ECD Energy and Environment Canada have launched a new version of the Green Globes for New Construction Canada program.

The new Green Globes program, based on the Canadian adaptation of the ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings, features significant updates.

The web-based program now offers guidance for design teams from the goal setting to construction documents phases. The program labels itself as a “user-friendly and affordable alternative certification to LEED,” as much of the work can be completed by an in-house design team. Certification occurs at two stages: design and post construction.

“The new Green Globes reflects major advances in building science and an enhanced user interface experience,” says Jiri Skopek, co-ordinator of the Green Globes Canadian technical committee. “What has not changed is that it still provides a transparent, web-based survey, and a streamlined verification process, which make it the most user-friendly and affordable certification system on the market.”

Energy requirements for the Green Globes program provide 30–50 per cent savings over the ANSI/ASHRAE/ISNEA standard 90.1 and the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Buildings that reach the highest levels of energy performance, including zero net energy, or a 51 per cent or more reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, will receive bonus points under the new program.