February 1, 2010

MINTO

Minto’s two-tower Midtown complex in Toronto has 891 units.

Sustainable building

MintoMidtown becomes largest multi-residential LEED-certified condo in North America

The MintoMidtown complex in Toronto has achieved LEED Gold certification, making it what is believed to be the largest multi-residential LEED-certified condominium in North America.

“When it comes to green building practices, Minto has been an industry pioneer for over 25 years,” says Ron Lemaire, vice-president, market development at the Canada Green Building Council.

“MintoMidtown not only meets the design and construction criteria to be certified for LEED Gold, but also serves as another example of Minto’s dedication to advancing the cause of sustainable building.”

The two-tower complex, located near Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue, has 891 units. The project was undertaken by a team that included Toronto’s Zeidler Partnership Architects and Minto Urban Development Services.

After its first year of operation, MintoMidtown saw “exceptional” savings in energy consumption, Minto said.

Costs for energy and water were reduced on average $90 a month, compared to suites built to the standards of the model National Energy Code.

Minto-inspired features like the “all-off” switch offers residents simplicity when it comes to energy savings.

Heat recovery ventilators circulate fresh-filtered air directly from outside.

MintoMidtown also features a rainwater-fed fountain and LED lighting in the large courtyard nestled between the two buildings. The majority of construction materials were locally produced and 85 per cent of the waste was diverted from landfill.

Minto reportedly is the only residential developer in Canada with three LEED Canada-certified high-rise condominium communities, totaling 1,417 suites.

In 2006, Radiance@MintoGardens was the first multi-unit, high-rise residential condominium to achieve LEED Canada certification.

In 2007, MintoRoehampton was the first multi-family building in Canada to achieve LEED Gold.

“Environmentally responsible building is a key component of Minto’s corporate philosophy,” says Andrew Pride, vice president, The Minto Group.

Minto created an energy management division in 1999.

It received the 2009 Industry Leadership Award from the Canada Green Building Council. It was named 2008 Green Builder of the Year by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.

JOC News Service

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