TORONTO, January 7, 2010 – MintoMidtown at Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave. in Toronto, has achieved LEED® Gold certification, making it the largest multi-residential LEED® certified condominium in North America.
After its first year of operation through efficient design and resident participation, MintoMidtown saw exceptional savings in energy consumption. Homeowner costs for energy and water were reduced on average $90./month compared to suites built to the standards of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings as verified by CBIP (Commercial Building Incentive Program). Collectively, these savings amount to over $1million.
Minto is the first and only residential developer in Canada with three LEED® Canada certified high-rise condominium communities (totaling 1,417 suites). In 2006 Radiance@MintoGardens was the first multi-unit high-rise residential condominium to achieve LEED® Canada certification, and in 2007 MintoRoehampton was the first multi-family building in Canada to achieve LEED® Gold certification.
“Environmentally responsible building is a key component of Minto’s corporate philosophy,” says Andre Pride, Vice President, The Minto Group. “We created an Energy Management Division in 1999, and today we are the only builder to have an internationally recognized Green Team. We continually build on the expertise gained from each development and raise the bar for sustainable building.”
“When it comes to green building practices, Minto has been an industry pioneer for over 25 years,” says Ron Lemaire, Vice-President, Market Development with CaCBG. “MintoMidtown not only meets the design and construction criteria to be certified for LEED® Gold, but also serves as another example of Minto’s dedication to advancing the cause of sustainable building.”
Minto inspired features like the ‘all-off’ switch offers residents simplicity when it comes to energy savings. Heat Recovery Ventilators circulate fresh filtered air directly from outside resulting in a healthier home. The Minto sponsored bike-share program at MintoMidtown, a first in a residential building in Toronto, gives people the opportunity to live a healthier lifestyle while reducing their carbon footprint.
MintoMidtown also features a striking rainwater-fed fountain and LED lighting in the large courtyard nestled between the two buildings. The majority of construction materials were locally produced and 85 per cent of the waste was diverted from landfill.
“We’re working toward redefining the future by taking a leadership role in the green building revolution,” Pride says. “In both our high-rise and low-rise developments, we are committed to producing communities that promote healthy lifestyle, resource conservation, energy efficiency, and innovation.”
This ongoing commitment to green building extends to Richgrove Village (88 suites), Spring@MintoGardens (342 suites), and MintoSkyy (198 suites), all pursuing LEED® certification in 2010.
Minto received the 2009 Industry Leadership Award from Canada Green Building Council, and was named 2008 Green Builder of the Year by the Ontario Builders’ Association.
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