Public Consultation on Changes to LEED Canada for Homes Energy Requirements

OTTAWA - Since 2009, nearly 2,000 homes across the country have been registered under LEED Canada for Homes. The success of the program is driving a call from the market for improvements to ensure continued progress. The Canada Green Building Council is responding by seeking feedback on a proposed change aimed at ensuring the rating system continues to advance green home construction across the country.
The CaGBC is proposing to raise the minimum energy efficiency threshold for participation in the program from EnerGuide 76 to 80. This change is being proposed with the goal of advancing the industry while ensuring that the minimum performance benchmarks are achievable, with a reasonable degree of effort.  Of the almost 200 homes certified to date, 98 per cent have achieved EnerGuide 80 or better (or the HERS / prescriptive point equivalent).
This change has been recommended by the LEED Canada for Homes Technical Advisory Sub-Committee and would only affect projects registered after the implementation of any changes, which would likely take place mid-2012.
As a national 3rd party verified rating system, The CaGBC would like feedback from across the country to guide the continued evolution of LEED Canada for Homes.