
At Del Ridge, we believe you should settle for more, not less. As popular as the building industry’s efforts are to be sustainable, we should all be concerned that today’s energy efficiency standards only signal that changes have begun, not that significant change has arrived. To begin to make truly meaningful changes, we must begin by becoming more aware of the issues and what more we can do to change home building in Canada.
The current energy efficiency standard is just a “point-in-time” project for most home builders, something that’s in the here and now. But while some may suggest today’s standards are the final answer, nothing could be further from the truth.
As builders and developers, we are ideally positioned to have an impact on what the future brings. As an industry made up of constructors and innovators, we not only have this ability to enact change, but also the responsibility. So how can we possibly determine if our efforts are properly placed?

The Net Zero Promise
The goal of GreenLife is “Net Zero” which is commonly defined as: a building with zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. But how? On top of each GreenLife building sits a solar photovoltaic (PV) array that captures between 42% to 100% of the GreenLife project’s annual operational energy. In instances where the building’s required energy is greater than the on-site production, the balance is supplied to the grid by way of clean, renewable energy from wind and solar farms throughout Ontario. This is our goal.
WHY GREENLIFE
BUILDINGS ARE BETTER
At GreenLife, our goal is to obtain operational energy from renewables such as wind and solar. But before turning the switch, we must turn our minds and efforts to conservation and intelligent building systems.
At GreenLife, we believe you need to know the facts in order to make an intelligent decision.
Our walls are different. They are built to a value of R42 instead of R20. And our roofs are different – R80 instead of R20.
Our windows achieve R8 instead of R2, and are triple glazed with frames that not only create thermal breaks, but react in unison with the glass. Our lighting is a combination of high efficiency LED and CFL’s and is motion sensored for all secondary systems.
The entire building is heated and cooled by geothermal technology with individual controls for the suite owners. Constant fresh air is supplied with separate Energy Recovery Ventilation. Within the building, smart GEO SPRING water systems absorb decant energy from hydro transformation and photo voltaic inversion, raising incoming ground water temperatures to about 80°F.
The balance of the energy for hot water is supplied on an electrical demand basis, thereby eliminating standby energies that are wasted to keep the water hot when not required. Efficient appliances are the norm. Access ramps to underground garages have always been enclosed, thereby saving large amounts of energy for snow melt. The cost becomes zero.
When the switch is turned on, the required operational energy of a GreenLife space is about 20% of a “normal” building. The resultant demand is satisfied by rooftop photo voltaic panels, and the balance from a remote GreenLife wind / solar facility.
Therefore the impact to the environment is nothing. But for the owner of a GreenLife residence, the impact of their investment in GreenLife building systems is substantial. Starting with lower condominium fees that are a fraction of any other development. And minimized energy bills; a reward for those who have invested in real change. And a drastically reduced home “MPG.”
SEE HOW GREENLIFE SAVES YOU MONEY.

GREENLIFE ENERGY MEANS REWARDING RESULTS
For most, the role of builder/developer ends when the keys are handed over. At GreenLife Energy, our most exciting time is when the building is complete, owners move in, and our passion comes to life. It is at this point that we can now start to monitor the changes we have made in our most recent endeavour. In every building undertaken, GreenLife Energy utilizes the data collected to improve and refine this and future projects. The importance of data collection on individual and comprehensive systems cannot be understated as we consistently strive to do more and in turn, make a difference. For today and the future.
GreenLife’s current building portfolio is 6 strong and growing. The benefits of studying how the systems operate under real time analysis is ongoing and very rewarding as we strive to learn from past lessons and apply that knowledge moving forward.
Making the study of energy a focal point ensures us that the sustainable solutions are usually right under our nose. Just as understanding the need for sustainability guides us to mindful respect for major global problems, so too does the constant analysis of GreenLife building systems and their related energies. It better steers us towards relying on sustainable technologies for today’s life and tomorrow’s security.