June 15, 2006
Manitoba’s green buildings policy will ensure new government-funded buildings are among the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient in North America, Energy, Science and Technology Minister Dave Chomiak said today.
"Green buildings reduce operating costs, protect the environment and are healthier places to work," said Chomiak. "We can use tax dollars more wisely and at the same time protect our environment and our health."
The new green buildings policy will apply to all commercial and institutional projects that are funded by the Government of Manitoba including Crown corporations and agencies. The policy would require all new capital projects, including schools and health-care facilities, to be certified leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED ) silver by the Canada Green Building Council.
The policy is expected to reduce energy expenditures for new buildings funded by the provincial government by at least one-third. Chomiak said the policy will also make an important contribution in helping Manitoba’s public buildings reduce their reliance on expensive, non-renewable fossil fuels, especially natural gas, the pricing of which has become unpredictable.
Along with meeting or exceeding the LEED silver certification, Manitoba-funded building projects will also be required to meet enhanced levels of energy efficiency. Each project will also be required to exceed Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart Design standards.
LEED is an internationally-accepted green building rating system for certifying healthy, high-quality energy-efficient buildings that have fewer environmental impacts. LEED ranks projects according to their environmental and energy-efficiency objectives including water usage and access to public transit if available.
"Both government and the private sector recognize that green buildings make good economic sense," said Chomiak. "Enhancing the energy efficiency of government-funded projects will help reduce the amount of natural gas imported to the province and help maintain Manitoba Hydro’s electricity exports, which benefit all Manitobans."
The public is invited to comment on the plan over the next four months before the policy is finalized in the fall. More detailed consultations with stakeholders will also be held. More information is available at http://www.manitobaenergy.ca.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
LEED INFORMATION
LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) is North America’s leading green building rating system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council with input from industry, it has been adapted for use in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council.
The LEED Canada rating system awards credits in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The four levels of LEED certification (certified, silver, gold and platinum) are determined by number of credits achieved.
Canadian and U.S. studies show the capital cost premium for LEED silver buildings is low, usually less than three per cent more than conventional construction. This is more than offset by lower energy costs, water bills and other operating costs.
In Manitoba, both the Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development’s Green Building Subcommittee and the Capital Region’s Regional Planning Advisory Committee have recommended the Government of Manitoba lead by example by adopting LEED silver for new construction and major renovation projects.
There are currently 66 LEED-accredited professionals in Manitoba. As of May 2006, the University of Manitoba was the first university in Canada to offer a LEED course to students for academic credit.
The Mountain Equipment Co-op store in Downtown Winnipeg is the first LEED building completed in Manitoba. There currently are 11 other LEED-registered projects in Manitoba that have either been recently completed or are in the design/construction phase including:
More information about LEED Canada is available at http://www.cagbc.org/
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