LEED-H platinum homes for Newmarket

LEED-H platinum homes for Newmarket

Construction has begun on the development that is being touted as Canada’s greenest low-rise development— Rodeo Fine Homes in Newmarket.

The 34-unit development is one of only a few in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum specifications.

“We designed these homes for the green consumer and we believe there is a strong market for homes that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle,” said Vince Naccarato of Rodeo Fine Homes.

Each home is built to reduce environment impact by using renewable solar energy as the primary heating source and a small, high-efficiency tank-less gas boiler as the secondary source. Heat recovery systems will also be installed to reclaim heat from drain water and ventilation exhaust. Rain water will be collected in an underground cistern and used to flush the low-flow toilets and irrigate landscaping. The homes will maximize the use of daylight and have either compact florescent lighting or LED lights inside.

In addition to this environmentally sensitive design, Rodeo Fine Homes has put in place new building and material-sourcing practices that will reduce construction waste by 65 per cent.

Newmarket made it a condition of sale that the lots have homes that use at least 25 per cent less fresh water, have 60 per cent less discharge into the storm and sanitary sewers, produce 60 per cent less greenhouse gas, and use 60 percent less energy compared to conventional homes. Rodeo Fine Homes won the bid and will exceed all of these targets, even doubling the water conservation target.

“Newmarket has a longstanding commitment to the environment and has established a national reputation of being green,” said Mayor Tony Van Bynen. “We are so pleased to have played a part in bringing Canada’s greenest community to Newmarket and know that there is a market for these homes in our community.”

The Rodeo Eco Logic development is just south of the new Magna Centre on Mulock Drive. Single-storey and twostorey designs range from 2,200-to-3,500 square feet on 40, 45, and 60 foot-wide lots. Pricing is not finalized on the project but it is estimated the homes will cost about 10 per cent more than conventional homes.