Q What are the various elements involved in building “green” under the LEED program?
A Health environments through the use of non-polluting building materials; significant reduction in water and energy use; ample daylight in work spaces; safeguarding of indoor air quality; minimizing of construction waste that goes into landfills; acquisition of building materials within 500 miles of the site.

Q Will going into a green building cost a tenant more than a non-LEED
certified building?
A Absolutely not. In fact, the operating costs will be less for the tenant since 100% of the energy and water savings will be passed on to them.

Q Are there any human resource benefits in a green building?
A A healthier workplace with windows for natural sunlight and non-emitting construction materials for better air quality should lead to a company saving substantially in health benefit costs and increased productivity. Evidence is beginning to come forward from other developments in other cities that more natural light and floorings that absorb less grime have resulted in fewer people calling in sick.

Q Will tenants be expected to do their part? How?
A We are all expected to play our part. There will be guidelines for tenants on playing their part in a LEED certified office building and they will be part of all discussions with Minto.

Q Why is Minto doing this?
A We believe there is a major payoff for going green. It comes in the form of lower utility bills, a healthier workplace for employees, reduced impact on the environment and community goodwill. Minto also sees this development as serving as a catalyst for other downtown development. Minto transformed the Toronto condominium marketplace with its environmental stewardship; it now hopes other Ottawa commercial projects will follow this example of an environmentally conscious building.

Q Why now?
A Minto has been practicing sustainable design, construction and operation of its buildings as early as the 1970s. From the Energy-wise model of that era to R-2000 options in the 1990s and Energy Star-rated homes on the market today, Minto has been building green. In 2006, Radiance at MintoGardens in Toronto became the first highrise residential condominium in Canada to receive LEED silver certification.

Q We understand why you are pursuing green goals, but why go through the LEED's certification process?
A Many developers may claim that they have a green building but without some form of independent third party verifications, where is the proof? There is no question that Minto and the LEED program will benefit from the publicity and visibility that comes with LEED status. And the more profile the LEED program itself gains, the more developers will build with “greening” in mind. We want to ensure our clients understand Minto's commitment - third-party certification ensures everyone's expectations are truly met.

Q What does it cost to go through the certification process?
A The costs for the third-party certification process, in relation to the entire cost of construction, are minimal. What is not minimal is the cost of making a building sustainable.

Q Are there extra costs involved in building a green project as compared to a comparable, conventional building?
A The building will involve some additional costs but it can be compared to paying more for a higher efficiency water tank. One can expect to see long-run benefits like lower energy costs, as well as improved employee productivity. Going green can also boost a property's value since the building will boast greater energy efficiency.