LiveSmart BC Community Hero
Builders promote green initiatives
When Eric and Vicki Gerrits decided to build their home a few years ago, they wanted to use environmentally friendly and energy efficient practices. This decision led them to start building to the Built Green standard.
Eric says the standard is in place through the Canadian Homebuilders Association but is most prevalent in B.C. and Alberta.
Under Built Green, builders must complete a 22-page checklist for the house, covering everything from the types of glass used, the types of paint, the heating system and the roofing materials. “It takes me hours to answer the checklist,” Vicki says.
They add that a Built Green house does not cost much more to construct than a conventional house, but the finished building will feature improved energy efficiency and comfort technology. Vicki says the house is designed to be a complete system, with all parts working together for improved efficiency.
The Gerrits have been constructing energy efficient homes for at least the past five years through the R2000 program. They began working with the Built Green program two to three years ago. “As soon as the program became available in B.C., we were one of the first to sign up for it,” Eric says.
He adds that they realized its importance as clients were beginning to ask for green technologies. Today, they say the interest in Built Green homes is growing. Customers are interested in saving on their utility bills and in being more environmentally responsible.
Eric says a typical Built Green home will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 to two tonnes a year.
In addition, because of improved designs, the air quality is often better in a Built Green house.
