Jamie James, Environmental Consultant At Tridel Talks About The Environmentally-friendly Design Of Renaissance

“Today, environmental conservation is an issue that concerns every one of us,” says Jamie James, Environmental Consultant for Tridel. “As Canada’s largest condominium developer, Tridel not only has a meaningful environmental policy in place, but is also committed to putting its principles into practice. That’s the basis of our “Naturally Better” program – a corporate mission to pursue sustainability objectives, and environmentally friendly features and finishes in our communities”. Jamie goes on to state that “Naturally Better” is a forward thinking and integrated response to dealing with the realities of today - harmful greenhouse gases, waste, pollution and consistently increasing energy and operating costs of an occupied building. “ We intend to authenticate the claims which give “Naturally Better” its substance. The tremendous impact that green buildings will have on the marketplace through their high performance and efficiency will give our residents direct benefits in healthier living environments and in reduced maintenance costs.”

Jamie believes that Tridel's latest step towards environmental stewardship is significant. “Tridel has registered Renaissance to pursue LEED® certification by The Canada Green Building Council. LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was created to define green buildings by establishing a common standard of measurement to promote integrated, whole building design practices and to raise consumer awareness of green building benefits. It’s the most recognized certification system for green buildings in North America and Renaissance is proud to be among the first condominium communities in Ontario to be officially registered.", according to James.

“Tridel also supports the Canadian Government’s One-Tonne Challenge - which is to persuade every Canadian household to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to help Canada meet its obligtions under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.” Jamie reminds everyone.

"Renaissance of Richmond Hill will come with numerous environmentally preferred features using proven off-the-shelf technologies, not those still in experimental stages” reminds Jamie. These include an efficient heat-recovery ventilator system in every suite providing cleaner, fresher air more cost effectively, environmentally preferable corridor carpeting and wall coverings to minimize waste and toxic odours; energy saving compact fluorescent lighting, high efficiency Energy Star™ appliances, water saving toilets, low flow faucets and showers, low maintenance plank floors, landscaped rooftop terraces, recycling facilities; adhesives, coatings and paints with low volatile organic compounds to minimize toxic odours; and increased natural lighting to reduce electricity consumption and increase personal comfort.

The comforts and health benefits of cleaner air and water are meaningful: Equally impressive are the operational cost savings that residents can expect of their highly efficient new home. Renaissance of Richmond Hill is designed to outperform Canada’s Model National Energy Code by a significant margin. This will translate directly into cost savings. Each suite will also be individually metered so that conservation minded residents, or vacationing residents, can benefit from paying less if they decide to use less energy in their suites. "As well, we look for sustainably-harvested, durable building materials that have the smallest environmental footprint, they must be capable of being reused, salvaged or having a high level of recycled content to minimize waste" says Jamie.

“This undertaking”, Jamie notes, has been met "…with enthusiastic and responsive integration by Tridel's project management, architecture, engineering, landscape and interior design professionals." The rewards of high performance building - energy reduction, cost savings, improved air quality and protecting our environment - merit the challenges. Resolved to forever offer the best to its clientele, Tridel's transformative approach at Renaissance will create a healthy and environmentally sound residence. Renaissance of Richmond Hill is “Naturally Better.”