Friday January 21, 2022 | VICTORIA, bC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Abstract Developments has been named Green Builder of the Year for sustainable construction, as awarded by the Vancouver Island Residential Builders Association (VRBA) at the 30th annual CARE Awards.
The 2021 CARE Awards were announced on November 13, 2021. Held at the Fairmont Empress and hosted by CFAX 1070, the CARE Awards celebrate leaders in sustainable West Coast design and construction.
“The ability to celebrate the achievements of our peers in the development and construction industries is always inspiring, and I would like to congratulate the other winners” said Mike Miller, President and CEO of Abstract Developments.
“We are especially proud to be named Green Builder of the Year by the VREB given the commitment our company has made to sustainable building practices.”
Something special:
“A home is not just a square box,” says Abstract Developments on their website.
“It’s a part of the neighbourhood, a piece of the environment that should capture its surroundings and infuse them into its design and function.”
As pop philosopher Alain de Botton says, “One of the most meaningful activities we are ever engaged in is the creation of a home.” That includes the interior development of our own home space, in addition to the construction. It is in the home that we find ourselves.
Quality housing through green building:
Green Builder of the Year recognizes the outstanding contribution of members of the residential construction industry towards the advancement of quality housing through green building practices.
“We are in the midst of a climate crisis, which makes acting as leaders in sustainable building practices extremely important to us,” said Miller.
“While locating new higher density housing options near existing services and infrastructure can help reduce Greenhouse Gases, additional considerations like rain gardens, high efficiency fixtures, and electric vehicle charging help to reduce the carbon footprint of our projects.”
BC Energy Step Code:
The Province of British Columbia introduced the BC Energy Step Code to provide an energy efficiency framework for builders and developers to ensure that standards are met.
Abstract Developments says it has committed to all their projects meeting or exceeding Step Code 3, which ensures a 50% increase in energy efficiency over the standard BC Building Code requirements.
To learn more about these and other awards that Abstract Developments has won in 2021, see https://abstractdevelopments.com/about/recognition/.
Highlighted 2021 Care Awards Winners:
- Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Bob Gill, Pacific Concept Developments for industry and association leadership.
- Building Better Futures Community Award won by Gordon English, Genco Construction for managing the construction of an affordable townhouse project for Habitat for Humanity.
- Bill Wansbrough Memorial Award given to Anton Van Dyk, Centra Construction Group for leadership in research and education.
- Green Builder of the Year won by Abstract Developments for sustainable construction.
- Award for Environmental Achievement and the Award for Excellence in Housing Affordability awards received by BC Housing for their project Croftonbrook Phase 2.
- Award for Advancing Solar Energy Efficiency provided to both Patriot Homes and Mike Geric Construction.
About the CARE Awards:
The Victoria Residential Builders Association created the Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards in 1991 to recognize the west coast’s creative design and craftsmanship, and celebrate excellence in the industry. CARE Awards finalists are selected by a panel of industry professionals using criteria such as architectural design, quality workmanship, creative use of space, and energy efficiency. The categories are Residential Planning Design & Construction; Interior Design; Commercial Planning & Design; Customer Service; Sales & Marketing; Special Achievement; and Special Interest. When buying, building or renovating a home, hire a professional at vrba.ca.
About Abstract Developments:
Over the past 20 years, Abstract Developments has built over 500 homes in thoughtfully planned, mixed use developments across Greater Victoria. We are driven by our passion for creating innovative, community-minded developments that enhance how people live. Our unwavering commitment to excellence has been recognized with more than 50 local and national awards for design, customer care and development planning. For more information: https://abstractdevelopments.com
