Torry and Sons Plumbing and Heating is one of the first plumbing and heating contractors in the Comox/Strathcona region to have a certificate of achievement in the Built Green Builder Training.
Lance Petty — a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning specialist — has added a new dimension to his list of certifications.
Becoming a Built Green member in B.C. requires an intensive training course through the Canadian Home Builders Association with a passing grade of 80 per cent or higher. Petty achieved a whopping 90 per cent on this program.
Built Green homes have less of an environmental impact than traditionally built homes because, by design, they conserve water, energy and other natural resources. They are energy-efficient and use recycled or renewable products and materials.
It creates opportunities for buildings to be healthier for the occupants and the environment. The emphasis is to look at the entire house as a cohesive system as opposed to individual working components of the house.
Living in a Built Green home ensures environmentally effective use of building materials, enhances health and productivity, long-term economic returns, lower electric and water utility costs, and reduced environmental impact.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. provides a 10-per-cent refund on mortgage premiums and longer mortgage amortization for homes that reach an EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher. As such, there are great incentives and rewards for home builders to be part of the Built Green initiative.
So, how can a Built Green certified practitioner help the home builder or those doing major home renovations?
The HVAC Built Green specialist can partner with builders and homeowners to address the intricacies of the mechanical, building best practices and building envelope strategies.
The Torry and Sons Built Green certification provides additional competency to assist a home builder with mechanical design to ensure the homeowner gets exactly the type of Built Green house they are seeking while taking into account budget and the level of achievement desired.
There are now options for a Built Green builder to partner with a Built Green trained plumbing and heating contractor who can, by design, ensure a home will conserve water, energy and other natural resources, is energy efficient, and uses recycled or renewable products and materials.
For more information call 250-703-4889.
— Torry and Sons Plumbing and Heating
