Comments on: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Community

By: Brit M

Brit M — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:02:24 +0000

Constructing a LEED project is not as difficult or expensive as it is made out to seem. As long as certain precautions are taken, and the ideas of using specific LEED credits are incorporated into the development process, there should be no reason why it cannot be done. If money is what is “worry some,” Bancroft can still be considered “green” you just don’t have to take the final step and have the building(s) audited. And if we are serious about moving towards a green community, a LEED Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum “Sticker” SHOULDN’T MATTER. The fact that we have taken the steps towards a green community is what really counts.

There are many simple Credits that can be taken into account to obtain LEED Credits, through the Cagbc a few examples;

1. CREDIT 3.2 Sustainable Sites (1 point)
Is as simple as providing secure bicycle storage, with convenient changing facilities of a building for 5% or more of tenant occupancy.

2. CREDIT 1.1 Water Efficiency (1 point)
Is as simple as providing low flow water closets (toilets), Urinals, showerheads etc. These fixtures don’t cost anymore than a normal fixture does, and you use less water and save on your bills.

3. CREDIT 3.2 Resource Reuse, 10% (1 point)
We would be demolishing buildings anyway, why not use them again? Using portions of the old building and using the salvaged materials, you are saving on virgin material and reducing the waste in our landfills.

These are just a few credits, I knew off the top of my head and there are MANY more. You can also achieve credits by using rain water, paints with low VOC’s , recycling on the job site, or using quick renewable resources, i.e.: Bamboo.

I’m not saying that we HAVE to use LEED or go Green, but I just want to point out that it’s not as hard as it is made out to be.

By: Rodney G. (Barrie, On)

Rodney G. (Barrie, On) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:02:38 +0000

Constructing LEED certified buildings is expensive and it would be difficult for the Town to demand it. There has to be some common sense. Perhaos there are opportunities for some compromises. There should be some discussion on self sustaining energy sources for new construction. Wind and solar development is slowly gaining momentum in other parts of the Province, although we are way behind Europe. There are many people with expertise in these areas that could be consulted to provide opinions on viability and I apologise if this has been explored already.

By: Rory M

Rory M — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:01:04 +0000

We should definitely look to tying McGuinty’s plans into our development. There could be financial advantages but, more importantly, making what we build truly 21st century means making it state-of-the-art energy efficient and integrating new and innovative design features and alternative energy options.

Let’s lead the way.

By: Lee L

Lee L — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:51:44 +0000

I heard today on the Radio that Premiere McGuinty has announced an new Green….plan…What “Green Jobs” are in the plan.?
Their will be funding for this.

City of Kitchener made 5 plans and posted them for several months wanting feedback from citizens and visitors alike.Then they amalgamated all the ideas,into the final plan.

The Provincial Policy statement says that the citizens MUST be involved!
How do the cottagers feel about this, and the visitors?

By: Abe D.

Abe D. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:51:19 +0000

What kind of Green infrastructure is being sought? How sustainable will this development be? It must consider the future and it’s impact on the environment.