Inspiration - the Minto EcoHome – an EQuilibrium Housing Initiative

February 13, 2007

Minto has been selected by CMHC as one of 12 companies out of 72 entries to participate in their EQuilibrium Housing Initiative – the next generation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes. The goal of the initiative is to create healthy, energy-efficient housing that produces as much energy as it consumes on a yearly basis.

For over 50 years, Minto has been dedicated to building a sustainable future for generations of families.  Taking a proactive approach to corporate responsibility, Minto’s commitment to energy efficiency and green-building practices was demonstrated in the 1970s — decades ahead of competing Canadian residential builders and developers — when the company created its Energy-Wise standard of new-home construction. In 1992, Minto built the Innova House for Natural Resources Canada which showcased leading edge technologies. This led to Minto becoming the largest production builder to offer R-2000 homes.

Today, Minto’s sustainability commitment reaches greater heights with the first LEED®-Canada certified condominium, Radiance@MintoGardens.  In 2005, Minto committed to designing and building all of Minto’s high rise communities as LEED® rated buildings.  For new detached single-family homes, Minto offers ENERGY STAR™ ratings on all homes. 

In 2007, Minto will begin construction on the EQuilibrium Housing Initiative – Inspiration - the Minto EcoHome. This innovative, energy-efficient single family home will be located in the village of Manotick, a picturesque community in the south-end of Ottawa, Ontario.  Attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly, Inspiration - the Minto EcoHome, will prove that homeowners can enjoy healthy living without compromising comfort, style – or their budget.

Minto is also pleased to announce that all of the over 2000 homes to be built in the new Manotick community will be ENERGY STAR™ rated – as a minimum.  This will be one of the largest energy efficient communities in Canada. 

Mark your calendars, as Inspiration - the Minto EcoHome, will be opening its doors to the public in 2008.  Interactive displays, information pieces, and live tours will guide visitors through the features and benefits of real-world sustainable living. 

For more information contact: Andrew Pride, P.Eng, LEED® A.P. Vice President Minto Energy Management energy@minto.com www.minto.com 416-913-2077

Inspiration - the Minto EcoHome – Sustainability Benefits

Lower cost of home ownership

• Double wall construction, with high level of insulation and triple-glazed insulated windows, contribute to a design that is 55% more efficient than typical new homes
• Water consumption reduced by over 70% compared to the average home
• Architecturally designed window locations optimize the sun exposure to heat the home in the winter while roof-lines provide shade in the summer to keep the house cool
• Uses solar power to generate as much energy as is consumed each year

Empowerment and Convenience

• Convenient energy savings features including “All-Off” switch at the entry that turns off all lights and selected “green plugs” located throughout the house
• Rain water collection system provides free water for toilets as well as the home’s outdoor watering needs
• Recycling centre in the kitchen and garage for easy access and disposal of recyclable goods

Breathe easy

• Allergens are kept down to a minimum with the use of enhanced air filtering and the elimination of carpets
• Filtered fresh solar heated air is distributed throughout the home by a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system
• Home is constructed using low toxicity paints and glues

Future flexibility

• Flexible floor plans allow for home design that fit the home-owners needs today and for the future.  Additional bedrooms, or home offices are easily accommodated

Other Sustainability Features

• Rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo flooring used throughout the home
• Incoming water filtration system
• Green House Gas emissions are eliminated as the home generates as much clean renewable energy as it consumes annually