High Density Program
The High Density (HD) program originates from Built Green Canada's multi-storey and residential tower program, which was in existence for three years before it transitioned to an HD pilot program in 2011. For two years, projects went through this pilot, and industry input continued to shape this program before it launched in 2013. The transition was based on builders' input, emerging building practices and new technologies, energy efficiency advancements, and market demand. Extensive work was undertaken by Built Green Canada's Technical Standards Committee—a team whose members bring a range of technical competencies and building experience to the organization.
The program takes a holistic approach that includes energy efficiency as a key focus and goes on to other critical aspects of sustainable building—like materials and methods, water conservation, and waste management—and includes advanced building technologies. Participation is affordable, and in select markets, incentives and rebates are available.
The High Density program is applicable to multi-storey, residential tower, and mixed-use.
Building Certification
We certify projects that have met the compliance requirements for energy performance as well as the other seven key areas of sustainability outlined in Built Green's holistic programs. We provide a checklist that guides the builder through the program, offering options on green features to integrate into their projects.
Through the High Density program, building performance is modelled and verified by a professional engineer using NECB or ASHRAE; meanwhile, all High Density projects have a BUILT GREEN® High Density Verifier who works alongside the builder to collect documentation required for auditing purposes. Once the project has passed the audit, a BUILT GREEN® High Density plaque is awarded for display.
Certification recognizes the authenticity of a project, offering third-party verification to the build's energy efficiency and green features. There are levels of achievement—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each requiring incremental increases in both energy performance scores and overall checklist points from the other seven sections of the program.
Program Tools
Built Green Canada offers program-specific tools, including a checklist, guide, and process flow, available to members for the purposes of BUILT GREEN® certification. To learn more, please email us. High Density builders are required to work with a BUILT GREEN® HD Verifier; view a list of verifiers.
Product Sourcing
Builder Support
We are committed to supporting our builders and ensuring the successful certification of their projects. Built Green provides affordable, online training—and we can provide builders with further assistance, including technical advice and on-the-ground support from other experience builders and industry professionals.
You can also review our Request for Interpretation log, which includes questions and answers previously submitted; recommend an update to the Checklist; or email us if you require clarification on a checklist item(s).