Mackenzie Green

New Green Living in Ontario

By Erica Rascón on Nov 4, 2013 in People

Yardi client Housing York, Inc (HYI) is The Regional Municipality of York’s non-profit housing corporation and the seventh largest housing provider in Ontario. This year, HYI added Mackenzie Green to its portfolio of sustainable housing. Located in Richmond Hill, one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Mackenzie Green has demonstrated a complete approach to human and environmental wellness.

Sustainability

Mackenzie Green awaits Canada Green Building Council LEED^® Silver certification, meeting strict criteria for resource efficiency, sustainable material selection, and innovative design.

The site’s energy efficiency begins from the core. Mackenzie Green’s insulated envelope facilitates 30 percent energy savings. To further increase cooling efficiency, designers chose white dolomite marble to cover most the roof. The stone’s reflective properties disperse the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them.

Mackenzie Green’s windows also contribute to the envelope’s overall efficiency. Double-paned, low-e windows were filled with argon gas. The gas reflects outside heat and simultaneously stabilizes indoor temperatures. This composition helps units maintain comfortable living conditions while decreasing strain on interior heating and cooling systems.

The well-sealed, insulated envelope does not entail that tenants are breathing stale, captured air. Efficient HVAC systems work in conjunction with heat recovery ventilator (HRV) systems into regulate the indoor air quality of each residence. HRV systems recycle room air in a manner that circulates it with air entering from the outside. HRV then cools or warms the air depending on the desired interior temperatures. The result is fresh air for tenants without compromising the building’s thermal integrity.

Though Richmond Hill has access to Lake Ontario, fresh water isn’t taken for granted. Low flow fixtures and toilets reduce water waste by 45 percent. Randall Profitt, Manager Operations at Housing York Inc. South, says Housing York hasn’t stopped there in its effort to keep water resources fresh and healthy for humans and wildlife alike. The organization has opted for green cleaning products and an eco-conscious third party maintenance service for Mackenzie Green. “We use a contract cleaning company and they are required to use Environmental Choice or Green Seal cleaning products. But it’s more than just the products. The selected company has to demonstrate an eco-friendly approach to their business as a whole,” says Profitt. These small steps help site management reduces air and water contamination.

Inside, energy efficient lighting and Energy Star appliances help tenants save money on utilities. The equipment also draws less energy from the local power grid overall, resulting in less wasted energy during transmission.

Mackenzie Green discourages wasted resources on multiple levels. “Our new resident welcome package includes a kitchen organics container, bags for organic recycling, and literature around recycling,” says Profitt. “We also have a four stream waste management system or organics, plastics, paper and non-recyclable waste, and as well as e-waste.” Electronics recycling allows residents to discard unwanted cellphones, televisions, alarm clocks and other electronics without adding to landfill waste.

Recycling will play a major role in the success of Mackenzie Green’s LEED Silver certification. 20 percent of the building is constructed using recycled products. After construction, 89 percent of waste materials were sent to recycling centers rather than landfills, preserving land resources and furnishing sustainable building materials for the future.

Health

LEED certification is more than eco-friendly construction. The physical and mental well-being of inhabitants is also taken into consideration.

The 140 unit complex offers residents a choice of one to four-bedroom housing, including 14 barrier free units for tenants with disabilities. The arrangement encourages a blend of young professionals, families, and seniors across income levels to live in a thriving, multicultural community.

Mackenzie Green promotes health within the community, beginning with air quality. Designers opted for climate control and ventilation systems that are free from ozone-depleting products. Components with no or few volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were chosen as paints, varnishes, sealants and carpeting in units and public spaces. Each residence was sealed with weather stripping that minimizes the intrusion of outside pollutants while simultaneously abating tobacco smoke circulation. The resulting air is cleaner, carrying fewer VOC, toxins, and allergens. Cleaner air decreases the risk of respiratory illness and associated health problems among tenants.

When it comes to healthy eating, exercise, and stress management, The Regional Municipality of York hosts a variety of hands-on workshops and informational classes. Mackenzie Greens residents gain access to the resources needed to live healthy, more sustainable lifestyles. Additional classes include social events, parenting groups, and professional networks.

For information on other public housing communities by Housing York Inc., visit Housing Services.