Sustainability is a growing priority, and many Ontario homeowners are looking to make their homes energy-efficient. Qualifying as a “green build” requires meeting certification standards, government regulations, and best practices. 1. Certification Programs In Ontario, there are four main certifications that qualify homes as energy-efficient: Each certification has specific requirement to qualify, but ENERGY STAR® is the most common among the majority of homebuilders as it doesn’t require too great of an upgrade from current building practices. a) ENERGY STAR® for New Homes b) Net Zero Homes c) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) d) R-2000 Certification 2. Ontario Building Code Requirements Energy-efficient homes must meet or exceed Ontario’s…