Green Development Standards

The City of Toronto will develop Green Development Standards (GDS) to support and encourage innovative energy producing options, green industry and green building designs and construction practices. The GDS will inform developers of the City’s expectations and will be used in the review of development applications and to establish environmental performance measures for the construction and retrofits of buildings and landscapes by the municipality, its agencies, boards and commissions. The project will analyze the gaps and opportunities, incentives and policy requirements of green development. Research will be conducted on the costs and benefits of green design options to establish benchmarks supporting measurable benefits to the City. Stakeholder consultation will be an integral part of the project. Significant environmental benefits are expected through GDS implementation, including reductions in: emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), nitrous oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (SOx); particulate matter emissions due to improved construction practices; demolition and construction waste going to landfill; volatile organic carbons (VOC) associated with solvent use and off-gasing; contaminants (phosphorus, nitrate, E. coli, metals, etc.) found in storm water runoff, and; water use. The GDS should result also in increased solid waste diversion rates for multi-unit residential buildings and increased natural landscape cover.