Built Green Canada has officially declared June 3 as National Green Building Day, aligning with National Environment Week to promote sustainable building practices across the country. The organization urges builders, municipalities, and industry partners to recognize and celebrate leadership in sustainability on the first Wednesday of June each year.
Raising Awareness for Sustainable Building
The initiative aims to raise awareness and support for environmentally responsible construction methods. It highlights industry leaders who voluntarily build beyond code and encourages others to adopt similar practices. Built Green Canada emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resilience to climate hazards such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, and enhancing resource-use efficiency.
Opportunities for Builders and Municipalities
For sustainable builders, National Green Building Day offers a chance to showcase their efforts and the benefits they provide to homebuyers and the environment. Municipalities committed to fostering sustainable communities can use this occasion to recognize local leaders and strengthen partnerships with builders who exceed code requirements.
Industry Partners and Community Support
Industry partners supporting builders are encouraged to feature their leadership and demonstrate how they help create more environmentally responsible homes, buildings, and communities. Built Green Canada provides a free marketing toolkit to assist in celebrations on June 3.
Statements from Built Green Canada
Jenifer Christenson, Chief Executive Officer of Built Green Canada, stated: "We are shining a light on the meaningful work industry is doing to create healthier, more affordable, sustainably built environments. We want to commend all BUILT GREEN builders who certify their builds through our holistic, third-party sustainable programs. They are leaders who voluntarily build beyond code, focusing on energy performance, water conservation, waste reduction, carbon reductions, indoor air quality, and home durability."
Benefits of Sustainable Building
One often overlooked benefit of sustainable builds is durability. As Canadians face the impact of natural disasters, the industry is developing ways to safeguard homes. Built Green encourages the integration of impact and wind resistance, flood measures, FireSmart practices and materials, emergency power supply, and resiliency planning to future-proof buildings.
Buildings account for a significant portion of energy-related carbon emissions, and the federal government has identified them as a key area for reduction pathways. National Green Building Day serves to recognize leading efforts and spread awareness about the importance of responsible building practices.
