Photo courtesy Friesen Tokar (ft3)

A directory linking manufacturers and distributors of green building products with those who design, construct, and operate buildings has been launched for Manitoba. The Strand condominium building in Winnipeg focuses on energy and cost-efficient solutions, and promotes healthy 'green' living/work.

Manitoba's government has co-launched an online building product directory listing materials for the construction, renovation, and operation of commercial and institutional facilities.

Working with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Manitoba Chapter, the province has published the Manitoba Green Building Products Directory to help architects, interior designers, landscapers, and trades source everything from recycled beams and green insulation to paving stones created from repurposed tires.

The resource will be useful for projects seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, according to Marten Duhoux, CaGBC Manitoba Chapter chair.

"LEED builders earn points for not just using green products, but reducing transportation costs and greenhouses gases (GHGs) by using materials available within a 161-km (100-mi) radius," he said.

Rathan Bonam, environmental program analyst for the province's Green Manitoba program, said the directory addresses an important void by linking local manufacturers and distributors with those who design, construct, and operate buildings.

"The directory makes products accessible to the industry that needs them to build better, greener buildings," he told Construction Canada Online. "As a result of these products being listed, and consequently used in design and construction, the industry will be become better informed about locally available 'green' products and will be more inclined to use these products within the building process."

To be listed in the directory, Manitoba-based manufacturers and distributors of building products must self-declare their products meet at least one or more of the following criteria:
• contains salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste material;
• conserves natural resources;
• avoids toxic or other emissions;
• saves energy or water; and
• contributes to a safe, healthy, indoor environment.

Companies have to pay a fee and have a physical presence in the province to be included. Building products or materials listed as made-in-Manitoba must have more than 50 per cent of their value added in the province. However, there is no charge to search for products. For more information, visit www.greenbuildingproductsmb.ca.