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The Green Arts Barns is a LEED Certified Gold project owned by the City of Toronto

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Energy
Project value$899,751
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Building – New – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$90,000
Program type GMF
Municipality City of Toronto, ON
Loan amount$600,000
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 2,794,356
Project timeline 2004 - 2008
Project number 10068

Description

The City of Toronto, in partnership with Toronto Artscape Inc., redeveloped the former Wychwood streetcar repair barns — owned by the Toronto Transit Commission — as Green Arts Barns. The project aimed to meet multiple community goals and to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification, with a special focus on reduced energy consumption. The energy savings began by taking advantage of the structure’s compact size and the thermal mass of long east-west masonry walls. The building underwent significant upgrades, including insulation of the entire envelope and installation of air and water heat-recovery systems, low emissivity windows and external shades. A ground-source heat pump provided a renewable and more effective heating and cooling system than a standard boiler and cooling tower. An energy analysis conducted for the project forecasted that the design would reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent compared to a similar building under the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. The city was committed to sharing its lessons learned, expertise and best practices with other cultural organizations and jurisdictions, making the Green Arts Barns project a model for sustainable building operation on a cost-recovery basis.
(Project description from original funding application)

Project results

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced energy use
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
  • Reduced water consumption
  • Improved stormwater management
  • Use of green cleaning program
  • Promotion of eco-friendly transportation
  • Brownfield restoration
  • Avoided soil erosion
  • Use of sustainable practices
  • Decreased heat island effect
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Reduced noise pollution

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Increased opportunities for physical activity
  • Increased opportunities for recreational activities
  • Greater civic pride and ownership
  • Improved public education or awareness
  • Promotion of a sustainable lifestyle
  • Heritage conservation
  • Improved public space
  • Community revitalization
  • Development of local programs

Economic outcomes

  • Reduced operating costs
  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Innovative financing
  • Lower taxes and fees
  • Increased municipal attraction
  • Improved demand management

Lessons learned

  • Initiative support
  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Council support/buy-in
  • Communication & coordination
  • Resources
  • External factors

Applicant

City of Toronto, ON