Southern Ontario homebuilder wins energy efficiency award

Jan 12th, 2007 8:06 AM

PHOTOS AVAILABLE Homes located in London, Kitchener, Guelph and Port Elgin (Markham, January, 12, 2007) During a year when Ontario had a 255% jump in new, energy efficient homes, Reid's Heritage Homes, with ENERGY STAR® qualified homes in London, Kitchener, Guelph and Port Elgin, won EnerQuality's Technical Excellence Award (sponsored by Dupont Tyvek). The EnerQuality Awards of Excellence ceremony, held today in Markham in conjunction with the Ontario Building & Renovation Forum, recognized outstanding building professionals, industry partners and homebuilders for advancing energy efficiency in new home construction. Reid's Heritage Homes best incorporated innovative building practices and products which improved their overall home performance and efficiency. They worked closely with Natural Resources Canada and certified Energy Evaluators to identify and remedy any problem areas; worked with suppliers and manufacturers to affordably increase home efficiency by standardizing high efficiency construction techniques and products such as heat recovery ventilators and low-e argon windows in select homes, as well as implement a variety of technologies including solar and geothermal heating, cooling and water heating systems. In addition, Reid's Heritage Homes set up working partnerships with municipalities and educational institutions to develop innovative strategies, such as rainwater harvesting systems for homes and communities. "What put Reid's Heritage Homes head and shoulders above everyone else was a clearly demonstrated ingenuity in multiple areas of energy efficient home building. Their commitment and enthusiasm have meant value for homeowners and helped reinforce the message that energy conservation doesn't necessarily mean sacrifice," said Corey McBurney, Managing Director of EnerQuality Corporation. Andy Oding, Product Development Manager for Reid's Heritage Homes, said he's thrilled with the recognition. "The award is a great way to cap off a fabulous year. It motivates us to make even greater growth strides in 2007." -30- For more information, high quality photos, and information about ENERGY STAR for New Homes, R-2000 and EnerGuide for New Houses, contact Brent Kulba at 416-972-7401. EnerQuality Corporation manages three popular energy efficiency initiatives in Ontario targeting new housing: ENERGY STAR for New Homes, R-2000 and EnerGuide for New Houses. These three initiatives have a total of 354 participating homebuilders including the largest builders in the country and the support of government and private sector partners including Natural Resources Canada, Ontario's Conservation Bureau, Enbridge Gas Distribution, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, DuPont Tyvek, Icynene, Owens Corning, and OZZ Corporation. ENERGY STAR® for New Homes is a label earned only by homes that have met strict requirements, allowing homebuyers to rely on the performance tested, third party verified, government backed ENERGY STAR label to know they are buying the most efficient house on the market. New homes that receive this label are approximately 30 percent more energy efficient than those built to the minimum Ontario Building Code standards. The ENERGY STAR mark is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada and is used with permission. R-2000 certified homes offer both energy efficiency and green building features. Only licensed R-2000 builders who have been trained and certified can build R-2000 homes. R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada and is used with permission. EnerGuide for New Houses is a rating system that informs consumers and supports choice by measuring the energy use and efficiency of a new house. EnerGuide is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada and is used with permission.

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Southern Ontario homebuilder wins energy efficiency award

Jan 12th, 2007 8:06 AM