeo's Eco Logic development, situated near nature trails and urban amenities, is just south of the new Magna Centre on Mulock Drive. Purchasers can choose from single story or two storey designs that range from 2200 to 3500 square feet on 40, 45, and 60 foot wide lots. While pricing is not finalized on the project, the homes will cost approximately 10% more than conventional homes. However, the increased mortgage payments will be off-set by the monthly energy cost savings, so the homes will remain quite price competitive. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page |