building green

Discovering efficiencies means reducing homeowner operating costs, improving comfort and minimizing construction delays.

For Habitat families, a few dollars saved on energy bills every month can go a long way to making ends meet.

making the smart choice to build green

Habitat for Humanity GTA aspires to be a model green builder in the affordable housing industry and an advocate for the emerging build green movement. As part of our commitment to making our Habitat homes safe, decent and affordable for families, we also support the development of safe, healthy communities and a sustainable environment.

We’re proud of leading the charge among Habitat organizations across Canada on environmental stewardship through our green building initiatives. Habitat for Humanity GTA built the first official EnergyStar ® homes in Canadian Habitat history at our 4200 Kingston Rd. site in 2007-2008 and we have continued to develop our capacity to build green homes for Habitat families ever since.

 

investing in green technologies to save families money

Low-income families can spend up to 17% of their total income on energy to operate their homes. Simple energy efficient improvements can cut costs by over 40% in most affordable housing. An EnergyStar ® qualified new home is 30-40% more energy efficient than those built to minimum Ontario Building Code standards. The money Habitat families save on energy costs can help them make their mortgage payments and pay for food, clothing and other essentials.

  • Building envelope upgrades
  • High performance windows
  • Controlled air infiltration
  • Upgraded heating and air conditioning systems
  • Tight duct systems
  • Upgraded water-heating equipment

EnergyStar ® also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.