New Greater Toronto Home Builder Association president Desi Auciello said this week that, "Initiatives such as intensification targets and land freezes may, or may not, achieve the province's goal of curbing urban sprawl and protecting the environment." "But they will drive up costs, reduce affordability, restrict economic growth and limit the choices available to new homebuyers," he speculated.

Auciello's remarks illustrate that the Canadian building community is far from embracing environmentally sound building and design practices. If Torontonians want to preserve our remaining natural environment and stay competitive with other cities around the world in the development of green technologies, we must do everything within our power to help industry leaders like Mr. Auciello learn that there are environmentally sound, financially appealing ways to build.