Mid- and high-rise buildings in Ontario will now be able to achieve an Energy Star certification for the first time.
The program is designed to reduce energy consumption and costs while creating jobs for Canada’s clean energy future. The announcement came on the third annual Energy Star Day in Canada, which aims to raise awareness of the important role that energy efficiency plays in helping Canadians fight climate change.
“With the increased construction of stacked townhouses and high-rises, I am proud to see Energy Star certification being extended to multifamily high-rise buildings,” said federal Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi. “This pilot program will not only contribute to the Government of Canada’s greenhouse gas emission targets, it will also reduce consumers’ energy costs, create good jobs and stimulate innovation in the housing sector,” said the Edmonton MP.
He hopes the initiative will encourage builders to adopt more energy-efficient practices in new residential construction. Those buildings that are 15 per cent more energy-efficient than those built to the provincial building code will receive Energy Star certification.