Understanding the Programs

Building green means making smart choices in the design and construction of a home.

Green labelling programs such as Built Green help guide these choices. Designed by industry and backed by government, these programs give practical, tangible choices for builders who want to build green.

Energy Efficiency and Beyond

EnerGuide is the foundation for R-2000 and Built Green homes.

Developed by Natural Resources Canada, EnerGuide sets the standard for measuring and testing the energy efficiency of residential homes. Any new home can be EnerGuide certified, which results in a rating from 1 to 100, but only homes which receive a high enough EnerGuide rating are eligible for Built Green or R-2000 Certification.

R-2000 and Built Green reach beyond just energy efficiency.

Taking into consideration factors such as materials, indoor air quality, building practices and more, both programs expand EnerGuide by adding a checklist of environmentally responsible components that must be met for a home to be certified.

Learn More

Browse our handy, at-a-glance information for each program:

About EnerGuide About R-2000 About Built Green

More Resources

Public Works and Government Services Canada has published an excellent resource for builders:

The Environmentally Responsible Construction and Renovation Handbook.