The ECO4 condo units in old St. Boniface have received a gold rating under the LEED certification program for green construction. (Dobie Properties)

Four condo units in Winnipeg's old St. Boniface neighbourhood have achieved an international certification unmatched by any other similar-sized buildings in Western Canada.

The ECO4 condo units at 193 Horace St. have received a gold rating under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program for green construction.

They are the first homes in Manitoba and first low-rise multi-family units in Western Canada to achieve the highest LEED rating, according to Cam Dobie, president of Winnipeg-based Dobie Properties, which built the units.

"Our company's passion for green building has been fuelled by the fact that we believe it contributes to everyone's quality of life. We also know it's beneficial to a homeowner's pocketbook in the long run," Dobie stated in a news release.

The LEED designation was awarded by the Manitoba chapter of the Canada Green Building Council. Among the ECO4 units' green accomplishments, the council cited the development for:

• The site on an existing infill lot in a historical neighbourhood.
• Including a radon protection system.
• Low volatile organic compound finishes in paint, carpeting and flooring.
• Durable, super-insulated double walls with an R50 rating.
• A rooftop patio for green and outdoor living.
• A geothermal heating and cooling system and triple-pane windows, reducing energy consumption up to 70 per cent.
• A heat-recovery ventilation system.
• Water-efficient low-flow plumbing fixtures.
• Landscaping with plants that don't spread and require little watering.
• A location in an established neighbourhood within walking distance of most amenities.

Dobie Properties is now preparing to build two more of the units in St. Boniface and Osborne Village to meet a growing demand. The ECO4 units are already sold out.