Green Buildings in Toronto
Did you know that buildings produce 30% of total Canadian greenhouse gas emissions? (CAGBC)
…and that 38% of total Canadian secondary energy use comes from commercial and residential buildings?
Yes, the negative environmental impact of buildings is huge. In North America, governments and industry are taking serious measures to reduce this impact in new and existing buildings.
You may have heard about green buildings in Toronto. What is a green building? A green building is one whose design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants.
A building which meets these standards achieves what is known as LEED certification: a ratings system in which points are awarded for building attributes considered environmentally beneficial. The six principal LEED categories are:- Sustainable site planning
- Safeguarding water and water efficiency
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Conservation of materials and resources
- Indoor environmental quality
- Innovation in Design
What does this really mean to you and me? First and foremost, it means that we are reducing waste that harms the environment and impacts climate change. Green buildings in Toronto mean better health for all of us through improved indoor air quality. If you have any kind of allergies, you will appreciate working or living in a green building. It means conserving energy and saving money. How? With products such as energy-saving appliances, and low-flush toilets that conserve water and hydro. Automated lighting and programmable thermostats that allow you to use only the heat and power that you need. Individual metering of water and hydro in residential condominium or apartment buildings. LEED certified buildings also offer car-sharing programs such as Auto-Share or ZipCar that encourage people to take public transit, get rid of their own car and rent for as little as an hour when needed.
In new condominium buildings, many developers have introduced energy saving and green features, as a response to consumer demand. However, only a few (Minto and Tridel for instance) have taken up the challenge of developing green buildings in Toronto and registering for LEED certification. Why? It’s new, it requires more effort in the planning and design stages, and it costs more to build. That being said, there are many in the government and private industry who believe that LEED certification will soon be required for all new buildings and green buildings in Toronto will then become the norm, not the exception.
M5V is now Registered for LEED Certification.
