Naturally Better

Environmentally Sustainable Design Creates A Healthier Home & Reduces Maintenance Costs

VERVE
A TRIDEL "NATURALLY BETTER" COMMUNITY

Toronto, Ontario (June 7, 2005)... Buildings play a vital role in our economy and in our lives, and a great number of the buildings in which Canadians spend 90% of their time operate continuously in order to provide the safety, comfort and services we require to live and work. Of equal importance is the fact that buildings also have an important impact on the environment and the natural resources upon which we all depend. Overall, they consume more than one-third of all primary energy, two thirds of electricity, one-third of all raw materials and a growing percentage of our freshwater resources. At the same time, buildings account for one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change, and the material waste that continues to present disposal challenges.

It is for these reasons that Tridel, Canada's leading developer of condominiums, began developing "Naturally Better", a program designed to promote healthy, environmentally friendly, sustainable condominium living. Tridel first introduced the "Naturally Better" program with the launch of its Element community in downtown Toronto in the fall of 2003. When complete, this residence will be connected to Enwave's deep lake water cooling system, which will result in 20% energy savings when compared to a conventional high-rise condominium.

Since then, Tridel has undertaken an extensive research and development study to test and monitor innovations designed to improve the energy performance and indoor air quality of its condominium communities. Some of the items being tested include new heat recovery ventilators (HRV), energy recovery ventilators (ERV), spray foam insulation, awning style windows that offer superior seals, and new thermal and water meters to see how well a building can sub-allocate heat and water costs.

Verve - Naturally Better

Tridel's newest condominium development, Verve, will not only be a vibrant urban community, but also one that responds to the realities of today's environment: harmful greenhouse gases, waste, pollution and consistently increasing energy and operating costs. Incorporating Tridel's "Naturally Better" program, Verve will provide residents with a high performance, efficient home, with a healthier living environment and reduced maintenance costs.

Verve has been designed with numerous environmentally preferred features. These include a central heat-recovery ventilator system that will provide cleaner, fresher air in a more cost effective manner, as well as energy saving compact fluorescent lighting, high efficiency Energy Star™ appliances, water saving toilets, faucets and showers, low maintenance plank floors, landscaped rooftop terraces, recycling facilities and increased natural lighting to reduce electricity consumption and increase personal comfort. Residents will benefit from environmentally preferable corridor carpeting, wall coverings, adhesives, coatings and paints with low volatile organic compounds that help to minimize toxic odours, both in their suite and in the buildings common areas.

Verve is also expected to outperform Canada's Model National Energy Code by a significant margin, which will translate directly into cost savings. Each suite will be individually metered for electricity, water, heating and cooling, so that residents who use less energy in their suites will benefit from lower utility costs. And, wherever possible, Tridel has selected durable building materials that have the lowest environmental impact, and are either capable of being reused, salvaged or have a high level of recycled content to minimize waste.

As part of the "Naturally Better" program Tridel has registered Verve to pursue LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by The Canada Green Building Council. LEED® defines green buildings by establishing a common standard of measurement, promoting integrated, whole building design practices and raising consumer awareness of green building benefits. It is the most recognized certification system for green buildings in North America.

Click Here To View "Naturally Better" Condominium Buyers Checklist

For more information on Tridel's Naturally Better program visit naturallybetter.ca.

Tridel, Built for Life and Naturally Better are registered trademarks of Tridel Corporation.