A Coquitlam homebuilder that helped launch the Built Green BC program five years ago is now using its own energy-efficient rules for construction.
Ryan Lucy, acquisitions and development manager for Morningstar Homes, told the city's land use committee this week that his company stopped using the Build Green practices as the certifying body couldn't issue documentation in time for occupancy.
Morningstar is now using the GreenStar standard for its homes - many of which are on Burke Mountain and, soon, in southwest Coquitlam. On Monday, Lucy showed early drawings of Morningstar's plans to build a triplex and an adjacent fourplex at 1319 Cartier Ave., just east of Laval Square in Maillardville.
If the proposal is approved by city council following a public hearing, the project would be the first of its kind under the city's new RT-3 zone for alternate housing. And Lucy said the company intends to build 50 more similar homes in the area.
Morningstar was one of the first companies on board with Built Green BC program, which promotes energy efficiency and sustainability in homes. In 2008, Morningstar won a Georgie award for its Yorkson Village in Langley, recognized as the first Built Green community constructed to gold standards.
GreenStar, which is used in Australia, measures environmental design and construction in buildings, and aims to "reduce pollution, improve air quality, reduce maintenance and preserve natural resources," Lucy wrote in a letter to the city. "We are committed to building homes that are healthier and more comfortable to live in, less expensive to operate and more sensitive to the local environment."
Lucy did not immediately return a call for comment Thursday but Jennifer Shaw of Built Green BC said the governing body has increased its staff since the program started; in 2006, there were two energy advisors available versus 30 today for the 248 registered Built Green members. As well, she said, the turn-around time for certification is now about a week, not months.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
