Written by Nicholas Searle from Chillwall.com
It’s April, and the leaves will be arriving any time now! You might be thinking of moving and maybe you want to know where to find the “greenest” buildings in town! Check out our top three picks below!
The Berczy condos (55 Front St. E.)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide. The Berczy condos (55 Front St. E.) has been Certified LEED Gold by the Canada Green Building Council, with a sustainable design that includes heritage preservation, extensive green roofs and highly efficient building systems. Situated in the heritage neighbourhood of St. Lawrence Market, in Toronto’s east core, the building has been graded on its sustainability in terms of site development, water savings, energy efficiency, and appropriate “green” materials selection. The Green roofs moderate heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Healthier indoor environmental air quality was achieved by using low emitting paints, adhesives, sealants and carpeting. Other features include water efficient landscaping and unit master switches at the front door allowing occupants to turn off all lights when leaving the unit.
Minto 775 (775 King St. W.)
Minto, the developer has an excellent reputation for “green” buildings and is a member of both the US and Canada Green Building Council. This condo on King West was designed with an expectation to exceed the current building code energy efficiency requirements by over 35%. Located in the entertainment District, this green building features a green roof, rain water harvesting, all-Off unit Switches, dual flushing toilets, low flow shower heads, ultra-high efficiency fan coils and sub metering units for both water and electrical usage. Each suite is equipped with heat recovery ventilators (HRV). Suites at minto775 have exceptional air quality because they bring outside air directly into the suite through the HRV whereas typical condos receive corridor air from under the entry door or the windows. This innovative technology also captures heat that is typically lost from “exhaust” air and uses it to warm incoming cool air, reducing heating costs. The building also has designated underground parking spots, with electrical car plug-ins, a car share program and a bike share program.
Rêve (560 Front St. W.)
This award winning building by developer Tridel, located in the entertainment district has a solar panel on its roof! It is inspired by the French word “to dream”. This distinctive black and red condo received an interior design award from Union 31. The building has unique balcony placements on the front façades. Rêve was the first to feature many new innovations including the virtual concierge that could reduce transportation costs and monitor security from a remote location. Each suite features a “Smart Home” touch screen panel, which can be remotely monitored and controlled via an iPad. Residents can track their monthly energy consumption and billing patterns from both “on-grid” as well as the rooftop solar panels, on a monthly, weekly, daily, or even an hourly basis! A user can also control just about any light source in the entire suite from any one of the control panels. The kitchen countertops are made from 75% recycled content. The faucets are low-flow to save water. The floor is finished with Rose Wood sourced and purchased from suppliers committed to environmental responsibility.
About Nicholas Searle from Chillwall
Nic has been passionate about the environment for many years, and volunteered with several environmental organizations. He holds a Master of Science degree from McGill University. Nic is currently an entrepreneur in the scientific publishing industry and also works in real estate. To find out more please visit www.1terra.net and www.Property416.com
