There are a number of certifications for ‘green’ homes available in Vancouver. Strangely,  these certifications are only available on new construction, no certification currently exists for older homes. But older homes are by their nature ‘greener’ since they already exist, and numerous techniques are available to upgrade and/or restore them sustainably.

Currently in Vancouver hundreds of old homes are being demolished every year for new construction.  What if we could save some of those homes, restore them with locally sourced materials, and materials reclaimed from the other demolitions.  Convert basements into affordable rental housing. What if we went further, insulating the homes, installing heat pumps and other energy saving technologies.  Shouldn’t these homes be certified ‘green’.

There is a lot of good that comes out of LEED, BuiltGreen, and the other current certification processes, but they alone do not dictate if a building is green. Consider an old fix-er upper or a restored home, they can often be the greenest choice.

If you are looking to maximize the ‘green’ potential of your home, please be in touch for tips and guidance.