Canada’s West Coast has the reputation for viewing the world through a green-tinted lens and the buildings we house are no exception. As more condos and houses strive for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a system that evaluates their environmental performance, homeowners are reaping benefits beyond just a clean conscience. Some of the additional rewards include better indoor air quality, fewer toxins, and financial savings on energy and water.
With this in mind, we decided to take a look at the current market offerings for home buyers looking for more environmentally friendly options. What we found was that owning a lovely home doesn’t have to take a back seat to sustainability. We found fabulous eco-conscious homes in five Lower Mainland cities at a variety of price points, including one house. Click through the links below to see the full listings and photo galleries of each of these charming homes on REW.ca.
As these properties are sold, the online listings may no longer be available.
South Slope, Burnaby
$475,000
Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo
788 square feet
Cost per square foot: $603
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This two-bedroom, two-bathroom Burnaby condo is part of a high-efficiency building that has the added bonus of offering low utility costs. The building was created to promote energy conservation and healthy, sustainable living, and is surrounded by over 100 acres of parks. The unit itself is stunning, with granite counters, updated appliances and an oversized balcony facing the courtyard and fountains. In addition to its environmental cred, the complex also houses a gym, sauna, yoga room, games room, library, rooftop patio and party room.
False Creek, Vancouver
$749,000
One-bedroom, one-bathroom condo
766 square feet
Cost per square foot: $978
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Nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s Olympic Village, this one-bedroom-plus-den condo is part of a building that is LEED platinum certified – the highest rating a project can receive. This sought-after building offers high-end appliances, overheight ceilings, engineered hardwood floors and expansive windows to let in the light. Beyond the building’s sustainable offerings, it also has a gym, pool, hot tub, steam room and yoga room. With SkyTrain, drug and grocery stores and craft breweries just steps away, you can ditch the car and shrink your carbon footprint even further.
Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
$799,000
Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo
917 square feet
Cost per square foot: $871
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This two-bedroom unit is part of a condominium built to LEED gold standards. With nine-foot ceilings, laminate flooring and a gourmet kitchen, the unit also boasts a private entrance from the home’s large, south-facing deck. The mainly wood-frame building offers ground-level suites benefiting from the sound-proofing qualities of concrete construction. The sustainable building also features a fitness room and rooftop lounge kitted out with a gas barbecue, fireplace and furnished dining and seating areas to take in the breathtaking views. A quick stroll with take you to the shops and restaurants of Lower Lonsdale, as well as to the SeaBus.
Dundarave, West Vancouver
$1,268,000
Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo
959 square feet
Cost per square foot: $1,322
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West Van’s coveted Dundarave neighbourhood hosts this nine-suite boutique condo building. The gorgeous building is home to 10 electric car-charging stations, energy-efficient natural gas fireplaces, low-emission paints and carpets, double-glazed windows and shared bike storage. The south-facing unit is a two-bedroom-plus-den home with a gorgeous gourmet kitchen, large windows, radiant in-floor heating and staggering views. Enjoy Dundarave’s popular seawall, shops, cafes and restaurants, all nearby.
Woodwards, Richmond
$1,980,000
Five-bedroom, five-bathroom house
3,223 square feet
Cost per square foot: $614
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This fabulous five-bedroom Richmond house sits on an oversized lot, and has been thoughtfully and sustainably finished. Environmentally friendly features include low emission windows, maximum insulation, three rain barrels, two hot water tanks, organic soils throughout the garden and an Eric exchange system for fresh air indoors. On top of all of these amazing features are high-end touches that any homeowner would appreciate – a gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and a huge island and breakfast bar, built-in wine fridge and a carriage home over the garage.
