Minto, Empire champions of green

Took top honours at Enerquality ceremony

Minto Communities took top honours as 2011 Green Builder of the Year and Leader of the Year at the Enerquality Awards of Excellence held in Collingwood earlier this month.

The company’s commitment to green extends well beyond energy efficient and sustainable housing projects; Minto has fostered a green culture that permeates the entire company. It also supports the sustainable building industry provincially, nationally and internationally. Noteworthy to judges were Minto’s commitment to innovation and quality through labelling, marketing and sales, and its efforts to raise consumer awareness and its empowerment of employees to embrace green initiatives.

“Minto really has in its core values a commitment to environmentally sustainable construction,” said John Reid, Minto land development coordinator, who said the employees share the same green ideals as the company’s leaders.

“Minto really has in its core values a commitment to environmentally sustainable construction.” JOHN REID MINTO

Empire Communities took home the trophy for Energy Star New Homes Builder of the Year. The award represents the company’s commitment to building a better home and its dedication to continual improvement, said Paul Golini, Empire’s executive vice-president.

“The ultimate intention is to deliver a more comfortable home for our consumers at the same time as saving them money on their monthly utility bills,” he said.

Empire employee Gary Botelho was named Energy Star for New Homes Champion of the Year for his enthusiasm and support for the program.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated!” said the surprised Botelho. Mason Homes won for Best Green Marketing Campaign, while Gordon Tobey Developments of Brighton was R2000 Builder of the Year. Another R2000 builder, Steve Snider Construction Inc. of Port Perry, took the Building Innovation and Excellence Award. The Hall of Fame Award was awarded posthumously to the late Bruce Gough, an Ottawa architect and pioneer in energy-efficient housing.

Industry partner of the Year went to Owens Corning and Homesol Building Solutions was Evaluator of the Year.