Built Green Canada Supports Ft. McMurray Rebuild

Edmonton, AB, August 22, 2016—In light of the unimaginable destruction of the Ft. McMurray wildfires and subsequent flooding that has left thousands of Albertans displaced, Built Green Canada is working to support the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s (RMWB) rebuilding efforts.

While the rebuild has been of paramount concern since the earliest days of recovery, a thoughtful, deliberate approach is required to progress this construction. With the barrage of challenges and opportunities facing RMWB, Built Green Canada has been monitoring the situation to find an appropriate time to extend their support. On the heels of the municipality issuing its first rebuilding permit, Built Green Canada is offering financial support to those who want to integrate green features into their builds: all residential builders on the RMWB Registry will receive a 50 per cent discount on their membership fees with Built Green Canada, as well as a full financial waiver for home certification fees for projects going through the BUILT GREEN® Single Family program as part of the rebuild. This will remain in effect through 2017 to help relieve the financial burden on both builders and homeowners.

“Alberta’s residential building industry has historically shown—and continues to show—tremendous environmental leadership,” says Built Green Canada executive director Jenifer Christenson. “With a spotlight on Ft. McMurray’s rebuilding efforts, there is an opportunity to showcase the good work happening in sustainable development, while the Municipality, trades, and organizations like Built Green Canada come together to rebuild and strengthen this community.”

This coordinated effort benefits not only the environment but also homeowners who will enjoy a healthier, more durable, and more affordable home through a reduction in the operating and maintenance costs of homeownership and through rebate eligibility.

Built Green Canada is a national, industry-driven, non-profit organization offering third-party certification programs for those interested in sustainable practices in the residential building sector. The programs are focused on energy efficiency but extend to materials and methods; indoor air quality; ventilation; waste management; water conservation; and business practices. Headquartered in Edmonton, Built Green Canada provides solutions that are sensitive to the country’s many diverse contexts, including those that are unique to Alberta.

Since our inception, builders have worked with us to complete over 26,900 BUILT GREEN® certified homes in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario; including units in multi-storey projects, this total is over 27,350.

For more information:

Jenifer Christenson, Executive Director

Built Green Canada

Toll Free: 855.485.0920

Email: jchristenson@builtgreencanada.ca