Government of New Brunswick

Green Buildings Program

 

Investing in a greener approach to infrastructure development is an important element in working to reduce greenhouse gases which contribute to the adverse effects taking place in our environment.

Green buildings can help with the reduction of greenhouse gases through improved energy efficiency and by seeking out alternative energy sources such as geothermal, wind and solar power.

 

Green Facts

  

  • Green buildings use less energy and water, generate less greenhouses gases, use materials wisely and produce less waste.
  • They are built with occupant comfort, energy savings and the environment in mind.
  • Occupants are more comfortable in green buildings with their excellent ventilation, thermal comfort and abundant natural light.
  • Green buildings are well insulated, cost less to operate, and can be built with durable, recyclable and salvaged materials.
  • During construction, efforts are made to protect the building site itself and waste materials from construction are sorted and recycled.
  • Whenever possible, materials are manufactured close to the construction site to minimize the energy used to transport them.
  • Building owners, architects, engineers, contractors work together on the design process to ensure a high-quality, environmentally friendly product.
  • New construction and major renovation projects are designed and constructed to meet the requirements of third-party green building certification systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) and Green Globes Design™, which are industry standards used to measure and certify high performance green buildings.
  • The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure follows a national energy building code that forms the basis upon which capital work is completed. The department sets a target of better than code on new construction and retrofits.