Are you looking for a contractor?
Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
Table of Contents
3 min read
3 min read
Renovation tipsLEED: An Economical and Ecological Choice
At the beginning of the millennium, the construction industry started doing its part for sustainable development under the four letters L-E-E-D. This certification which can be applied to both houses and apartment buildings is not an ecological guarantee but a way to reduce one’s financial load.
Established in 1998 by the US Building Council in the United States, the North American system for standardizing buildings with a high degree of sustainability, “Leadership and Environmental Design” (LEED) is designed to evaluate the efficiency of a building based on energy consumption as well as its water and heating consumption. This assessment also considers the use of locally sourced materials and the use of their surplus.
In Canada, the Green Building Council (CGBC) has taken the lead in taking charge of LEED certification across the country. The organization, whose members are businesses, helps to develop green strategies and conducts training programs. Nevertheless, this framework would not have been as impactful in recent years without the initiatives of major eco-housing projects.
Habitations Mont-Royal has constructed 3000 residential units with LEED certification. A project by Faubourg Cousineau located in the Saint-Hubert district in Longueuil is one of the first eco-neighbourhoods in Quebec.
The developer Sotramont has constructed a residential complex of affordable condominiums which are both LEED certified and within proximity to public transport. This residential zone for young families and couples is situated in the Bois-Franc neighbourhood of Ville Saint-Laurent.
The non-profit organization Habitats for Humanity has also built a LEED-certified duplex in the borough of Saint-Henri.
The non-profit organization Ecohabitation aims to facilitate the emergence of green housing by raising public awareness of the benefits of living in a LEED certified home.
This certification grants financial benefits to the owner, such as discounts on insurance premiums and advantageous offers on mortgages.
A homeowner can see savings of up to 70% in energy and up to 200% in water savings. The residents will be less exposed to harmful substances using healthy materials, radon control and adequate ventilation. Every LEED certified home receives an EnerGuide rating which indicates its level of energy efficiency. This certification provides financial benefits to the owner including discounts on insurance and advantages on mortgages.
Québec has the most LEED-certified homes in Canada, according to a study by Ecohabitation conducted in February 2016.
Owners now have access to a multitude of financial assistance programs offered by both federal and provincial governments, l’Agence de l’efficacité énergetique du Quebec, the suppliers of electricity and gas and certain municipalities, including big cities such as Montreal, Laval and Quebec City.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers borrowers a reimbursement of up to 25% on their insurance premium on an insured loan. This is a considerable deduction when taking into account that the organization doesn’t require borrowers to wait to buy a home by paying a minimum down payment of 5%.
La Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) provides a subsidy of up to 95% without exceeding $1200 if the work costs less than $2000.
If you’re hesitating because you are considering selling your home, market research in the United States shows that LEED-certified homes are reselling for more and stay on the market for less time, according to Ecohabitation.
If your house is LEED, certified you can save 10% on your home insurance. Additionally, certification indirectly brings you savings in heating and air conditioning, (Source: Du Proprio).
Author: René-Maxime Parent
Translated to English by: David Benzaken
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your home's LEED certification. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from companies that are specialized in home renovations.
Last modified 2023-11-07
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
Hardwood floors are a beautiful but serious investment. Protecting and maintaining the surface of your hardwood floors is an important part of owning them. This flooring material shows all signs of dirt and grime, and therefore, cleaning should happen frequently. However, hardwood floors are a delicate material and must be maintained using soft and specific methods.
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
There is nothing worse than waking up on a cold winter morning and stepping down on ice-cold floors. Yes, this may be inevitable during those freezing winter months, but what if there was a solution to this common problem? Enter radiant floor heating, also known as heated floors.
Amanda Harvey • 07 Nov 2023
After living in your home for some time, it’s normal to long for a change. If you’re not looking to make a huge move or take on something complicated, then you should consider smaller renovation projects. There are rooms you spend a lot of time in, and the kitchen is one of them. Specifically, many homeowners grow tired of their kitchen cabinets; the colour, the finish, or both. Luckily, through a process called “refacing,” you can offer your cabinets a second chance without investing in a whole new set.
Léa Plourde-Archer • 07 Nov 2023
Everyone dreams of having a kitchen that is beautiful, efficient and well-equipped. We spend a lot of time in this room and as a consequence, it is best to feel at ease in this environment. The kitchen is also one of the first rooms to be renovated by many homeowners.
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
A true sanctuary and a rest and relaxation paradise, the bedroom sometimes needs a breath of fresh air to meet new needs and preferences, whether aesthetic or functional. To do this, however, one must be able to determine the ideal bedroom layout and design.