At Habitat Toronto, we believe that our mission to unite Torontonians around the cause of decent, affordable housing for everyone is inextricably linked to the need to support safe, healthy communities and a sustainable environment.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto has built the first official EnergyStar® homes in Canadian Habitat history at our 4200 Kingston Rd. site in 2007-2008.

Why Build Green?

• Low-income families may spend up to 17% of their total income on energy to operate their homes
• Simple energy efficient improvements can cut costs by over 40% in most affordable housing
• An EnergyStar® qualified new home is 30-40% more energy efficient than those built to minimum Ontario Building Code standards
• The money that families save on energy can help them to make mortgage payments, pay for food, clothing and other essentials

Energy savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of: 

• Building envelope upgrades

• High performance windows

• Controlled air infiltration

• Upgraded heating and air conditioning systems

• Tight duct systems

• Upgraded water-heating equipment

EnergyStar® also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.

We seek to be a model green builder in the affordable housing industry, and an advocacy leader in the growing green building movement.