On January 31, 2010, the City of Toronto introduced two initiatives designed to help ‘green’ Toronto’s building stock: the Toronto Green Standard and Green Roof Bylaw. These initiatives relate to sustainable site and building design for new development with an aim to reduce Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

Toronto Green Standard (TGS)

The TGS is a two-tiered set of performance measures that addresses air and water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, solid waste and the natural environment. All planning applications for new development are required to meet Tier 1 of the Standard.  Developers may also choose to meet Tier 2, a voluntary higher level of environmental performance.  For more information, visit  www.toronto.ca/greendevelopment

Green Roof Bylaw

Toronto is the first city in North America to require and govern the construction of green roofs on all new development. The bylaw applies to permit applications for residential, commercial and institutional developments above 2,000 square metres of gross floor area, and has a graduated coverage requirement ranging from 20 to 60 per cent. Industrial buildings become subject to the Green Roof Bylaw as of January 31, 2011.  For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/greenroofs/index.htm

Additional Resources

Building owners and managers in Toronto can also work with the City’s Better Buildings Partnership to determine additional strategies to reduce their energy demand. Existing businesses in the Industrial, Commercial and Institution sectors can also apply for a grant from the Eco-Roof Incentive Program to help retrofit with a cool or green roof. The spring round of funding opens March 1, 2010.