LEED for homes

LEED® for Homes: Helping Canadians build greener homes for brighter futures

With the development of the LEED® Canada for Homes1 certification program, it has become easier for home builders across Canada to aim for excellence in sustainable building practices.

What is LEED?

LEED® for Homes is a rating system that recognises a holistic approach to homebuilding that incorporates a comprehensive set of criteria. Eight LEED® categories allow homebuilders to apply sustainable practices in their home:

1 Innovation & Design Process (ID)
 Special design methods, unique regional credits, measures not currently addressed in the Rating System, and exemplary performance levels.
2 Location & Linkages (LL)
 The placement of homes in socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community.
3 Sustainable Sites (SS)
 The use of the entire property so as to minimize the project's impact on the site.
4 Water Efficiency (WE)
  Water-efficient practices, both indoor and outdoor.
5 Energy & Atmosphere (EA)
 Energy efficiency, particularly in the building envelope and heating and cooling design.
6 Materials & Resources (MR)
 Efficient utilization of materials, selection of environmentally preferable materials, and minimization of waste during construction.
7 Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Improvement of indoor air quality by reducing the creation of and exposure to pollutants. 
8 Awareness & Education (AE)
 The education of the homeowner, tenant, and/or building manager about the operation and maintenance of the green features of a LEED® home.

The Rating System guarantees minimum levels of sustainable practice through 18 prerequisites in the eight credit categories. At the same time, projects enjoy flexibility through the wide variety of credits available to achieve certification.

The level of LEED® for Homes performance is indicated in different performance categories:

Certification LevelsNumber of LEED® Canada for Homes Credits Required
Certified 45-59
Silver 60-74
Gold 75-89
Platinum 90-136

LEED® Canada for Homes was adapted from the U.S. version to Canadian climates, construction practices and regulations by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Launched in March 2009, this relatively new program already has numerous projects in different provinces and is the only national third party certification for ecological home constructions.

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LEED Benefits

The benefits of building a LEED® home include:

  • Lower energy and water bills
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
  • Less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins
  • Increased comfort of the occupants
  • Lower maintenance costs

And since the net cost (building and operating) of a LEED® home is comparable to that of a conventional home, all reasons are good to go LEED® !

Five Steps to Participate

There are five basic steps for participating in LEED® Canada for Homes:

  1. Contact a LEED® Canada for Homes Provider and join the program;
  2. Develop a construction plan (with the provider);
  3. Build the home according to the plan;
  4. Have your home evaluated and submit for the certification (done by your provider);
  5. Enjoy the comfort of your new LEED® home!
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How can RONA help you achieve LEED® certification?

RONA has plenty of tools to help you in your LEED Canada for Homes construction including :

  • Locally-sourced certified lumber;
  • Low flow faucets and dual flush toilets;
  • Low VOC (volatile organic compound) and recycled paint;
  • Energy Star® and CSA-certified windows;
  • Contacts with local Providers and Raters that will help you throughout the building and certification process;
  • Knowledgeable staff with all the right resources to guide you.
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About LEED® Canada for Homes and the Canada Green Building Council

The Canada Green Building Council was established in December 2002 to promote and accelerate the design and construction of high-performance buildings. In addition to promoting green building principles and benefits, the Council holds the license for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in Canada.The Canadian Green Building Council was primarily involved in the process of adapting the LEED® program to the Canadian context.

For more information, please visit the Canada Green Building Council website at www.cagbc.org.

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1LEED® Canada for Homes was adapted from the U.S. version to Canadian climates, construction practices and regulations by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Launched in March 2009, this relatively new program already has numerous projects in different provinces and is the only national third party certification for ecological home constructions.