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Habitat for Humanity Toronto
completes Canada's first
On August 19, over 200 Habitat for Humanity Toronto volunteers, donors, and partner families celebrated the completion of phase one of the first-ever Energy Star development in Canada constructed by Habitat for Humanity. The celebration culminated with 10 families receiving the keys to their new, environmentally friendly Habitat homes. "This represents a very special day, not only for energy efficient home building, but for the families who have been given an opportunity to establish a life and plan for their children's futures in a responsible and cost saving manner," said Corey McBurney, managing director of EnerQuality Corporation, which oversees the Energy Star for New Homes initiative in Ontario. Annette Verschuren, president of The Home Depot Canada & Asia echoed the sentiments. "As Habitat Toronto's largest supporter and sustainable partner, this project is one of our proudest moments. It's about giving back to our communities and to the environment we all share." Low income families may spend up to 17% of their total income on energy to operate their homes. Energy Star for New Homes is a label given to homes that meet balanced, whole-house energy-efficiency standards, guaranteeing their owners significant energy savings. New homes that receive the Energy Star label are approximately 30% more energy-efficient than those built to the minimum Ontario Building Code standards. The money that the partner families will save on energy will help them with mortgage payments, food and clothing costs, and other essentials.
Land donor Ed Clark added, "I admire that Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a lean and sustainable organization. The dollars raised are not relegated to overhead - but to put roofs over people's heads." The land donation represents the largest of its kind by a family in Canadian Habitat history. The Home Depot Canada, Habitat Toronto's Partner in Sustainability, and the affiliate's largest corporate donor, is mobilizing employees to volunteer every day of the Blitz. Community Builders on the project include Direct Energy and Enbridge, whose employees are also participating in this "finishing touches" build. Home Donors include BILD, CSA Group, GWL Realty Advisors Inc., Manulife Financial, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., Ontario Power Authority, Schneider Electric, and TD Bank Financial Group. All home donors have contributed both financially and through employee volunteer engagement. EnerQuality Corporation, along with Air Solutions, are proud to support Habitat for Humanity Toronto as leaders in building Energy Efficient Sustainable Housing.
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"The Habitat homes at 4200 Kingston Road showcase our commitment
to energy-efficiency and environmentalism. Our 'green' build will directly
translate into savings in operating costs for Habitat families, and create
savings for Habitat that can be allocated to the next set of homes slated
for construction," said Habitat for Humanity Toronto CEO Neil Hetherington.
