Victoria, B.C., home earns Petal Recognition in Living Building Challenge

Photo courtesy of Ann and Gord Baird

A home in Victoria, B.C., has earned “Petal Recognition” in the Living Building Challenge, making it one of the greenest buildings in the world.

Eco-Sense, owned by Ann and Gord Baird, began as an effort to create a sustainable and affordable home for their family. The home earned recognition in four of the seven categories: site, water, health and beauty. The three remaining challenge criteria are energy, materials and equity, which was added in 2009.

To achieve “Living” status, all seven requirements must be met and proven through a full year of operation. A “Living Building” must generate all of its own energy through clean, renewable resources; capture and treat its own water through ecologically sound techniques; incorporate only nontoxic, appropriately sourced materials; and operate efficiently and for maximum beauty. Project teams may alternatively receive Petal Recognition when they meet at least three requirements.